---
title: "Rule of the Month: Order of Play/Ready Golf"
description: "Rule of the Month: Order of Play/Ready Golf"
---

<https://blog.ncga.org>

# [Rule of the Month: Order of Play/Ready Golf](https://blog.ncga.org/rule-of-the-month-order-of-play/ready-golf-2)

 Written by [Jerry Stewart](https://blog.ncga.org/author/jerry-stewart) | Aug 2, 2021 5:32:09 PM

When starting a hole, generally the player with the lowest score on the previous hole plays first. After starting a hole, the ball farthest from the hole is usually played first. However, the Rules encourage “ready golf” to help improve pace of play as long as it is done in a safe and responsible manner.

In four-ball play, you and your partner can play in whatever order you think is best when it is your side’s turn to play.

### **FAQs**:

- [Can I play out of turn to save time?](https://www.usga.org/RulesFAQ/rules_answer2019.asp?FAQidx=280&Rule=0&Topic=17)
- [Can my partner and I play in whatever order we choose?](https://www.usga.org/RulesFAQ/rules_answer2019.asp?FAQidx=281&Rule=0&Topic=17)

### **Read the Rules:**

- [Rule 5.6 – Unreasonable Delay; Prompt Pace of Play](https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-2019/rules-of-golf/rules-and-interpretations.html#!ruletype=pe&section=rule&rulenum=5&subrulenum=6)
- [Rule 6.4 – Order of Play When Playing Hole](https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-2019/rules-of-golf/rules-and-interpretations.html#!ruletype=pe&section=rule&rulenum=6&subrulenum=4)

 

[View full post](https://blog.ncga.org/rule-of-the-month-order-of-play/ready-golf-2)

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