Basic golf rules: I’ve hit the wrong ball – what now?

Lots of golf balls look the same and, sometimes, you will hit the wrong one. Don’t worry, even some of the best players in the world have made this mistake! So what happens if you’ve hit a ball and then realised it wasn’t yours?

What is a wrong ball?

It can be someone else’s. It might also be a stray ball. But it can also be your ball if it was out of bounds, or lost, and you’re now trying to hit it.

What happens if I hit the wrong ball?

It’s not allowed under the Rules of Golf. The shot you have played doesn’t count and nor does any other you have hit with the wrong ball.

You need to fix the mistake by going back and playing your ball from where it really is.

Is there a penalty?

Yes, and it’s a big one. If you’re playing stroke play, you get a two-shot penalty. If you are playing match play, you lose the hole.

What if I don’t fix the mistake?

You must do it in stroke play. If you don’t and then tee off from another hole, or if you put your scorecard in the box if it was the last hole, you will be disqualified.

What if someone has played my ball?

If you know, or are as sure as you can be, that someone else has hit your ball, you can replace a ball on the spot where your ball was.

If you’re not quite sure exactly where that was, you can take your best guess. You don’t need to find your ball.

How can I avoid hitting a wrong ball?

You should always check a ball before you hit it. Remember to put your own personal marking on your ball. It will only take you a couple of seconds but can save you a severe penalty!