Rules question · Rule 5.2b · Expert
Can I practise on the course before a stroke-play round?
On the morning of a stroke-play competition, before your round, you play one ball on the fairway of hole 18. What is the ruling, unless a Local Rule says otherwise?
Answer
Two penalty strokes on your first hole
On the day of a stroke-play competition you must not practise on the course before your round, only on the practice area and by putting or chipping on or near your first teeing area. The first practice stroke is two penalty strokes on your first hole, another one is disqualification. Before a match, on the other hand, you may practise on the course.