Rule 1.3c(4) Caps Penalty Strokes at Three on a Single Shot
By Staff Writer
2 min read
LoopGolf
Key takeaways
- Rule 1.3c(4), added in 2023, limits penalty strokes a player can accumulate for breaches committed unknowingly before a single stroke.
- The theoretical cap on one tee shot is three penalty strokes: two for a breach plus one for stroke and distance if it goes out of bounds.
- A nonconforming club or ball under Rule 4.1a means disqualification, not added strokes.
- Teeing up outside the teeing area costs two strokes and requires a correct re-tee.
Rule 1.3c(4), added to the Rules of Golf in 2023, caps how many penalty strokes can stack on a single shot when a player commits several breaches without realizing it. The rule generally limits the total to three strokes on one tee shot: two for a breach, plus one more for stroke and distance if the ball finishes out of bounds.
Does every breach fall under that cap?
No. One breach skips the stroke count entirely. Making a stroke with a nonconforming club or ball falls under Rule 4.1a, and the penalty is disqualification rather than added strokes.
What if you tee off from the wrong spot?
A separate case involves playing from outside the teeing area. A group that tees up on the wrong side of the markers has played from outside the teeing area, a two-stroke penalty. That stroke does not count, so the player must return and re-tee correctly, now playing their third shot. If the group instead teed off correctly but on the wrong hole, replaying from the tee counts as stroke and distance, again leaving them playing their third shot.
| Situation | Penalty | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple unknown breaches before a stroke | Capped at 2 strokes (Rule 1.3c(4)) | Plus 1 more if out of bounds |
| Nonconforming club or ball (Rule 4.1a) | Disqualification | No stroke count applies |
| Teed outside the teeing area | 2 strokes | Re-tee, playing 3 |
| Correct tee, wrong hole, replayed | Stroke and distance | Playing 3 from the tee |
A nonconforming club skips the stroke count altogether and goes straight to disqualification.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rule 1.3c(4) in golf?
Added in 2023, it limits penalty strokes a player can accumulate for multiple breaches committed before one stroke when unaware of them at the time.
Can you be disqualified for using the wrong golf ball?
Yes. A stroke made with a nonconforming club or ball falls under Rule 4.1a, and the penalty is disqualification.
What is the penalty for teeing off outside the teeing area?
Two strokes, and the stroke played does not count. The player returns to the tee and plays their third shot.
- Rules of Golf
- Rule 1.3c
- penalty strokes
- teeing area
- stroke and distance
- disqualification
- USGA rules
