1) Facts -Match Play

In elimination Four Ball Match Play competition at BMCC, Foremost heartily congratulated his partner, Sandwich, after a hard-fought victory which was closed out on the 16th Hole. “Without a doubt”, said F magnanimously, “you were team MVP!”

Sandwich agreed, and grasping a chilled beverage, soon posted himself in the center of the locker room to regale helpless passers-by with detailed accounts of his fine play and the “team” victory. F, a hostage in this situation, ordered a double and sat quietly. Others broke for the exits in a stampede reminiscent of the Kabul Airport evacuation.

The opponents, ever gracious, also complimented the winning team’s victory and fine play, although one player politely suggested to Sandwich that he should remember to turn in his score. There might have been a subtle implication of some sort in this remark as, in fact, Sandwich’s “net” score had prevailed on several holes contributing greatly to the victory.

Sandwich contemplated this opponent advice and asked F whether he should post a score. F responded, first, that the Committee would post scores, as the competitors were all turning in the scorecards. Upon reflection, he then said he wasn’t sure scores were posted after match play competition as players who weren’t in the hole often picked up, not finishing the hole or even the 18 holes. In other words, F had no idea whether a player had to post a score after match play. (And in truth while F, as scorekeeper, had carefully noted the scores that counted in the match, he hadn’t attempted to record the “pick-up” scores).

Sandwich calculated his score internally and figured he was on track to shoot perhaps a 79 …. not bad for a 17 hcp at BMCC. F hadn’t bothered to keep his own score and, likewise, had failed to post a score.

After a day or two, Sandwich noted that his score had not been posted.

Issue

Is a player require to post a score after a match play competition?

Ruling

Players in a match play competition often “pick up” if their ball isn’t needed, or if they’ve lost the hole, or if the hole is conceded, or if the competition is closed prematurely.

Nevertheless, under USGA Rules of Handicapping, a player in match play should record his “most likely” score on any hole on which he picks up, and his “net par” score on any unplayed holes.

Guidelines are offered for a “most likely” score:  one stroke for a ball within 5 feet of the hole; or, two or three strokes for a player whose ball is 5 feet to twenty yards from the hole, or three to four strokes for a player whose ball is beyond 20 yards — depending on the difficulty of the lie and the ability of the player.

2) Facts- Lightning/Rain-Out Cancellations

Lightning delays occasionally lead to mid-round cancellations this time of year, particularly it seems, when F is having a good round. The same Handicapping Rules apply…players should post their “most likely” score on holes that have been started, and “net pars” on unplayed holes based on the player’s full course handicap.

A 9-hole score should be posted with the completion of at least 7 holes, and an 18-hole score should be posted with the completion of 14 holes or more.

(See, Rules of Handicapping, R’s 3.2 and 3.3)

3) F With a Rules Whiff

Reader JH responded to F’s latest post “Foremost, the Reluctant” with a correction. Under R14.1a a player only has to mark his ball if he is lifting it to replace it on its “original spot”. The Rule goes on to state, “When you lift your ball to take relief under a Rule, you are not required to mark the spot.”

Since LCP is a relief option into a relief area designated by the Committee, marking the original spot is not required, although it may be a good practice to mark simply to measure the relief area. F noted several players were, indeed, marking their ball under LCP rules on Sunday at this week’s Wyndham to take full advantage of the one club-length relief (often electing a driver).

A great catch by JH!

As usual, all comments or corrections are welcome! (and often needed).

Respectfully submitted,
F