What happens if I play out of turn in Three-Ball match play?

Yes, there's a penalty. If you play out of turn in Three-Ball match play, the opponent who should have played first can cancel your stroke under Rule 6.4a(2). If you played out of turn in both matches, each opponent decides separately whether to cancel in their match.

How the cancellation works

In Three-Ball match play, you're actually playing two separate matches at the same time — one against each of the other two players. When you play out of turn, the opponent whose turn it was in that specific match can cancel your stroke. They don't have to, but they can. If they cancel, you replay from the same spot with no penalty beyond losing that stroke. If you happened to play out of turn in both matches simultaneously, each opponent makes their own choice. One might cancel while the other lets your stroke stand. That's where it gets messy.

When only one match cancels your stroke

This is the weird part the rule specifically addresses. If your stroke gets cancelled in your match against Player B but stands in your match against Player C, you now have to play two different balls for the rest of the hole. Your original ball continues in the match against Player C, and you play a second ball for the match against Player B from where the cancelled stroke was made. You're essentially playing two separate holes at once.

Exceptions that change the answer

• The opponent chooses not to cancel the stroke → The stroke stands in that match and you continue normally with that ball. No penalty, no replay.

Frequently asked questions

Can both opponents cancel my stroke if I play out of turn?

Yes. If you played out of turn in both matches, each opponent decides independently whether to cancel the stroke in their match with you. One might cancel, the other might not.

What happens if only one opponent cancels my stroke?

You must play two separate balls for the rest of the hole — your original ball continues in the match where the stroke stood, and you play a new ball from the same spot in the match where it was cancelled.

Is there a penalty stroke for playing out of turn in Three-Ball?

No penalty stroke. The only consequence is that the opponent may cancel the stroke, making you replay it. If they don't cancel, there's no penalty at all.

Does playing out of turn in one match affect the other match?

No. Each match is completely separate. A cancelled stroke in your match against Player B has no effect on your match against Player C — unless it forces you to play two balls.

Who decides the order of play in Three-Ball match play?

The same as regular match play: the player with the honor on the tee, then whoever is farthest from the hole. But since you have two opponents, you need to be clear which match you're playing in turn for.