What happens if I don't hole out in Maximum Score?

You get the maximum score for the hole and move on — no disqualification, no drama. In Maximum Score, the hole is over once you reach the cap, whether you hole out or not.

How it works on the green

Maximum Score caps your score at a number the Committee sets — usually double par, a fixed number, or net double bogey. If you're putting and realize you've already hit that number (or you just don't want to finish), you can pick up. The hole is done. You write down either no score or any number at or above the maximum, and the Committee adjusts it to the cap afterward.

What about penalties?

Normal stroke-play penalties still apply — stroke-and-distance, two-shot penalties, whatever. But here's the key difference: if you breach certain Rules like failing to hole out properly, playing from outside the teeing area, playing a wrong ball, a serious breach of wrong place, or playing out of order, you don't get disqualified. You just take the maximum score for that hole. Any other disqualification penalty still DQs you. And no matter what, your score for the hole can never exceed the maximum.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Your ball in motion needs to be holed to reach the maximum and someone deliberately deflects or stops it → Rule 11.2 doesn't apply — there's no penalty for the deflection because the hole was already effectively over at the maximum

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to putt out if I've already reached the maximum?

No. You're encouraged to pick up once you hit the maximum to keep pace of play. The hole is complete whether you hole out or not.

What do I write on the scorecard if I pick up?

Write either no score or any number at or above the maximum. The Committee will adjust it to the official maximum afterward.

Can I still be disqualified in Maximum Score?

Yes — for any Rule breach that carries a DQ penalty other than the five specific ones listed in Rule 21.2c. Those five just give you the maximum score instead.

What are the five breaches that give max score instead of DQ?

Failure to hole out, playing from outside the teeing area to start a hole, playing a wrong ball, a serious breach of playing from a wrong place, and playing out of order in partner formats.

Do penalty strokes count toward the maximum?

Yes — your score includes all strokes and penalty strokes. But after adding penalties, your hole score still can't exceed the maximum the Committee set.