What happens if you give your match play opponent incorrect information regarding the number of strokes you’ve played for the hole?

More about the rules of golf

In match play, providing incorrect information about the number of strokes taken on a hole can have significant consequences. According to the Rules of Golf, specifically Rule 3.2d(1) and Rule 3.2d(2), here’s what happens if you give your match play opponent incorrect information regarding the number of strokes you've played for the hole:

Rule 3.2d(1): Telling the Opponent About the Number of Strokes Taken

If the Incorrect Information is Given Unknowingly: If you give incorrect information about the number of strokes you've taken on a hole unknowingly and realize it before the opponent makes their next stroke, you must correct it without penalty. If the mistake is realized after the opponent has made their next stroke or if the hole is completed, the hole's result stands as played.

If the Incorrect Information is Given Knowingly: If you knowingly give incorrect information about the number of strokes taken and this is discovered before the opponent makes their next stroke, you must correct it. However, if the mistake is discovered later and was given knowingly to gain an advantage, you lose the hole for a breach of the Rules

Rule 3.2d(2): Failing to Correct Incorrect Information

If You Fail to Correct the Mistake Before the Opponent Makes Their Next Stroke: If you realize that you have given incorrect information about the number of strokes taken and fail to correct it before the opponent makes their next stroke, or if the hole is completed, you lose the hole.

Summary of Consequences

Unknowingly Providing Incorrect Information: No penalty if corrected before the opponent makes their next stroke.

Knowingly Providing Incorrect Information: Loss of hole if the incorrect information was given intentionally to gain an advantage.

Failing to Correct Incorrect Information: Loss of hole if the mistake is not corrected before the opponent makes their next stroke or the hole is completed.