Order of Play and the Honor
Also known as: order of play, who tees off first, who has the honor, the honor in golf, honors in golf, who plays first in golf, who putts first, farthest from the hole plays first, playing out of turn
On the first tee, the order is set by the draw or by agreement, such as a coin toss. After that, the player with the lowest score on the last hole tees off first; this is called having the honor. Once everyone has teed off, the ball farthest from the hole is played first.
Rule 6.4 covers order of play. In stroke play, the lowest gross score on a hole earns the honor at the next tee. The second lowest plays next, and so on. If scores tie, keep the same order as the previous tee.
In stroke play there is no penalty for playing out of turn. The Rules encourage ready golf when it is safe. The exception is when players agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage. Each player in that agreement gets two penalty strokes.
Match play is stricter. The winner of a hole has the honor at the next tee, and a tied hole keeps the same honor. If you play out of turn, there is no penalty. But your opponent may cancel the stroke and make you replay it in turn.
Tips by skill level
In a casual round, whoever is ready and safe can play. In a match, stick to the order.
In match play, an opponent's out-of-turn stroke can be cancelled. Use it with care; it is part of the Rules but can sour a match.
Example
On the 2nd tee, Ravi made a birdie on the 1st, so he has the honor. After the tee shots, Lee is farthest from the hole and hits first.
Why it matters
Knowing the order keeps play smooth and safe. In match play it also protects you from having a good shot cancelled.
Common mistakes
- Hitting out of turn in match play and having a great shot cancelled
- Waiting for the honor in a casual round when others are ready
- Using net scores instead of gross scores for the honor in stroke play
Frequently asked questions
Who putts first in golf?
The player whose ball is farthest from the hole normally plays first, on the green and elsewhere. In stroke play, ready golf is allowed when it is safe.
Is there a penalty for teeing off out of turn?
Not in stroke play, unless players agreed to do it for an advantage. In match play there is no penalty, but your opponent may cancel the stroke.
Sources
Related terms
- Ready Golf (Pace of Play)"Ready golf" means whoever is ready hits next, instead of strictly waiting for the golfer farthest from the hole. It is widely encouraged in casual and recreational rounds to keep pace of play reasonable.
- Match Play vs Stroke PlayStroke play scores every shot across the whole round for a cumulative total. Match play scores hole by hole, awarding each hole to whoever takes fewer strokes on it. So a single bad hole only costs one point, not a pile of extra strokes.
- Golf EtiquetteGolf etiquette comes down to safety, pace and care of the course. Wait until the group ahead is out of range, shout 'fore' if your ball heads toward anyone, and keep up with the group in front. Repair ball marks, replace or fill divots and rake bunkers after you play from them.
- Keeping Score in Golf (Scorecard)Count every stroke on each hole, including penalty strokes, and write the total in that hole's box. In a stroke-play competition your marker records your scores, and both of you certify the card before you return it. Returning a hole score lower than you took means disqualification, and a higher one stands.
Related guides & benchmarks
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