The ruling in plain English
If you have already made a stroke from a wrong place, the general penalty applies: loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. In stroke play, continue with that ball unless the wrong place created a serious breach; a serious breach must be corrected in time.
Apply the Rule on the course
A serious stroke-play breach must be corrected before the stated deadline. A qualifying procedural mistake may be corrected without penalty before the ball is played.
- 1
If you notice a bad drop, placement or substitution before making a stroke, correct it under Rule 14.5.
- 2
If you already made a stroke, apply the general penalty.
- 3
In stroke play, decide whether the wrong place may have given a significant advantage.
- 4
For a possible serious breach, correct it in time and report the facts to the Committee.
Mark your relief reference point
When taking relief, a tee can help you mark the reference point before checking the permitted drop area. It is a simple aid for keeping track of the spot; the Rules do not require you to use one.
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View golf tees on AmazonWhat else matters
Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play; failure to correct a serious stroke-play breach in time results in disqualification.
Exceptions
- A procedural mistake noticed before the stroke may normally be corrected under Rule 14.5.
- Playing from outside the teeing area follows Rule 6.1b.
- If uncertain about seriousness in stroke play, complete with both balls and report to the Committee.
Common mistakes
- Confusing wrong place with playing a wrong ball.
- Assuming two penalty strokes always complete the matter when the breach may be serious.
Remember: Before the stroke, correct it. After the stroke, penalise and check seriousness.
R&A Rules 14.5 and 14.7
Independent plain-English guide. The current Rules, Interpretations and applicable Local Rules control.
Watch playing from a wrong place explained
This independent rules-education video explains the penalty and correction procedure for playing from a wrong place.