Information Question

[Schulzmc]

Seems like it has been a while since we had an actual rules thread to discuss, so hopefully this helps…

 

We were playing a two-man best ball match today. Players A and B vs. C and D. I was keeping score. In the middle of the 15th fairway player C asks me (Player A) if both players B and D are getting strokes on the hole. I reply that I think they both are stroking. Player C hits his approach shot, missing the green to the right. I immediately say, “I checked and I was wrong. Only player B is getting a stroke.” Player C then tells me that the hole is theirs as I gave incorrect information regarding the strokes. 

 

In reality he was laughing and said he had no intention of making us forfeit the hole. It was a friendly match and not part of a larger tournament, etc. But was he right? Did the fact that I said, “I think both C and D are stroking” mitigate the situation, since I did not claim to be sure? 

 

 

Edited September 2, 2023 by Schulzmc

[KevCarter]

Our answer is found in rule 3.2C. It tells us the players are responsible for providing their correct handicap. but each player is responsible to know the stroke allocations based on the handicaps provided.

 

Quote

Each player is responsible for knowing the holes where they give or get handicap strokes, based on the stroke index allocation set by the Committee (which is usually found on the scorecard).

 

[antip]

In short, the guy was wrong, as Kev notes.

[Schulzmc]

But what about this:

 

If a player declares a wrong handicap either before or during the match and does not correct the mistake before the opponent makes their next stroke:
    •    Declared Handicap Too High. The player is disqualified if this affects the number of strokes the player gives or gets. If it does not, there is no penalty.
    •    Declared Handicap Too Low. There is no penalty and the player must use the declared lower handicap to calculate the number of strokes the player gives or gets.

[rogolf]

50 minutes ago, Schulzmc said:

But what about this:

 

If a player declares a wrong handicap either before or during the match and does not correct the mistake before the opponent makes their next stroke:
    •    Declared Handicap Too High. The player is disqualified if this affects the number of strokes the player gives or gets. If it does not, there is no penalty.
    •    Declared Handicap Too Low. There is no penalty and the player must use the declared lower handicap to calculate the number of strokes the player gives or gets.

That's not applicable - it talks of "handicap", not stroke allocation.

[Augster]

No possible penalty. As Kev linked, each player is responsible for knowing where their shots are, getting or giving. 
 

“Handicap” is the PH you’re playing off for the match. This is usually taken care of before teeing off.

 

But, I suppose players could be in a hurry and not check their daily PH on the first tee but just say “I’m a 5”. And be on their way. Then when they are waiting on the second hole they check GHIN and realize they went down a shot overnight and are now only a 4. 
 

Then his “declared handicap” would be too high. 
 

[Schulzmc]

Thanks guys. He admitted to me today that he had it wrong.