Linda, I am confused about rule 6-8 regarding 4-ball match
play. It says bad weather is not of itself a good reason for discontinuing play. The
Exception says that players discontinuing match play by agreement are not
subject to disqualification unless by doing so the competition is delayed.
I always thought that if play was suspended by the committee
for a dangerous condition, the horn sounding or lightning in the area were the
only reasons for stopping play.
Four of our members started their 4-ball competition on July
14th. It was a drizzling day and they played 5 holes in the
competition. The rain got heavier and they all 4 of them decided to stop there
and choose another day to resume the match starting at the 6th hole. They have
until August 5th for the competition to be completed.
No horn had sounded, and others were out playing their
matches. Were these players allowed to stop playing?
Thank you.
Lulu from Toronto, Ontario
Dear Lulu,
Yes.
The Exception to Rule 6-8 for match play only that you cited allows players to discontinue their match
without penalty and reschedule, provided they complete the match within the
time frame established by the Committee (in this case August 5th).
The ruling is different in stroke play. Players competing in a stroke play tournament may not
discontinue play unless the Committee has suspended play, there is danger from
lightning, they are waiting for the Committee to decide a disputed point, or
they have a good reason such as sudden illness [Rule 6-8a]. They may not decide
to discontinue play because of bad weather.
Linda
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