In golf, the player who achieved the lowest score on the previous hole traditionally plays first on the next tee, a privilege known as having the "honor." This fundamental rule dictates the playing order from the teeing ground throughout a round.
Teeing Off: Understanding the Honor
The practice of the player with the lowest score teeing off first is a long-standing tradition in golf. This not only provides a clear order of play but also offers a slight psychological advantage, as the player can set the tone for the hole.
- On Subsequent Holes: After the first hole, the player who recorded the best score on the preceding hole earns the "honor" and gets to play first from the tee box. If two or more players tied for the lowest score, the honor passes to the player who had the honor on the previous hole. If no one had the honor (e.g., on the first hole), the order from the previous hole stands.
- On the First Hole: For the very first hole of a round, there's no previous score to determine the order. Typically, players will decide who plays first by drawing straws, flipping a coin, or through mutual agreement.
Playing During a Hole
Once play has started on a specific hole, the rule for playing order changes. After all players have teed off, the general rule is:
- Farthest from the Hole: The ball that is farthest from the hole is usually played first. This rule continues until all players have holed out. This ensures that players aren't waiting unnecessarily and maintains a logical flow of play towards the target.
The Evolution of Ready Golf
While traditional rules outline specific playing order, modern golf, driven by efforts to improve pace of play, increasingly encourages "Ready Golf." This approach prioritizes efficiency and aims to keep the game moving, as long as it's done safely and responsibly.
What is Ready Golf?
Ready golf means playing when you are ready and it's safe to do so, regardless of whose "turn" it might traditionally be. This can significantly speed up a round of golf.
- Key Principles of Ready Golf:
- Play when ready: If you are prepared to hit and it's safe, go ahead, even if you're not technically farthest from the hole or don't have the honor on the tee.
- Keep up with the group ahead: The primary goal is to maintain pace, not strictly adhere to an exact playing order.
- Be aware of others: Always ensure that your shot will not endanger any other players on the course.
- No specific penalties: In stroke play, there is generally no penalty for playing out of turn under the Rules of Golf, though it might be discouraged if it interferes with another player. In match play, the opponent can cancel the stroke and require the player to replay in the correct order.
When to Employ Ready Golf:
- On the Tee: If the player with the honor isn't ready, another player can tee off if they are prepared and it speeds up play.
- Approaching the Green: If a player's ball is in the fairway and they are ready, they can hit before a player whose ball is in the rough but still further away, provided the rough player is not ready.
- On the Green: While generally the player farthest putts first, if one player is ready to tap in a short putt, they can do so before another player takes a longer time to line up a longer putt.
Summary of Golf Playing Order Rules
| Situation | Traditional Rule | Modern Practice (Ready Golf) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting a Hole | Player with the lowest score on the previous hole plays first (has the "honor"). | Any player who is ready and it's safe to do so may play, especially if the player with the honor is not yet ready. |
| During a Hole | The ball farthest from the hole is played first. | Any player who is ready and it's safe to do so may play, prioritizing pace of play. |
| On the First Hole | Determined by agreement, coin toss, or drawing straws. | Same as traditional, but can apply ready golf principles once the initial order is set. |
By understanding both the traditional rules and the encouraged practice of ready golf, players can contribute to an enjoyable and efficient round for everyone. For detailed official rules, refer to the USGA Rules of Golf.
