Do I have to stay in my group in stroke play?

Yes, you have to stay in the group the Committee assigned you. If you switch groups without their okay — before or after the round — you're disqualified.

What the rule actually says

Rule 5.4b is short and blunt: during a round, you must remain in the group set by the Committee. The only way out is if the Committee approves a change, either before it happens or after the fact. No Committee approval, no moving — simple as that.

Why the penalty is so harsh

Disqualification sounds extreme for just walking to another tee, but the rule protects the integrity of the competition. If players could drift between groups, scoring gets messy, pace of play suffers, and it's harder for the Committee to manage the field. One player jumping groups can throw off the whole tournament.

When you might need to ask

Maybe your playing partner gets sick, or there's a weather delay and groups get reshuffled. Maybe you're paired with someone you genuinely can't play alongside. Whatever the reason, you ask the Committee first. If they say yes, you're fine. If they say no, you stay put. There's no forgiveness after the fact unless they explicitly approve it retroactively.

Frequently asked questions

What if my playing partner withdraws mid-round?

You still finish the round in your assigned group. If that leaves you playing alone, the Committee may reassign you — but only they can make that call. Don't just join another group on your own.

Can I switch groups if my tee time changes?

Only if the Committee approves the change. A revised tee sheet from the Committee counts as approval. You deciding to play with your buddies instead doesn't.

What happens if I accidentally play a hole with the wrong group?

That's a breach of Rule 5.4b. The penalty is disqualification, even if it was an honest mistake. The Committee has no discretion to waive it.

Does this apply to match play too?

Match play has its own rule (5.4a): you and your opponent must play each hole in the same group. The principle is the same — no freelancing — but the penalty in match play is loss of hole, not disqualification.

What if the Committee doesn't respond to my request?

Silence isn't approval. You stay in your original group until you get a clear yes. If you can't reach them, play your round as assigned and sort it out afterward.