Rules question · Rule 5.3a · Easy
Teed off before my starting time: is there a penalty?
Your starting time is 9:30. Because everyone is ready, you tee off at 9:27. What is the ruling in stroke play?
Answer
Two penalty strokes, starting early is just as wrong as starting late
You must start exactly at your starting time, not earlier and not later. If you are up to five minutes early or late, you get the general penalty on your first hole. If it is more than five minutes, you are disqualified.