A FEW WORDS ABOUT MATCH PLAY
There are a number of differences between match play and stroke play. First and foremost, the game is
played by holes – not the total number of strokes for the round. In the case of a singles match (as is the
case for our 2015 Match Play Championship), a hole is won by the player that holes his ball in the fewer
strokes. Since our matches are handicapped the lower net score wins the hole. Those playing in our
Match Play Championship should review Rule 2-Match Play in the Rules of Golf. Additionally, rules and
procedures specific to match play exist throughout the Rules of Golf.
Here are a few basics about match play that differ from stroke play:

A player may concede a match at any time prior to the start or conclusion of that match.

A player may concede a hole at any time prior to the start or conclusion of that hole.

A player may concede his opponent’s next stroke at any time, provided the ball is at rest. The
opponent is considered to have holed out with his next stroke, and the ball may be removed by
either side.

A match is won when one side leads by a number of holes greater than the number remaining to
be played. If there is a tie after 18 holes, there will be a hole-by-hole sudden death playoff.

The lower-handicapped player will play the match from scratch. The higher-handicapped player
will receive the full difference between the Course Handicaps of the two players. For example, a
player with a Course Handicap of 17 receives four strokes from a player with a Course Handicap
of 13. At Empire Ranch GC, he would receive one stroke on Holes 6, 18, 7 and 13.

Review Rule 2-5-Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes and Claims. Unlike stroke play, Rule 3-3
(playing two balls when in doubt as to the Rules) does not apply to match play.

The side that has the honor at the first teeing ground for our Match Play Championship will be
listed first on the score card. The side that wins a hole takes the honor at the next teeing
ground. If a hole has been halved, the side that had the honor at the previous teeing ground
retains it.

After both players have started play on a hole, the ball farthest from the hole is played first. If
the balls are equidistant from the hole or their positions relative to the hole are not
determinable, the ball to be played first should be decided by lot.

If a player plays when his opponent should have played, there is no penalty, but the opponent
may immediately require the player to cancel the stroke so made and, in correct order, play a
ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played.
These excerpts from the Rules of Golf are not all inclusive as nothing beats reading the Rules of Golf. It
is always recommended you carry a copy of the Rules of Golf in your golf bag. Good luck in this year’s
Match Play Championship.