Linda,
1. In singles Match play, player A and player B had finished
hole 3. They then teed off on hole 4, which is a par 3 and landed near the
green. They were aware that they had lost ground on the group in front so
decided to agree to halve hole 4. Presumably that is acceptable.
2. However, another group decided to miss a hole out all
together but called it a half. Are they disqualified for not playing the
stipulated round and basically agreeing to waive the rules?
Thank you for any advice.
Lulu from the UK
Dear Lulu,
1. Players may agree to halve a hole, provided at least one
of them has hit a stroke on the hole. Players A and B proceeded correctly in
their match. If neither player had hit a stroke, both would be disqualified
under Rule 1-3 for agreeing to waive a rule of golf (the requirement in Rule
2-1 to play a stipulated round), unless
neither player knew this would be a breach of the Rules (in which case there
would be no disqualification) [Decision 2-1/1.5].
2. The answer is the same for two players who agree to omit
a hole (or holes). If they are aware this is a breach, they are disqualified;
if they are not aware, the match stands [Decision 2-1/4].
In the case of players inadvertently omitting a hole, there
would be no penalty and the match would stand [Decision 2-1/3].
Linda
Copyright © 2018 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
