Key Differences Between Match Play and Stroke Play in Golf

1. 20 Rule Differences between Match-play and Stroke-play

2. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 1 : Loss Of Hole Rule 3.2a In Match Play, you play an opponent, rather than the course. Some rules of golf , are different for match than for stroke There are no 2-stroke penalties in Match Play, only loss of hole. Always remember that a two-stroke penalty for stroke-play becomes .. loss of hole in match-play.

3. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 2: Practice Rule 5.2a In Match Play , Unlike Stroke play, You may practice on the competition course before a round . Unless there is a local rule prohibiting this . N.B. The VGL has a “non-practice” rule for pennant competitions

4. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 3: Observing a Rule Breach Rule 3.2d (4) • If you believe that your opponent has breached a Rule that has a penalty, you may act on the breach - or choose to ignore it. • But if you and your opponent deliberately agree to ignore a breach or penalty you both know applies, you are both disqualified. • If you and your opponent disagree whether one of you has breached a Rule, you may protect your rights by asking for a ruling – see claiming Explanation: In stroke-play, a breach cannot be ignored, because other Competitors, playing in the competition, could be affected.

5. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 4: Claims Rule 20.1 a & b If there is a doubt or dispute between players, and no Committee is available, the player can make a claim, to be considered, at a later time. A claim must be made prior to any player playing from the next tee, or before leaving the last putting green. The player must notify the opponent :- a: he is making claim b: state the facts on which the claim is to be based. No later claim shall be considered unless it is based on facts previously unknown to the player making the claim, and the player making the claim had been given wrong information, by an opponent. ( 20.2) Note: Playing a second ball is NOT an option in Match Play

6. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 5: If Your Ball is Accidentally Deflected or Stopped Rule 11.1a & b In match-play, if your ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by you, or your opponent, or either caddie, or any equipment: NO Penalty to Anyone –play the ball as it lies (Note: equipment does not include the opponents’ ball in play)

7. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 6. If Your Putt Strikes Another Ball On the Green Rules 11.1a In a match, if your putt, strikes another ball, at rest on the green, there is no penalty. (This rule is by exception for stroke play) The other ball is replaced, and you must play your ball from where it comes to rest.

8. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 7: Order Of Play Rule 6.4a If your opponent plays out of turn you may ask them to cancel the stroke, and play again in order. ( no penalty) 8: Playing Outside the Teeing Ground Rule 6.1b If your opponent , plays from outside the teeing ground, you may immediately require them to cancel the stroke and play a ball from within the teeing ground, (no penalty)

9. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 9 Concessions (rule 3.2b) A player may concede:- the next stroke, or the hole, or the match, at any time prior to the conclusion of the hole, or match. A concessions is final – it must be clearly stated or indicated: A Concession Cannot be Withdrawn or Refused. A caddy cannot concede a putt on behalf of a player. If you take a putt after it has been conceded, and miss it, it does not alter the result‐ the putt was already conceded. It is good etiquette to concede on very short putts .

10. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 10: Moving An Opponents Ball Rule 9.5b ● There is a one-shot penalty for moving an opponent’s ball. However, there is no penalty if the ball is moved accidentally, when helping opponent to search; - the ball moved, is replaced.

11. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 11: Moving Your Own Ball 7.4 If you touch or pick up your ball in play, without marking it, remember….. this is not loss of hole – It is only a 1-shot penalty The ball can be replaced or dropped as appropriate. Note :There is no penalty if you move your ball when trying to find or identify it. Special Note : Rule 3.2b(1)/2 If a player lifts his ball, because of a reasonable misunderstanding, that a statement or action by his opponent was a concession, there is no penalty, and the ball is replaced.

12. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 12. Opponent Agrees to Wrong Procedure Rule 3.2d In a match, if players (in ignorance of the rules) agree to a wrong procedure, as a result of which someone plays e.g. from a wrong place, there is no penalty, and the resulting score stands . Even if you discover later that the procedure was wrong. Incorrect information on the rules is not regarded as giving wrong information‐ Too bad if you concede a hole on a false ruling. ”please show me that in the rules.? “ Know the Rules – Or if in doubt, make a claim

13. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 13: Maximum of Fourteen Clubs Rule 4.1b If a player is in breach of the “Fourteen Club” rule, in match play, at the conclusion of the hole at which the breach was discovered, the state of the match shall be adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred. Maximum penalty = two holes.

14. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 14. : Information as to Strokes Taken. 3.2d  If you incur a penalty, which opponent may not have seen, you must inform him As Soon As Reasonably Possible, or you may lose the hole.  An opponent is entitled to know how many strokes you have taken, during the playing of a hole. If you give wrong information and do not correct it, prior to him playing his next stroke, you lose the hole.  After the playing of a hole , wrong information must be corrected before either player tees off on the next hole. (For Retrospective claim See rule 20.1b) Count your shots carefully - Agree on Scores after each hole.

15. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 15. Wrong Ball. Rule 6.3c In match play, if a player plays a stroke with a wrong ball, he loses the hole. If you and your opponent, both play wrong balls, the first to have played the wrong ball loses the hole. If it cannot be determined who played the wrong ball first, then continue playing with the exchanged balls.

16. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 16: Unauthorized Attendance of Flagstick Rule 13.2 In match play, an opponent or his caddie shall not, without the authority or prior knowledge of the player, attend, remove or hold up the flagstick, while the player is making a stroke, or his ball is in motion. – Penalty loss of hole

17. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 17. Wrong Place Rule 14.7 . If a player makes a stroke from a wrong place, he shall lose the hole.

18. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 18. Advice (Rule 10.2a) A Player Must Not Ask For , Or Give Advice A Caddie Must Not Stand On Or Near An Extension Of The Line Of Play If a Spectator Gives Advice, There Is No Penalty, but He Must Request It To Stop.

19. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 19. Handicap Match Play (Rule 3.2c and 3.2d • • • Players must declare their handicaps before the start of a match. If a handicap is declared that is too high, the player is disqualified; If it is too low, no penalty but the player must play off the lower handicap. • If a player mistakenly applies handicap strokes on a hole, the agreed result of the hole must stand, unless the players correct the mistake before a stroke is made at the next hole, or for the final hole, before the match result is agreed.

20. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play 20. Important VGL Pennant Rules  Pace of Play  3 minutes for a search (starts when you reach the general area)  40 seconds to play a shot (from when it is your turn)  15 minutes on average to play a hole (4 holes per hour)  Handicap: Max 27.4  Practice – There is no practice allowed on the course  Dress Code: See Handbook - No Denim (DQ)  No Alcohol allowed on the course  Ride on Transport: Over 70 or VGL approved  Phones: Switched off (loss of Hole) limited use between holes  Caddies:  Not to be shared  Player can caddie but not on holes he has played

21. Twenty of the common differences between match-play and stroke-play