Matchplay and medal

[Canary_Yellow]

I have never ever heard of someone being out of the game based on the rules being complicated

Yes rules get visited by people regualry but how often do people want to question the fundamentals of golf ?

I don't think I have ever come across a rule that spoils my enjoyment of the game

If people start to think too much about the rules I would question why when the game is so simple - hit ball - walk then hit ball again. When situations arrive that require a ruling then a quick check of the rules doesn't take too long -

And the question why rules are there is simple answer - to allow the game to be played fairly by everyone

The answer to the question "Why do matchplay and strokeplay not have the same rules?" is not "to allow the game to be played fairly by everyone".

There might well be good reasons, but there's nothing wrong with a discussion of what those are and why they are still relevant and appropriate.

I don't know whether people are put off the game on the basis of antiquated rules, or the perception thereof, but nor would I want anyone to be either, and that's why I'm all in favour of healthy debate of the rules of the game.

 

[Old Skier]

Debate is one thing but unfortunately it appears there are those who just refuse to accept the rule once it is explained and still insist on going their own way.

 

[Foxholer]

I do not see a problem with the rules of golf, what you need to do is teach new players the basics, not them rely on picking them up from Bob and Fred who have no clue but insist on trying to tell others. Only 2 rules need looking into, divots and spike marks on greens. But the first is open to too much interpretation and abuse and the other will get ridiculous when players and flattening the line on a 40' putt.

I think you need to stop listening to the pro.

@Adey Those are the 2 rules I'd 'like' to change, but I can see exactly why they can't be ('exactly' is the reason)!

@Old Skier The Pro may well be correct! But it's all about interpretation of what he has said! You can actually play a Match after a Strokeplay competition! But not the other way around - and for absolutely 'fair' reasons! This is a classic example of how the Rules of Golf are actually perfectly equitable!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Disappointing that it was the pro who said it was allowable in the first place. If no other date was available for the matchplay, I'd see if the opponent would use the medal score as a decider, play it under proper strokeplay rules and get on with it. Has to be better than tossing a coin

 

[MadAdey]

I do not understand how people run out of time, it is a regular thing happening often at all clubs. I have done it once in over 20 years. But that was down to extenuating circumstances.

We were both on holiday so had to arrange the game for a gew days before the cutoff. He then had an accident at work and put his back out so couldn't play. I didn't want to win by default, so spoke to the competitions secretary. He said we could have an extra 5 days, only if the person we are playing in the next round agreed as it affects him too. He agreed, so we played a few days late and I got beat by someone with a bad back 😳

So for someone to say it is either that or a coin toss is rubbish, there is ways other options.

 

[palindromicbob]

I'm only used to hearing that sarcastically.

I hope this wasn't saracastically.

Nope. I'd have used rolling eye smiley if I was being sarcastic . It's the only suggestion I've read of how to play 18 holes and decide the match that isn't against the rules.