Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Wrong Place means playing from somewhere the Rules do not require or permit. It can result from an incorrect replacement, drop or placement, or from playing outside the prescribed spot or relief area. The applicable penalty depends on the format and breach.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, playing from a Wrong Place normally brings the general penalty, which is loss of the hole, unless a more specific Rule applies. The opponent may choose whether to act on a known breach, but the players must not agree to ignore a Rule or penalty. If they disagree, a player can request a ruling within the time limits in Rule 20.1b.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Wrong Place |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 14.7; Rule 1.3c(2); Rule 3.2a(1), Rule 3.2d(2); Rule 20.1b |
| Related concepts | Relief Area, Penalty Stroke, General Penalty, Match Play, Serious Breach |
Worked example
Alex’s ball should be replaced on its original spot but is played from two metres away; under the illustrative facts, Ben may claim the general penalty, so Alex loses that hole rather than adding two strokes to a running score.
Rule reference: Rule 14.7; Rule 1.3c(2); Rule 3.2a(1), Rule 3.2d(2); Rule 20.1b
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What is a Wrong Place in golf?
It is playing a ball from a location other than the place where the Rules require or allow it to be played. That may be an incorrect replacement spot, drop location or placement, or another impermissible position.
What is the penalty for playing from a Wrong Place in Match Play?
The normal general penalty in Match Play is loss of the hole. A specific Rule can provide a different result, so the facts and the applicable relief procedure matter.
Can an opponent ignore a Wrong Place breach?
An opponent who knows or believes a breach occurred may choose whether to act on it in Match Play. However, the players must not agree to ignore a Rule or penalty they know applies; such an agreement can lead to disqualification under Rule 1.3b.
Can a player correct a Wrong Place before making a stroke?
Usually, yes. Rule 14.5 allows a mistake involving a ball put in play in a Wrong Place to be corrected without penalty before the ball is played. Once a stroke is made, the applicable penalty and correction procedure depend on the form of play and the breach.
Is Wrong Place the same as Wrong Ball?
No. Wrong Place concerns where the ball is played. Wrong Ball concerns playing a ball that is not the player’s ball in play. They are separate Rules issues with different correction procedures and penalties.
Does Wrong Place always mean disqualification?
No. In Match Play the normal result is loss of the hole. In stroke play, a serious breach can require correction and may lead to disqualification if it is not corrected in time; that stroke-play procedure should not be transplanted automatically into Match Play.