Rule 6 - Playing a Hole

(1) Match Play. There is no penalty, but the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. may cancel the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued):

• This must be done promptly and before either player makes another strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued). When the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. cancels the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), they cannot withdraw the cancellation.

• If the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. cancels the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), the player must play a ball from inside the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) and it is still their turn to play.

• If the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. does not cancel the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) counts and the ball is in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) and must be played as it lies.

(2) Stroke Play. The player gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. (two penalty strokes) and must correct the mistake by playing a ball from inside the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued):

• The ball played from outside the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) is not in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued).

• That strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) and any more strokes before the mistake is corrected (including strokesStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) made and any penalty strokes solely from playing that ball) do not count.

• If the player does not correct the mistake before making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) to begin another hole or, for the final hole of the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., before returning their scorecardScorecard: The document where a player’s score for each hole is entered in stroke play.(...Continued), the player is disqualified.

(1) When Ball Is in Teeing Area.

• A ball is in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) when any part of the ball touches or is above any part of the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued).

• The player may stand outside the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) in making the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at a ball in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued).

(2) Ball May Be Teed or Played from Ground. The ball must be played from either:

• A teeTee: An object used to raise a ball above the ground to play it from the teeing area. It must be no longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and conform with the Equipment Rules. placed in or on the ground, or

• The ground itself.

For purposes of this Rule, the “ground” includes sand or other natural materials put in place to set the teeTee: An object used to raise a ball above the ground to play it from the teeing area. It must be no longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and conform with the Equipment Rules. or ball on.

The player must not make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at a ball on a non-conforming teeTee: An object used to raise a ball above the ground to play it from the teeing area. It must be no longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and conform with the Equipment Rules. or a ball teed in a way not allowed by this Rule.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 6.2b(2):

• Penalty for first breach: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play..

• Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.

(3) Certain Conditions in Teeing Area May Be Improved. Before making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), the player may take these actions in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) to improveImprove: To alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke or other physical conditions affecting play so that a player gains a potential advantage for a stroke. the conditions affecting the strokeConditions Affecting the Stroke: The lie of the player’s ball at rest, the area of intended stance, the area of intended swing, the line of play and the relief area where the player will drop or place a ball. (see Rule 8.1b(8)):

• Alter the surface of the ground in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) (such as by making an indentation with a club or foot),

• Move, bend or break grass, weeds and other natural objects that are attached or growing in the ground in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued),

• Remove or press down sand and soil in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued), and

• Remove dew, frost and water in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued).

But the player gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. if they take any other action to improveImprove: To alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke or other physical conditions affecting play so that a player gains a potential advantage for a stroke. the conditions affecting the strokeConditions Affecting the Stroke: The lie of the player’s ball at rest, the area of intended stance, the area of intended swing, the line of play and the relief area where the player will drop or place a ball. in breach of Rule 8.1a.

(4) Restriction on Moving Tee-Markers, or Tee-Markers Missing, When Playing from Teeing Area.

• The location of the tee-markers is set by the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. to define each teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) and should remain in that same location for all players who will play from that teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued).

• If the player improvesImprove: To alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke or other physical conditions affecting play so that a player gains a potential advantage for a stroke. the conditions affecting the strokeConditions Affecting the Stroke: The lie of the player’s ball at rest, the area of intended stance, the area of intended swing, the line of play and the relief area where the player will drop or place a ball. by moving any such tee-marker before making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued)  from the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued), they get the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. for breach of Rule 8.1a(1).

• If a player finds one or both tee-markers missing, the player should seek help from the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course.. But if the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. is not available in a reasonable time, the player should use their reasonable judgment (Rule 1.3b(2)) to estimate the location of the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued). 

In all other situations, the tee-markers are treated as regular movable obstructionsMovable Obstruction: An obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction or the course.(...Continued) that may be removed as allowed in Rule 15.2.

(5) Ball Is Not in Play Until Stroke Is Made. Whether the ball is teed or on the ground, when starting a hole or playing again from the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) under a Rule:

• The ball is not in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) until the player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at it, and

• The ball may be lifted or movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) without penalty before the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) is made.

If a teed ball falls off the teeTee: An object used to raise a ball above the ground to play it from the teeing area. It must be no longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and conform with the Equipment Rules. or is knocked off the teeTee: An object used to raise a ball above the ground to play it from the teeing area. It must be no longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and conform with the Equipment Rules. by the player before the player has made a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at it, it may be re-teed anywhere in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) without penalty.

But if the player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at that ball while it is falling or after it has fallen off, there is no penalty, the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) counts and the ball is in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued).

(6) When Ball in Play Lies in Teeing Area. If the player’s ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) is in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) after a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) (such as a teed ball after a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) that missed the ball) or after taking relief, the player may:

• Lift or moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball without penalty (see Rule 9.4b, Exception 1), and

• Play that ball or another ball from anywhere in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) from a teeTee: An object used to raise a ball above the ground to play it from the teeing area. It must be no longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and conform with the Equipment Rules. or the ground under (2), including playing the ball as it lies.

Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong PlaceWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) in Breach of Rule 6.2b(6): General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. Under Rule 14.7a.

(1) When Player Is Allowed and Not Allowed to Substitute Another Ball. Certain Rules allow a player to change the ball they are using to play a hole by substitutingSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) another ball as the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued), and others do not:

• When taking relief under a Rule, including when either droppingDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball or placing a ball (such as when a ball will not stay in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3), each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) or when taking relief on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued)), the player may use either the original ball or another ball (Rule 14.3a),

• When playing again from where a previous strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) was made, the player may use either the original ball or another ball (Rule 14.6), and

• When replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) a ball on a spot, the player is not allowed to substituteSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) a ball and must use the original ball, with certain exceptions (Rule 14.2a).

(2) Substituted Ball Becomes Ball in Play. When a player substitutesSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) another ball as the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) (see Rule 14.4):

• The original ball is no longer in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued), even if it is at rest on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued).

• This is true even if the player:

  • SubstitutedSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) another ball for the original ball when not allowed by the Rules (whether or not the player realized that they were substitutingSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) another ball), or

  • ReplacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued), droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) or placed the substitutedSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) ball (1) in a wrong way, (2) in a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play their ball under the Rules.(...Continued)  or (3) by using a procedure that does not apply.

• For how to correct any error before playing the substitutedSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) ball, see Rule 14.5.

If the player’s original ball has not been found and the player put another ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) to take stroke-and-distance reliefStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) (see Rules 17.1d, 18.1, 18.2b and 19.2a) or as allowed under a Rule that applies when it is known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) what happened to the ball (see Rules 6.3c, 9.6, 11.2c, 15.2b, 16.1e and 17.1c):

• The player must continue playing with the substitutedSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) ball, and

• The player must not play the original ball even if it is found on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) before the end of the three-minute search time (see Rule 18.2a(1)).

(3) Making Stroke at Incorrectly Substituted Ball. If a player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at an incorrectly substitutedSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) ball, the player gets one penalty stroke and must then play out the hole with the incorrectly substitutedSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) ball.

(1) Making Stroke at Wrong Ball. A player must not make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued).

Exception – Ball Moving in Water: There is no penalty if a player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) that is moving in water in a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued) or in temporary waterTemporary Water: Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that:(...Continued):

• The strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) does not count, and

• The player must correct the mistake under the Rules by playing the right ball from its original spot or by taking relief under the Rules.

Penalty for Playing Wrong BallWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) in Breach of Rule 6.3c(1):

In match playMatch Play: A form of play where a player or side plays directly against an opponent or opposing side in a head-to-head match of one or more rounds:(...Continued), the player gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. (loss of hole):

• If the player and opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. play each other’s ball during the play of a hole, the first to make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. (loss of hole).

• But if it is not known which wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) was played first, there is no penalty and the hole must be played out with the balls exchanged.

In stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued), the player gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. (two penalty strokes) and must correct the mistake by continuing play with the original ball by playing it as it lies or taking relief under the Rules:

• The strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) made with the wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) and any more strokesStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) before the mistake is corrected (including strokesStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) made and any additional penalty strokes solely from playing that ball) do not count.

• If the player does not correct the mistake before making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) to begin another hole or, for the final hole of the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., before returning their scorecardScorecard: The document where a player’s score for each hole is entered in stroke play.(...Continued), the player is disqualified.

(2) What to Do When Player’s Ball Was Played by Another Player as Wrong Ball. If it is known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that the player’s ball was played by another player as a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued), the player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the original ball or another ball on the original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).

This applies whether or not the original ball has been found.

(1) Order of Play. The player and opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. must play in this order:

• Starting First Hole. At the first hole, the honourHonour: The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4). is decided by the order of the draw set by the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. or, if there is no draw, by agreement or by using a random method (such as tossing a coin).

• Starting All Other Holes.

  • The player who wins a hole has the honourHonour: The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4). at the next teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued).

  • If the hole was tied, the player with the honourHonour: The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4). at the previous teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) keeps it.

  • If a player makes a timely ruling request (see Rule 20.1b) that has not yet been decided by the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. and could affect who has the honourHonour: The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4). on the next hole, the honourHonour: The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4). is decided by agreement or by using a random method.

• After Both Players Start a Hole.

  • The ball that is farther from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) is to be played first.

  • If the balls are the same distance from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) or their relative distances are not known, the ball to be played first is decided by agreement or by using a random method.

(2) Opponent May Cancel Player’s Stroke Made Out of Turn. If the player plays when it was the opponent’sOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. turn to play, there is no penalty but the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. may cancel the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued):

• This must be done promptly and before either player makes another strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued). When the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. cancels the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), they cannot withdraw the cancellation.

• If the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. cancels the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), the player must, when it is their turn to play, play a ball from where that strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) was made (see Rule 14.6).

• If the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. does not cancel the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) counts and the ball is in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) and must be played as it lies.

Exception – Playing Out of Turn by Agreement to Save Time: To save time:

• The player may invite the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. to play out of turn or may agree to the opponent’sOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. request to play out of turn.

• If the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. then makes the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) out of turn, the player has given up the right to cancel the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued).

See Rule 23.6 (order of play in Four-BallFour-Ball: A form of play where sides of two partners compete, with each player playing their own ball. A side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the two partners on that hole.(...Continued)).

(1) Normal Order of Play.

• Starting First Hole. The honourHonour: The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4). at the first teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) is decided by the order of the draw set by the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. or, if there is no draw, by agreement or by using a random method (such as tossing a coin).

• Starting All Other Holes.

  • The player in the group with the lowest gross score at a hole has the honourHonour: The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4). at the next teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued); the player with the second lowest gross score should play next; and so on.

  • If two or more players have the same score at a hole, they should play in the same order as at the previous teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued).

  • The honourHonour: The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4). is based on gross scores, even in a handicap competition.

• After All Players Have Started a Hole.

  • The ball that is farthest from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) should be played first.

  • If two or more balls are the same distance from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) or their relative distances are not known, the ball to be played first should be decided by agreement or by using a random method.

There is no penalty if a player plays out of turn, except that if two or more players agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage and one of them then plays out of turn, each player who made the agreement gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. (two penalty strokes).

(2) Playing Out of Turn in a Safe and Responsible Way (“Ready Golf”). Players are both allowed and encouraged to play out of turn in a safe and responsible way, such as when:

• Two or more players agree to do so for convenience or to save time,

• A player’s ball comes to rest a very short distance from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) and the player wishes to hole outHoled: When a ball is at rest in the hole after a stroke and the entire ball is below the surface of the putting green.(...Continued), or

• An individual player is ready and able to play before another player whose turn it is to play under the normal order of play in (1), so long as in playing out of turn the player does not endanger, distract or interfere with any other player.

But if the player whose turn it is to play under (1) is ready and able to play and indicates that they want to play first, other players should generally wait until that player has played.

A player should not play out of turn to gain an advantage over other players.

(1) Taking Relief to Play Ball from a Different Place Than Where It Lies.

• When Player Becomes Aware That They Are Required to Take Stroke-and-Distance Relief. The player’s order of play is based on the spot where their previous strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) was made.

• When Player Has Choice to Play Ball as It Lies or Take Relief.

  • The player’s order of play is based on the spot where the original ball lies (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).

  • This applies even when the player has already decided to take stroke-and-distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) relief or to take relief to play from a different place than where the original ball lies (such as when the original ball is in a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued) or will be treated as unplayable).

(2) Playing Provisional Ball. The order of play is for the player to play the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) right after making the previous strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) and before anyone else plays a ball, except:

• When starting a hole from the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) (see Rule 6.4c), or

• When the player waits before deciding to play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) (in which case the player’s order of play, once they have decided to play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued), is based on the spot where the previous strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) was made).