Linda
Further to this ruling [Ask Linda #979], can you please advise me/clarify the
following:
Does this situation only apply on the completion of the
round at the 18th hole? and before extra holes?
What if, say, after the 8th hole, player A declares the
match all square, they then proceed to tee off at the 9th hole…whilst walking
up the 9th fairway player B checks his recording of the match and challenges
the all square status, is it too late?
What if player A declares a particular match status on
completion, say, of the 15th hole, as player A 3-up with 3 to play. If player A
goes on to halve or win the 16th and therefore win the match, does the result
stand once the players agree, shake hands, and leave the 16th green, even if
whilst heading towards the clubhouse player B checks his card and realises that
player A has called the match score incorrectly and player A has not yet won
the match?
Regards,
Lou from France
Dear Lou,
Let’s take a careful look at Rule 2-5. This Rule states that
a player must make a claim in a “timely manner.” “Timely” means that the claim
is made before any player in the match plays from the next teeing ground. If
the dispute arises on the last hole, “timely” means before all players in the
match leave the putting green. The Rule goes on to say that a claim related to
a prior hole may only be considered if it is based on facts previously unknown
to the player and the player had
been given wrong information (both conditions are required).
Looking at your first example, the players have completed
play of the 8th hole, Player A declares the match “all square,” and
Player B makes no objection. According to Rule 2-5, Player B has until either
player tees off on hole #9 to object to the status of the match. Once play has
begun on #9, he has lost that right and may not file a claim.
In your second example, Player A is dormie after 15 holes,
Player B does not object to the score, Player A halves or wins the 16th
hole, the players shake hands and leave the green. The result stands. If Player
B objected to the score, he needed to straighten it out or file a claim before
either player teed off on the 16th hole.
I am surprised by both scenarios. Players in a match should
be verifying the status after each hole, and resolving any disputes on the
spot. It is foolish to do otherwise. That being said, let’s consider one more
scenario. Players A and B do not verify their match score until they finish
playing the 6th hole. At that point, Player A states that he is
2-up; Player B states that Player A is only 1-up. At this point, they may
review their scores and try to resolve the matter. It may turn out to be a
simple recording error that is easily corrected. However, I cannot emphasize
enough that the status of the match be declared after each hole.
Linda
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