Match Play Rules, Etiquette, and Hints

RULES, HINTS, AND ETIQUETTE OF 

PLAYING MATCH PLAY

Most common rules:

•          "Honours" are observed at all times - it's the only time when we don't play ready golf.

•          You never play out of turn, even on the green.  There is NO continuous putting or you may                       be required to putt it again. That’s why you should give a short putt instead of requiring her to mark it. (Don't make your opponent mark and make a 6 inch putt.)

•          If you are on the green and further away than your opponent, who is off the green, you are            still away and must play first.

•          If you are given the putt, it is good etiquette to pick it up. You may drop a ball and putt later, as long as you are not holding up the group behind. In doubles, if your putt is going to help your partner and your opponents give you the putt, you MUST pick up. Otherwise, the putt for the higher score is the one counting.

•          You may concede a hole at any time. You may give putts of any length.

Hints:

•          Scoring: When you win a hole mark down +1, if you win the next +2. If you lose the third, you are now +1. If you tie the fourth, mark down +1. You want to know how the match stands at all times.

•          Be aware of your opponent’s score on the hole, so you know how aggressively you might want to play.  For example, if you must make a putt to halve/tie a hole, you should know that before you putt.  You don't have to worry about the next putt.

•         You are allowed to ask your opponent’s score at any point during the hole.

•          Give putts that you know your opponent will make, especially early in the round. Later on, it might be to your advantage if she hasn’t had to make a putt.

Etiquette:

•          The winner usually offers to buy the loser a drink after the match.

•          The loser posts the result on the chart.

Pace of Play: Matches should not take any longer to play than 

a regular game of golf.  Pick up if you're out of a hole.

You must post adjusted scores played in matches.  Use common sense to estimate what you would have shot on any conceded hole, no higher than Net Double Bogey (maximum score). 

(Above taken from:  GAO Adult Learn to Play Better Program Level 2 – Improve Your Game)

 The Differences between Match and Stroke Play