What happens if a fish eats my ball on the course?

If a fish eats your ball and you must replay the stroke, you play again from where you last hit using the original or another ball. The exact procedure depends on whether that previous stroke was from the teeing area, general area, or putting green.

When you have to replay from the previous spot

This applies whenever the Rules require or allow you to make your next stroke from where the previous one was made — such as when taking stroke-and-distance relief or playing again after a cancelled stroke. You may use either the original ball or another ball.

How to put the ball back in play

If the previous stroke was from the teeing area, play from anywhere inside it and you may tee the ball. If it was from the general area, a penalty area, or a bunker, drop a ball in a relief area using the spot of the previous stroke as the reference point. If it was from the putting green, place a ball on that spot.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Playing out of turn by agreement to save time in match play → You may invite the opponent to play out of turn or agree to their request. If they then play out of turn, you give up the right to cancel that stroke.
• Normal order of play in stroke play → The honour at the first teeing area is decided by the draw, agreement, or a random method such as tossing a coin.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different ball when replaying from the previous spot?

Yes. You may use either the original ball or another ball whenever you are required to play from where the previous stroke was made.

What if I don't know the exact spot of my previous stroke?

You must estimate the spot where the previous stroke was made and use that as your reference point for dropping or placing.

Do I tee the ball when replaying from the teeing area?

Yes. When the previous stroke was from the teeing area, you play from anywhere inside it and may tee the ball.

What's the difference between dropping and placing when replaying a stroke?

You drop in the general area, penalty areas, and bunkers. You place on the putting green. The reference point is always the spot of the previous stroke.

What happens if I drop in the wrong place when taking stroke-and-distance relief?

You get the general penalty for playing from a wrong place in breach of Rule 14.6.