Hello Linda,
In match play, your opponent is entitled to ask the number
of strokes you have taken at any time during the play of a hole (Rule 9-2). Is
your answer supposed to be the number of strokes you have taken plus any
penalty strokes, or the number of strokes you have taken plus any penalty
strokes minus any handicap strokes you may have on that hole, in order to not
fall foul of rule 9-2b(ii)?
Common sense and everyday play would indicate the latter,
however the rule book seems to indicate the former.
Thank you for your help.
Lou from London
Dear Lou,
Your opponent is permitted to ask you how many strokes you
have taken at any time during the play of a hole. That number should include
all penalty strokes [Rule 9-2]. There is no requirement to subtract any
handicap strokes from the total.
Prior to beginning your match, you and your opponent will
tell each other your respective handicaps [Rule 6-2]. That would be a good time
to note on your scorecard the holes where you will give or receive a stroke. Since
you have this information at your fingertips, all you need to learn from your
opponent is the actual stroke total. Adding or subtracting handicap strokes is
your responsibility.
Linda
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