Rules of Golf
The USGA, in conjunction with The R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland, writes, interprets and maintains the Rules of Golf to guard the tradition and integrity of the game.The two organizations are joint authors and owners of The Rules of Golf and Decisions on the Rules of Golf.Through an agreement with The R&A, the Rules jurisdiction of the USGA includes only the United States, its possessions and Mexico.The latest version went into effect Jan. 1, 2012, with the next revision taking effect Jan. 1, 2016.
Golf Rule 10 - Order of Play
ORDER OF PLAY: deals with which side or player plays first. The side that plays first is said to have the HONOR.
Match Play----From the Teeing ground, the player or side that plays first is determined by a draw or lot. I have the players pull names out of hat. The player or side that wins a hole has the honor on the next hole. If there is a tie on a hole, the order is not changed. During a handicap event, the net score on a hole determines the honor When the Ball is in Play----the player furthest from the hole plays first.
PLAYING OUT OF ORDER----if a player plays out of order, the opponent may immediately recall the shot by making the player play over in the correct order. In other words, the opponent requires the player to cancel the stroke just played, and play another ball in the correct order from the spot where the original ball was played.
Stroke Play----there is NO PENALTY for playing in the wrong order. It is a matter of proper etiquette to allow the player with the HONOR to play first from the teeing ground. As well as allowing the player furthest from the hole to play first when the ball is in play.
TIPS: ***a provisional or second ball played from the teeing ground is to be played after all other players have played their first shot. ***If you need to measure in determining order of play, if a ball is moved in the process it must be replaced without penalty.