What happens if I play from a wrong place?
Playing from a wrong place means making a stroke at a ball that came to rest in a spot where the Rules don't allow it to be played — for example, outside a relief area, on a wrong putting green, or after an incorrect drop. Rule 14.7 covers the penalty and when you must correct the error.
The two breach levels
Minor breach — the wrong place doesn't give you a significant advantage. You add the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play) and continue without correcting the ball's position.
Serious breach — the wrong place gives you a significant advantage (e.g., dropping well outside the relief area to get a clear shot, or playing from a wrong green). You must correct the mistake by playing from the right place before finishing the hole. If you don't, you're disqualified.
Common situations that become "wrong place"
- Dropping outside the one-club-length or two-club-length relief area and playing the ball
- Playing from a wrong putting green (Rule 13.1f)
- Playing after an incorrect substitution or wrong-ball replacement
- Playing from a spot where you weren't entitled to relief (e.g., treating OB as a penalty area)
- Failing to replace a moved ball before playing (Rule 9.4/9.6)
What to do on the course
- If you realize before playing that your ball is in a wrong place: lift and correct it under Rule 14.5 — no penalty
- If you already played: add the general penalty; if it was a serious breach, you must also correct it before holing out
- When in doubt, ask your marker or request a ruling — correcting before the next stroke saves strokes
Penalty summary
| Situation | Stroke play | Match play |
|---|---|---|
| Minor breach (played from wrong place) | 2 strokes | Loss of hole |
| Serious breach (not corrected) | Disqualification | Disqualification |
| Serious breach (corrected before finishing hole) | 2 strokes + correction | Loss of hole + correction |
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a minor and serious breach?
A serious breach means the wrong place gave you a significant advantage — for instance, dropping far outside the relief area to avoid a bunker, or playing from a wrong green. A minor breach is a small deviation that doesn't materially help you. The Committee decides if it's serious.
Do I have to correct a minor breach?
No. You take the two-stroke penalty and play on from where the ball lies. You don't replay the stroke.
What if I'm not sure whether it's a serious breach?
Play a second ball under Rule 20.1c(3) if you're in stroke play, or request a ruling. In match play, agree with your opponent or refer to the Committee.
Can I fix it after I've holed out?
Only if it was a minor breach. For a serious breach, you must correct it before completing the hole — once you hole out without correcting, it's disqualification.
Is playing from a wrong green always a serious breach?
Yes. Rule 13.1f makes it a general penalty, and playing from a wrong green is treated as a serious breach requiring correction.