Rule 2 – Match Play – 2-5 – Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes & Claims
When something happens and you think that your opponent may have violated a rule, you can make a claim. Rule 2-5’s wording is precise about what you have to do, just as it is for the player in stroke play who wants to play a second ball under Rule 3-3. In order to make the claim, you have to state that you are making a claim, what you think the player did wrong and that you want the rules enforced.
You also have to do it within a certain time limit. This is before anyone has teed off from the next tee, or if it was the last hole of the match, before everyone has left the putting green. The only way you can make a later claim is if it is based on facts not known to you and your opponent gave you wrong information.
Once the result of the match is announced you can’t make a claim unless you can prove that the player knew he was giving wrong information (in other words he cheated.)
If you make a claim, you should keep playing until you find a member of the Committee to make the ruling.
If your opponent had hit is ball into an area that he thought should have been marked as Ground Under Repair and wants to take relief, but you don’t think he should, you should tell him so. At that point, he can choose to play the ball as it lies or take relief. If he takes relief, you can then make a claim. If the Committee agrees with him, his score will count. If they don’t, you will win the hole. There is no penalty for making a claim that isn’t upheld.
If the two players come to an agreement before speaking with the Committee (assuming they aren’t agreeing to waive a rule), that is the end of it. Decsions 2-5/5, 2-5/8 and 2-5/8.5 give some examples. If you later realize that you were wrong and shouldn’t have let the other player do what he did, it is too late.
There are many other decisions about players not disputing claims or making them too late. You would be wise to review them before playing an important match.
John, do you know if there has there ever been talk of allowing play of two balls (like 3-3) in match play? In the example you gave, it seems inconsistent that in match play (and not stroke play) the player has to choose between possibly violating the Rules and playing out of potential GUR rather than play two balls and let the Committee give a ruling later. Any thoughts on this?
Andrew,
It may have been discussed, but I don’t think it will ever happen. The basis of match play is that the players work it out themselves. If they are unable do so, it is up to a player who feels strongly enough to stand up for his rights by either taking the relief he feels he is entitled to or, if it is the opponent, making the claim if he does.
What would a referee do if two players in matchplay are in doubt and play a second ball, thinking that rule 3-3 is applicable?
Would you penelize player A who plays a second ball or could you (in equity?) disregard that second ball and interpret from the facts (it is clear that they disagree and B is not willing to settle) a claim from player B and give a ruling concerning the original ball?
Sabine,
A referee is one who is assigned to the match and accompanies it so this couldn’t happen as he would make the ruling on the spot. But, if I was a member of the Rules Committee and the players came to me, A has played a wrong ball(See Decision 3-3/9). The question then becomes if B made a timely claim (before they teed off on the next hole.) If B made the claim, A loses the hole. If B did not make a claim, the score made with the original ball would count.
If A and B disagree on procedure in match play, A has two choices. Play as per B’s wishes and move on, or player as she feels is correct. B can then let it go or make a claim.