- Starting First Hole. At the first hole, the honour is decided by the order of the draw set by the Committee or, if there is no draw, by agreement or by using a random method (such as tossing a coin).
- Starting All Other Holes.
- The player who wins a hole has the honour at the next teeing area.
- If the hole was tied, the player with the honour at the previous teeing area keeps it.
- If a player makes a timely ruling request (See Rule 20.1b) that has not yet been decided by the Committee and could affect who has the honour on the next hole, the honour is decided by agreement or by using a random method.
- After Both Players Start a Hole.
- The ball that is farther from the hole is to be played first.
- If the balls are the same distance from the hole or their relative distances are not known, the ball to be played first is decided by agreement or by using a random method.
- This must be done promptly and before either player makes another stroke. When the opponent cancels the stroke, they cannot withdraw the cancellation.
- If the opponent cancels the stroke, the player must, when it is their turn to play, play a ball from where that stroke was made (See Rule 14.6).
- If the opponent does not cancel the stroke, the stroke counts and the ball is in play and must be played as it lies.
- The player may invite the opponent to play out of turn or may agree to the opponent's request to play out of turn.
- If the opponent then makes the stroke out of turn, the player has given up the right to cancel the stroke.
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