What happens if a player makes a stroke at a wrong ball during play?

When a player mistakenly makes a stroke at a wrong ball during play, the proper consequence according to the Rules of Golf is that the player receives a general penalty. A general penalty in this context typically results in the player losing two strokes. This rule is in place to ensure that players adhere to the integrity of the game and promote fair play, as hitting the wrong ball can affect the outcome of the game and the assessment of skill.

If a player realizes they have hit a wrong ball, they must return to the correct ball and proceed appropriately; failure to do so would lead to further penalties. This reflects the importance of being mindful of the ball in play, as players are responsible for knowing which ball is theirs.

In contrast, a warning is not given in this situation because the rules associated with playing golf are designed to enforce accountability. Disqualification would occur only in more severe infractions or repeated breaches of the rules. Continuing with no penalty is not an option because the act of hitting the wrong ball violates the game's regulations, which must be correctly followed to maintain the fairness of competition.