Rules question · Rule 6.4d · Expert
Who plays first when I am going to take relief?
In match play, your ball is in a penalty area 120 metres from the hole. Your opponent’s ball is 140 metres from the hole. You want to take back-on-the-line relief, dropping about 160 metres from the hole. Who plays first?
Answer
Your opponent, because what matters is where your ball now lies
When you have the choice of playing the ball as it lies or taking relief, the order of play is based on where your ball lies. This applies even if you have already decided to take relief. If you must take stroke-and-distance relief, the spot of your last stroke counts.