Can my opponent cancel my out-of-turn stroke in match play?

Yes, in match play your opponent can cancel a stroke you played out of turn. They must do it promptly and before either of you makes another stroke. If cancelled, you replay from the same spot; if not, the stroke counts and the ball is in play.

How the cancellation works

When you play out of turn in match play, there's no penalty — but your opponent has the right to cancel that stroke. They have to speak up right away, before either player hits another shot. Once they cancel, they can't take it back. You then have to play again from where you made the original stroke, using Rule 14.6 to replace the ball. If your opponent says nothing and you both keep playing, the stroke stands and you play the ball as it lies.

When you lose the right to cancel

If you and your opponent agree to play out of turn to save time — for example, you invite them to hit first or they ask and you say yes — you've given up the right to cancel that stroke. This exception only applies when the agreement is made to keep things moving. Casual ready golf without an explicit agreement doesn't count; the cancellation right stays intact unless you both clearly agree otherwise.

Provisional balls from the tee are different

There's a specific interpretation for provisional balls played from the teeing area. If you have the honour and your opponent plays a provisional ball out of turn, you cannot cancel that provisional stroke — even if you then decide to play your own provisional. The rule treats this sequence as an agreed order for that situation, so the cancellation option doesn't apply.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Players agree to play out of turn to save time → The player who agreed gives up the right to cancel the out-of-turn stroke
• Opponent plays a provisional ball out of turn from the teeing area → The stroke cannot be cancelled under Rule 6.4a(2)

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my opponent waits too long to cancel?

If your opponent doesn't cancel promptly — meaning before either of you makes another stroke — they lose the right. The stroke counts and you play the ball as it lies.

Can I cancel a stroke if we're just playing ready golf?

Only if you explicitly agreed to play out of turn to save time. Casual ready golf without a clear agreement doesn't waive the cancellation right.

What if my opponent plays a provisional ball out of turn from the tee?

You cannot cancel that provisional stroke under Rule 6.4a(2), even if you then play your own provisional. The interpretation treats this as an agreed sequence.

Does this rule apply in stroke play?

No. In stroke play there's no penalty for playing out of turn and no cancellation — players are encouraged to play ready golf safely.

Where do I replay from if my stroke is cancelled?

You must play a ball from where the cancelled stroke was made, following Rule 14.6 for replacing the ball.