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Golf Order of Play: Understanding "Ready Golf" & Traditional Rules

Determining Order of Play in Golf

The sequence in which players hit their shots is governed by both formal rules (Rule 6.4 in the Rules of Golf) and pace-of-play recommendations.

Traditional Rule (Stroke Play & Match Play)

  • Teeing area (first shot): Order determined by draw (stroke play) or honor (match play — winner of previous hole tees off first).
  • Subsequent shots: The ball farthest from the hole is played first ("away" plays first). This applies throughout the hole until all balls are holed.
  • Ties: If equidistant, the player with the lower score on the previous hole plays first (stroke play); in match play, the side that won the previous hole has honor.

Ready Golf (Encouraged for Pace of Play)

Rule 6.4b(2) and Model Local Rule encourage "Ready Golf" in stroke play when safe and responsible:

  • Players hit when ready, even if not farthest from hole.
  • Examples: Shorter hitters go first if longer hitters are waiting; player ready at tee while another assesses shot; putting out short putts while others rake bunkers.
  • Not permitted in match play (order is strategic).

On the Putting Green

  • Traditional: Farthest from hole putts first.
  • Ready Golf: Players may putt out continuously if not standing on another's line, to speed play.
  • Flagstick: May be left in or attended (Rule 13.2).

Provisional Ball & Lost Ball

  • Provisional ball: Played after all other balls from that teeing area; if original found, provisional abandoned.
  • Lost ball/out of bounds: Stroke-and-distance; player returns to previous spot (or uses Local Rule E-5 alternative).

Etiquette & Pace of Play Tips

  • Play ready golf in stroke play.
  • Limit practice swings.
  • Prepare for shot while others play (within safety).
  • Leave green immediately after holing out.
  • Keep up with group ahead, not just ahead of group behind.

Key Takeaway

Standard rule: farthest from hole plays first. Ready Golf (hit when ready, safely) is encouraged in stroke play to improve pace. In match play, honor order is mandatory.

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