Golf Rules: Order of Play

There are so many rules, regulations, procedures, and bits of golf eitquette it is hard to keep them all straight.  One of the most basic which is often not done correctly is the "honor," and/or order of play.  The rules for the order of play are a little different for stroke play versus match play.  Let's take a look. Stroke Play On the first tee the order of play is determined by the order of the draw.  If players are announced or listed by the starter, the order they are listed in is the starting order.  If there is no such listing, the order can be determined by a draw. During play after the initial tee shot, typically the player farthest away should play first.  In the interest of keeping the pace of play at a reasonable level, playing out of order is not only fine, it is preferred. The honor on each successive tee is determined by the scoring of the previous hole.  The player with the lowest score has the honor. Match Play Match play rules regarding order are much more strict.  The winner of the previous hole plays first.  During the play of a hole, the farthest player out plays first, even if that player is on the green and the other player is chipping. If a player plays out of turn in match play there is no penalty.  The opponent may, if desired, immediately require the player who played out of order to cancel the stroke played and play again in the proper order. On the putting green for instance, a player who is away putts to three feet and then finishes the hole while the opponent is at 10 feet.  The player at 10 feet may require the 3-foot putt to be done again. Conclusion Unless in match play the best order of play is the QUICKEST one.  Play fast golf if at all possible so more people can play faster and enjoy more golf.