BASIC MATCH PLAY RULES

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Individually “hole by hole” *NET

(*) NET:  Net score per hole = Total Strokes per hole minus player’s handicap
Example:

Player’s handicap 15 (takes 15 stroke per round)

Hole#7 Index=1 (the hardest hole/course)

Shoot 6    👉 Net Score: 6-1=5 

Hole#16 Index=18 (the easiest hole/course)

Shoot 4    👉 Net Score: 4

In match play, if a doubt or dispute arises between the players, a player may make a claim. If no

duly authorized representative of the Committee is available within a reasonable time, the players

must continue the match without delay. The Committee may consider a claim only if the player making the claim notifies his opponent (i) that he is making a claim, (ii) of the facts of the situation and (iii) that he wants a ruling. The claim must be made before any player in the match

plays from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players in the match leave the putting green.

The penalty for a breach of a Rule in match play is loss of hole except when otherise provided. There are no 2-stroke penalties in match play.

There are loss-of-hole penalties and 1-stroke penalties only.

Understanding the distinctions between yellow and red penalty areas is crucial for taking a correct drop under penalty. Yellow areas offer two relief options, while red areas allow lateral movement within two club lengths.

When facing an unplayable lie, you have three options for dropping the ball, each with 1 penalty stroke:

1. Go back to the spot of your previous stroke and play again (stroke and distance relief).
2. Go back as far as you’d like and drop on the line from the hole through the spot where the ball lies (back-on-the-line relief).
3. Your third option is to drop anywhere within two club lengths of where your ball lies, no closer to the hole (lateral relief).

You’re allowed to lift your ball for identification purposes if it’s buried in the rough, but ensure you announce and mark its position before lifting. Other players need to get the opportunity to watch you lift and mark the ball.

Ball is not allowed to be cleaned! 

a) Lift/move your ball without a purpose and replace it to it’s original spot: 1 stroke penalty

b) Lift/move your ball without a purpose and take a shot from it's new spot: lost of hole

You’re not permitted to alter the lie or position of your ball by moving growing or fixed objects, even if they interfere with your shot. This includes moving a branch of a tree or bushes. You have to play the course as it appears.