Rules · Tip
Practicing Between Holes
Part of our rules programs. Build a program with it
After you finish a hole and before you tee off on the next, Rule 5.5b says no practice strokes. With one exception. You can putt or chip on or near the green you just finished, on any practice green, and on or near the next tee. Not from a bunker. And don't hold up play. A Committee can ban practice on the green you just finished, so check before you roll a few extra putts.
Step by step
- Finish the hole first.
- Short putts or chips near the last green are fine.
- You can chip or putt near the next tee.
- Never from a bunker.
- Don't hold up the group behind.
Why it works
The rule keeps practice from slowing the round or giving you extra information about the course. Allowing putts and chips near the green or next tee lets you check pace and feel without much delay. Banning bunker practice and anything that holds up play keeps the course in condition and the group behind moving.
Common mistakes
- Hitting practice shots from the bunker you just left.Rake the bunker and walk away, since practice strokes from a bunker are not allowed between holes.
- Taking a few full swings or longer shots near the next tee.Limit yourself to putting or chipping on or near the next tee.
- Rolling extra putts without checking local rules.Read the scorecard or local rules first, because a Committee can ban practice on the green you just finished.
How you'll know it's working
- You only putt or chip, and never hit a full swing or a shot from a bunker.
- Your group is never waiting on you to finish practicing.
- You know before you start whether the Committee has banned practice on the last green.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice only on the green you just finished, using two or three short putts, after reading the scorecard to confirm it is allowed.
Harder: Walk to the next tee and spend the walk planning, so that your chips or putts there take under a minute and your group never waits.
Common questions
Can I hit practice putts after I finish a hole?
Yes, in most cases you can putt or chip on or near the green you just finished. Check the local rules first, because a Committee can ban it.
Can I take practice swings from a bunker between holes?
No. Rule 5.5b does not allow practice strokes from a bunker between holes.
