October 2nd, 2008 by Phil Reich PGA Golf Art

Rule 2. Match Play

Definitions

All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in

the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.

2-1. General

A match consists of one side playing against another over a

stipulated round unless otherwise decreed by the Committee.

In match play the game is played by holes.

Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, a hole is won by the

side that holes its ball in the fewer strokes. In a handicap match,

the lower net score wins the hole.

The state of the match is expressed by the terms: so many

“holes up” or “all square,” and so many “to play.”

A side is “dormie” when it is as many holes up as there are

holes remaining to be played.

2-2. Halved Hole

A hole is halved if each side holes out in the same number of

strokes.

When a player has holed out and his opponent has been left

with a stroke for the half, if the player subsequently incurs a

penalty, the hole is halved.

2-3. Winner of Match

A match is won when one side leads by a number of holes

greater than the number remaining to be played.

If there is a tie, the Committee may extend the stipulated round by

as many holes as are required for a match to be won.

20 Rule 2

Rule 2 21

2-4. Concession of Match, Hole or Next Stroke

A player may concede a match at any time prior to the start or

conclusion of that match.

A player may concede a hole at any time prior to the start or

conclusion of that hole.

A player may concede his opponent’s next stroke at any time,

provided the opponent’s ball is at rest. The opponent is considered

to have holed out with his next stroke, and the ball may be

removed by either side.

A concession may not be declined or withdrawn.

(Ball overhanging hole — see Rule 16-2.)

2-5. Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes and Claims

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 claim notifies his

opponent (i) that he is making a claim, (ii) of 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 last hole of the match, before all players in

the match leave the putting green.

A later claim may not be considered by the Committee, unless it

is based on facts previously unknown to the player making the

claim and he had been given wrong information (Rules 6-2a

and 9) by an opponent.

Once the result of the match has been officially announced,

a later claim may not be considered by the Committee, unless

it is satisfied that the opponent knew he was giving wrong

information.

2-6. General Penalty

The penalty for a breach of a Rule in match play is loss of hole

except when otherwise provided.