What happens if I'm late to the tee after a rain delay?

Yes, you can be penalized. If the Committee sets a resumption time and you're not at the tee ready to play, Rule 5.3a applies — two strokes in stroke play (loss of hole in match play) if you arrive within five minutes, disqualification if you're later.

The standard penalty after a suspension

When play is suspended for weather, the Committee will announce a resumption time. That time becomes your new starting time. Treat it exactly like your original tee time: you must be at the tee, ready to play, at that moment. If you show up within five minutes, it's a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play. More than five minutes late means disqualification.

When the penalty can be waived

Rule 5.3a gives the Committee discretion to waive the penalty in exceptional circumstances — think a car breakdown on the only road to the course, a medical emergency, or the Committee itself giving you the wrong time. You have to ask the Committee before you sign your scorecard; they'll decide based on the facts.

Exceptions that change the answer

• The Committee did not properly notify you of the resumption time → No penalty — you can't be late to a time you didn't know existed.
• Exceptional circumstances outside your control (e.g., accident, medical emergency, Committee error) → The Committee may waive the penalty entirely under Rule 5.3a Exception 3.

Frequently asked questions

What if I'm in the clubhouse when the horn sounds to resume?

The horn signals the resumption time. You need to be at your tee, not the clubhouse. Head straight there — if you make it within five minutes, it's two strokes; later than that and you're DQ'd.

Does the five-minute grace period start from the horn or the posted time?

From the posted resumption time. The horn is just a signal; the official time is what the Committee published.

Can I appeal a late-arrival DQ after a rain delay?

Yes. Talk to the Committee before you sign your card. If they agree the notification was flawed or circumstances were exceptional, they can reinstate you.

What if my group is already on the tee and I arrive three minutes late?

Same penalty — two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play. The group doesn't wait for the grace period to expire.

Does this apply to match play the same way?

Yes, but the penalty is loss of hole instead of two strokes. More than five minutes late still means disqualification.