Who should play first? This is a question often raised. And precisely, this weekend during Match Play, we saw a player play his shot before his opponent even if the shot was played 150 yards closer to the flag.
Let’s see the many rules that deal with the subject.
A) First departure of the day
In a competition, the committee decides the order of play. If this has not been done, it will be done by coin toss or another form of chance.
B) Other starts in stroke play or match play (Match Play)
o Whoever had the best result at the previous hole will be the first to play on the next tee.
o If a player wants to play a provisional ball, he must wait until all players have completed their tee shot.
o In a 4-point match, where two players play against two other players, the honor is based on the best ball (THE BEST) and not the number of points won on the last hole.
C) Other departures in match play (Match Play) only
o When a player has made his tee shot outside the markers, there is no penalty. The opponent may require the player to retake the stroke. In this specific case, the player must correct immediately and not wait for his opponent to make his move.
o When there are handicaps, it is the net score that determines the honors on each hole tee.
D) In the field
o The furthest from the pin should always play first.
o When a ball is on the putting green and it is farther from the hole than another ball off the putting green, the ball on the putting green should be played first.
o When one or both balls are in a penalty area, the ball furthest from the hole will be played first.
CAS SCHAUFFELE vs MCILROY
o Both balls are in the lake.
o Schauffele’s ball is about 30 yards from the hole but its entry point is 200 yards.
o McIlroy’s ball is 80 yards from the green and his entry point is 100 yards.
o Since Schauffele’s ball was closer to the hole, it will be up to McIlroy to play first even though his entry point is closer to the hole.
GOLF READY TO PLAY
In move play, players are strongly encouraged to play as soon as they are ready. Playing time is a plague in this sport and we must find ways to speed up the game. But everything must be done safely and with respect for other players.
HELP ANOTHER PLAYER
If the players agree to play out of turn in order to help one of the other players, all players involved will be subject to a penalty of 2 strokes. For example, in a tournament, player A has a bad game and player B has a chance to be in the lead. If player A decides to play first when he does not have the honors for the sole purpose of helping the other player choose his next move and player B agrees, both players will have 2 strokes penalty.
