# Rule 3: The Competition (The R&A and USGA Rules of Golf)

Golf · Rule 3: The Competition · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/golf/laws/rule-3-the-competition/)

The central elements of every competition: match play or stroke play, playing alone or with a partner, and gross or net scores. How matches are won, tied, extended and conceded, how handicaps and strokes taken are handled in a match, and the scorecard, marker and holing-out duties of stroke play.

## 3.31 Forms of Play and Match Play

Match play and stroke play, partners, gross and net scores, and how a match is won, tied, extended and conceded, with handicaps, stroke counts and penalties in a match.

### Test 1: Forms of play and how scores are counted

- Every competition is played either as match play or as stroke play; other formats are variations of these. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1a)
- Match play is decided hole by hole: each hole is won, lost or tied. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1a(1))
- Regular stroke play adds up every stroke made and every penalty stroke on each hole of every round. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1a(1))
- The gross score is the total number of strokes: strokes made plus penalty strokes, with no handicap applied. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c(1))
- Adjusting the gross score by handicap strokes lets players of differing abilities compete in a fair way. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c(2))
- Rules 1-20 focus on individual play but also apply to partner formats, as modified by Rule 22 (Foursomes) and Rule 23 (Four-Ball). (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1b)
- In a scratch competition the player's handicap is not applied; the gross score decides. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c(1))
- Penalty strokes are added to the strokes made first; handicap strokes are then taken off to reach the net figure. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c)
- Rule 3 covers match and stroke play, Rule 21 Stableford, Maximum Score and Par/Bogey, Rule 22 Foursomes, Rule 23 Four-Ball and Rule 24 teams. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 3.1a and 3.1b)
- Gross counts every stroke made (12) plus every penalty stroke (3), so 15; handicap strokes are not part of it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c(1))

### Test 2: Winning, tying and extending a match

- A hole is won by taking fewer strokes, by the opponent conceding it, or by the opponent getting the general penalty (loss of hole). (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(1))
- Agreeing to halve a hole is allowed, but only after at least one player has made a stroke to begin it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(2))
- A match is won once the lead is greater than the number of holes left, or by concession or the opponent's disqualification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(3))
- A tied match is extended hole by hole until there is a winner, unless the Terms of the Competition say it ends tied. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(4))
- An extended match continues the same round rather than starting a new one. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(4); Rule 5.1)
- Extra holes follow the round's order unless the Committee sets a different one. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(4))
- The Committee decides when a result is final, for example when it is recorded on an official scoreboard or reported to a named person. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(5))
- An extended match continues one hole at a time, and the first player to win a hole wins the match. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(4))
- Three up with two to play has already won; two up with two to play can still be tied; all square is level; one down is behind. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(3))
- The player won seven holes and lost two, so leads by five with three to play: more holes than remain, so the match is won. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(3))

### Test 3: Concessions in match play

- A player may concede the opponent's next stroke, a hole or the whole match. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1))
- A hole can be conceded at any time before it is completed, including before play of it begins. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1))
- Agreeing to concede holes to shorten a match is not allowed; doing so knowingly disqualifies both players. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1))
- A concession must be clearly communicated, either verbally or by a clear action such as a gesture. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(2))
- Once made, a concession is final: the player cannot withdraw it and the opponent cannot decline it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(2))
- Lifting the ball because of a reasonable misunderstanding about a concession carries no penalty; the ball is replaced. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(2))
- A concession made while the ball is moving applies to the next stroke, unless the ball is holed, when it makes no difference. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1))
- Once the next stroke is conceded, the opponent has completed the hole with a score that includes it, and anyone may remove the ball. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1))
- The Rules allow three levels of concession: the next stroke, a hole and the whole match. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1))
- Stopping the ball to concede is allowed only when it has no reasonable chance of being holed, as at C, rolling away past the hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1))

### Test 4: Handicaps and strokes taken in a match

- Players should declare their handicaps to each other before the match. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(1))
- A declared handicap that is too high, and affects the strokes given or received, disqualifies the player if not corrected in time. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(1))
- Declaring too low a handicap carries no penalty, but the player must play off the lower handicap they declared. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(1))
- In a handicap match strokes are given on particular holes, and the lower net score wins each hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(2))
- Each player must know where strokes fall, based on the stroke index set by the Committee, usually printed on the scorecard. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(2))
- When asked, the player must give the right number of strokes, including penalty strokes; not answering counts as a wrong number. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(1))
- Giving the wrong number of strokes taken and not correcting it in time is the general penalty, loss of hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(1))
- A wrong number given during a hole carries no penalty if it is corrected before the opponent's next stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(1))
- Handicaps are declared, the strokes are worked out and then given on the holes picked out by the stroke index. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c)
- Three strokes fall on the holes with stroke index 1, 2 and 3 (A, C and B); hole D, stroke index 7, gets none. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(2))

### Test 5: Penalties, match score and protecting your rights

- A penalty must be reported to the opponent as soon as reasonably possible, allowing for distance and other practical factors. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(2))
- The requirement applies even when the player is unaware of the penalty, because players are expected to recognise their own breaches. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(2))
- Failing to tell the opponent about a penalty, and not correcting it in time, is the general penalty. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(2))
- A wrong match score can be fixed until a stroke begins the next hole; after that it becomes the actual score. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(3))
- In match play each player protects their own interests and may decide whether to act on an opponent's breach. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(4))
- Either player may protect their rights by making a request for a ruling. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(4); Rule 20.1b)
- A referee assigned to a single match for the whole round is responsible for acting on any breach they see or are told about. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(4); Rule 20.1b(1))
- A wrong match score must be corrected when a timely ruling request finds the opponent gave a wrong number of strokes or did not report a penalty. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(3))
- Players are expected to know the match score: how many holes up one of them is, or all square when level. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(3))
- There is no penalty for not reporting a penalty the opponent already knew about, such as seeing the player obviously take penalty relief. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(2))

## 3.32 Stroke Play

The winner and the marker, certifying and returning the scorecard, a wrong score for a hole, handicaps and adding up, and holing out.

### Test 1: The winner and the marker in stroke play

- The winner completes all rounds in the fewest total strokes, counting strokes made and penalty strokes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3a)
- After the round the marker and the player must both certify that each hole score is right. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3 (Purpose); Rule 3.3b)
- In stroke play the player's score is kept on their scorecard by the marker. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b)
- The marker is either identified by the Committee or chosen by the player in a way the Committee approves. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b)
- The player must keep the same marker for the whole round unless the Committee approves a change, before or after it happens. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b)
- The marker's job at the end of the round is to certify the hole scores; adding up and handicaps are for the Committee. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1))
- Knowingly certifying a wrong score is serious misconduct, and the marker should be disqualified under Rule 1.2a. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1); Rule 1.2a)
- After each hole the marker should confirm the strokes with the player and enter the gross score, then certify all hole scores at the end. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1))
- The Committee decides on the evidence and, if the marker still refuses, may certify the score itself or accept someone else who saw the hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1))
- In a handicap competition the fewest net strokes wins: A 72, B 73, C 71, D 74, so C wins despite the highest gross. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3a)

### Test 2: Certifying and returning the scorecard

- The player must certify the hole scores and promptly return the scorecard to the Committee. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2))
- A player must not change a score the marker entered unless the marker agrees or the Committee approves. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2))
- Breaching any of the player's scorecard duties in Rule 3.3b(2) is disqualification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2))
- There is no penalty when the Committee finds the player's breach was caused by the marker's failure and was beyond the player's control. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2), Exception)
- Once the player has returned the scorecard to the Committee, the player must not change it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2))
- The player should check the scores entered by the marker carefully and raise any issues with the Committee. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2))
- During the round the player should keep track of their own score on each hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2))
- A score entered by the marker may be changed with the marker's agreement or the Committee's approval, before the card is returned. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2))
- The player checks the scores, makes sure the marker has certified them, certifies them too and returns the card promptly. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2))
- Both the player and the marker must certify the hole scores, as on card C; each of the others is missing at least one certification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1) and (2))

### Test 3: A wrong score for a hole

- A returned hole score higher than the actual score stands. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3))
- Returning a lower score than actual, or no score for a hole, is disqualification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3))
- If an unknown penalty was left out, the player is not disqualified and the Committee adds the penalty strokes to that hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception)
- The exception does not cover a disqualification penalty, nor a player who was warned or unsure and did not raise it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception)
- The Committee revises the hole score if the mistake is found before the competition closes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception)
- The Committee revises the score for the hole by adding the penalty strokes that should have been included. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception)
- A player who was uncertain about a penalty and did not raise it with the Committee before returning the card cannot use the exception. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception)
- An unknown penalty left off the card does not disqualify the player; the Committee adds it if found before the competition closes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception)
- A correct score counts as it is, a higher score stands against the player and a lower score is disqualification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3))
- C's card shows 4 where 5 were taken, and a card below the truth means disqualification; B's 6 costs a stroke, A and D are right. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3))

### Test 4: Handicaps and adding up the card

- The Rules do not require the player's handicap to be shown on the card; the Committee works out the handicap strokes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4))
- Once the card is received, adding up the scores is the Committee's job, not the player's. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4))
- There is no penalty for a mistake in adding up scores; the Committee is responsible for the total. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4))
- The marker confirms the number of strokes, penalties included, and enters the gross score; net scores come later. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1))
- With more than one marker, each certifies their own holes, unless one of them saw every hole and certifies them all. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1))
- A Model Local Rule lets a Committee make the player responsible for the handicap on the scorecard. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4); Model Local Rule L-2)
- A scorecard may be paper or electronic, in any form the Committee approves that lets scores be entered and certified. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definitions (Scorecard))
- Once the card is received, the Committee adds up the scores and uses the handicap to calculate the net score. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4))
- The marker records and certifies, the player checks, certifies and returns it, and the Committee does the arithmetic. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b)
- Players need not add up their scores or show their handicap; the Committee totals the card and applies the handicap. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4))

### Test 5: Holing out in stroke play

- A player must hole out at each hole in a stroke play round. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c)
- A failure to hole out must be corrected before making a stroke to begin another hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c)
- On the last hole of the round, the mistake must be corrected before the scorecard is returned. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c)
- Stableford, Maximum Score and Par/Bogey score differently, so failing to hole out does not disqualify the player there. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c; Rule 21)
- Conceding strokes is a match play idea; in stroke play every player must hole out. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 3.2b and 3.3c)
- In stroke play each player competes against all the others in the competition, which is why scorecards and holing out matter. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3 (Purpose))
- The Terms of the Competition should say how ties are decided. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3a)
- The mistake is fixed in time as long as the player holes out before the first stroke on the next hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c)
- A missed hole-out mid-round must be fixed before the next hole starts, on the last hole before the card is returned; an unknown penalty can be added until the competition closes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 3.3b(3) and 3.3c)
- Once a stroke has begun the next hole, the failure to hole out can no longer be corrected and the player is disqualified. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c)

Sources: Rules of Golf, effective January 2023 (The R&A and USGA), Rule 3 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)

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