In golf, we make every attempt to follow ALL of the Rules.  In many cases, through ignorance or carelessness, we are unsuccessful in this endeavor.  Nevertheless, the effort is worthwhile.  And, dealing with other players on the course, we should start from the assumption that any violations we observe are not done with the intent of not following the Rules but rather through ignorance, carelessness, or accident.

As tournament players, we always have some responsibilities to ensure that the game is played by the Rules.  But the Rules contain some significant differences between Match Play and Stroke Play.

In Match Play (Rule 2) there are only two players (or teams) involved.  The only outcome of concern is which player or team wins.  The rest of the players in the tournament are not involved.  This means that it is the opponent's job to observe violations and ask that the Rules of Golf be enforced and to do so in a timely manner.  Of course, it is still each player's job to bring any violations of which he is aware to the attention of his opponent.  But if neither one is aware of the problem, play can just continue.  

And, in Match Play, an opponent is actually allowed to let an infraction go un-penalized. ( However, if the players both agree to Waive certain rules during a match, they are subject to DQ under Rule 1-3.)

In Stroke Play (Rule 3) the rest of the players in the tournament have an interest in the scores that are posted.  Hence all of the players in a group have the responsibility of 'protecting' the field.  What this means is that any player who observes what may be an infraction of the rules is obligated, at a minimum, to bring it up to the player in question or to his marker.  The responsibility of the player's marker goes somewhat farther in that he, himself, can be disqualified from the competition if he signs a card which he knows does not reflect penalties which the player incurred.

However, regardless of the circumstances, when there is a need to raise the issue of a Rules infraction of which the player may not be aware, we all know there are good and bad ways to do so.

If possible, avoid an accusatory tone of voice or a confrontational manner. Be somewhat apologetic and even self questioning in your approach.  You, yourself, may not be totally sure of what you observed or the exact nature of the violation in question.  

A statement like, " I'm sorry, but I think I saw something that may have been a rules violation." is far superior than "You just screwed up and you're going to have to add a stroke to your score."

Be sure to let the other player explain his view of what just happened.  It may be that your vantage point obscured some element of the situation.  Also remember that the Committee has the ultimate responsibility for making a final determination.  Part of your job is to make sure that the correct facts are available to the Committee at the end of the round.

In addition, remember that some errors are correctible.  Rule 20-6 allows for a ball which has been incorrectly substituted, dropped, or replaced (but not yet played) to be lifted and the error corrected with no penalty.  In such cases you should be alert and try to bring the situation up prior to the player making his next stroke.  Preventing another player from incurring a penalty is part of the nature of our game.

And if, despite your best intentions, a disagreement arises and threatens to disrupt the round, by all means back off and try to avoid a hostile confrontation.  Then remember to refer the matter to the Committee after the round and prior to scorecards being returned.  Once you have raised the issue, your responsibilities during the round have been achieved, and you should get back to your own game.

Last Updated on 1/15/2006