What happens if play is suspended while we're playing a hole?
If the Committee declares a normal suspension while your group is playing a hole, you may choose to stop immediately or play out the hole. You have about two minutes to decide, and once the hole is finished or you stop, no more strokes until play resumes.
Between holes vs. during a hole
The rule treats the two situations differently. If every player in the group is between holes — meaning the last putt has been holed and nobody has teed off on the next — you must stop and cannot start another hole. But if anyone has already hit a tee shot on the current hole, the group is "while playing a hole" and the choice to stop or continue opens up.
How the decision works
You get a brief window — normally no more than two minutes — to agree on what to do. If you decide to continue, you can either complete the hole or stop partway through. Either way, once the hole is done or you call it, you put the clubs away until the Committee resumes play under Rule 5.7c. No practice swings, no extra strokes, nothing.
When the group disagrees
In match play, the opponent decides: if they stop, you must stop too. Playing on anyway costs you the hole (general penalty). In stroke play, it's individual — each player chooses for themselves, but if you keep going your marker has to stay and record your score. If your marker leaves, you have to stop as well.
Exceptions that change the answer
- Committee signals an immediate suspension (danger) → You must stop instantly — no finishing the hole, no dropping a ball, no two-minute discussion. Take shelter right away.
- You need to take relief after play is suspended → Dropping a ball, finding nearest point of complete relief, or continuing a search is allowed and does not count as failing to stop play.
- Between two holes → You may rub the surface or roll a ball on the green you just finished or any practice green (Rule 5.5b) without penalty.
Frequently asked questions
Can we finish the hole if the siren sounds for darkness?
Yes. A normal suspension (darkness, unplayable course) while playing a hole lets the group choose to play out the hole or stop. You have about two minutes to decide.
What if my opponent in match play wants to stop but I want to finish?
You must stop. In match play, if the opponent stops play during a normal suspension, you are required to stop as well. Continuing to play loses the hole.
In stroke play, can I keep playing if my marker leaves?
No. You may only continue if your marker stays to keep your score. If the marker leaves, you have to stop.
What happens if I make a stroke after we've decided to stop?
That's a breach of Rule 5.7b and the penalty is disqualification.
Does dropping a ball for relief count as "making a stroke" after suspension?
No. Proceeding under a Rule — dropping, determining nearest point of relief, continuing a search — is explicitly allowed after a suspension and is not treated as failing to stop play.