It's easy to do: two balls finish close together in the rough, both the same brand, and you hit the wrong one. Playing a wrong ball is one of the most common rules breaches in golf, and in competitions it can be costly, even leading to disqualification if not corrected. Here's what the rules say and how to avoid it.
This is a summary. For full details, see the official Rules of Golf.
What is a wrong ball?
A wrong ball is any ball that isn't:
- Your ball in play.
- Your provisional ball (before it becomes your ball in play).
- Your second ball in stroke play, when allowed.
Examples include another player's ball, an abandoned ball and your own ball that is out of bounds, lost or has been replaced by another ball.
Penalties
| Format | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Stroke play | Two penalty strokes. You must correct the mistake by playing your original ball (or taking relief as allowed) before teeing off on the next hole, or before returning your scorecard on the last hole. If you don't, you're disqualified |
| Match play | Loss of the hole |
Strokes made with the wrong ball do not count in your score.
Exception
There's no penalty if you make a stroke at a wrong ball moving in water in a penalty area.
The other player's ball
If someone plays your ball by mistake, you must place a ball on the spot from which it was played.
Identifying your ball
- Mark your ball with a unique pattern, initials or dots before the round.
- Tell your playing partners which ball you're using, including brand, number and mark.
- Check before every shot, especially in the rough, trees and areas with other balls.
You may lift a ball to identify it: first mark its spot, and don't clean it more than needed to identify it. Replace it on its original spot.
Read golf ball alignment lines for marking ideas.
Common situations
- Two balls close together in the rough. Check marks before playing.
- Same brand and number as a playing partner. Change ball or add distinctive marks.
- Lost ball found later. After three minutes, your ball is lost; you may not play it. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
- Provisional ball confusion. Use a different number or mark for your provisional.
Prevention checklist
- Mark every ball distinctively.
- Tell your group what you're playing.
- Check your ball before every shot.
- Use a different number for provisional balls.
- Ask partners to confirm when balls are close together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for playing the wrong ball?
Two strokes in stroke play (plus correcting the mistake) or loss of the hole in match play.
Do the strokes with the wrong ball count?
No. They don't count in your score.
Can I lift my ball to identify it?
Yes. Mark its spot, lift it, clean only as needed to identify it, and replace it.
What happens if I don't correct a wrong ball in stroke play?
You're disqualified if you don't correct it before teeing off on the next hole or before returning your scorecard on the final hole.
The bottom line
Playing a wrong ball is easy to avoid: mark your ball distinctively, tell your group what you're playing and check it before every shot. If it happens, correct it promptly in stroke play to avoid disqualification. For more rules, read ball moved at rest: the rules explained.