Rules - Making Claims In Match Play

by Craig Winter, Manager of Rules Education

I mentioned earlier in “match play vs stroke play” that Rules Officials have a minimal role to play during match play where a referee has not been appointed.  A referee is defined in the Rules of Golf as,

"One who is appointed by the Committee to accompany players to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules.  He must act on any breach of a Rule that he observes or is reported to him.  A referee should not attend the flagstick, stand at or mark the position of the hole, or lift the ball or mark its position."

The Committee will appoint a referee to each match once the championship reaches the semifinal round.  Until then, the players are mostly on their own to decide how to proceed during their match.  Remember, a match consists of one player playing another player and the rest of the field has no concern with the outcome of a singles match.

In stroke play, if a player is unsure of how to proceed, the Rules allow him to play a second ball under Rule 3-3.  In match play, this is not an option.  If players are unable to come to an agreement and a Rules Official is not readily available, Rule 2-5 applies:

"In match play, if a doubt or dispute arises between the players, a player may make a claim.  If no duly authorized representative of the Committee is available within a reasonable time, the players must continue the match without delay.  The Committee may consider a claim only if the player making the calim notifies his opponent

(i) that he is making a claim,

(ii) the facts of the situation and

(iii) that he wants a ruling. 

The claim must be made before any player in the match plays from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the final hole of the match, before all players leave the putting green."

Many times today, I have been called over by a player asking for relief from an obstruction, ground under repair, or where to drop from a water hazard.  As a Rules Official during match play it is best to allow the opponent the opportunity to “make the call”.  As long as the players agree, and they are not both knowingly agreeing to waive a Rule of Golf, they can proceed as they wish.  This seems to be a concept that few players fully understand.  If a player would like to receive relief from ground under repair, he should ask his opponent.  If both players agree, you may proceed to take relief.  If your opponent does not agree, there are four possible scenarios:

1. You can play the ball as it lies.

2. You can take relief and, if you opponent properly files a claim, you may or may not receive relief when the Committee is notified.  If you are given relief you are under no penalty.  If you not given relief, you would receive a loss of hole penalty for playing from a wrong place.

3. You can take relief and if your opponent fails to properly file a claim, you cannot be penalized for your actions.

4. If a Rules Official is readily available, you would be able to ask for a ruling before proceeding.

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