Medal before Matchplay

[BrizoH71]

Talking about this in the clubhouse this evening, none of us could give a definitive answer.

Last week, a member played in the midweek medal early in the morning, and then played again in the evening in his matchplay tie. He NRd the former, and was beaten in the latter. However, the debate centred on whether he should have been allowed to play in the latter?

We were all in agreement that he could practise on the course ahead of a matchplay tie, but we couldn't reach a consensus on whether playing in a medal prior to a matchplay tie was allowed to be classed as practising as it was an active competiton, and should the person be disqualified? The waters were further muddied by the medal in question being a stableford event.

I thought the guy was within his rights to play the medal in the morning and the matchplay later, but others weren't convinced. So, what is the ruling, assuming there is one?

 

[FairwayDodger]

Medal before matchplay is fine but vice versa is not.

 

[Val]

Is there any difference to playing a medal am at home and a tie pm at an away course?

 

[Colin L]

The reference for practising before match play is Rule 7-1a.
http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!rule-07

You might want to note that the Committee can prohibit prior practise on the day of a match in the Conditions of Competition. Worth checking whether that is the case.

The difference in playing a medal at home and a match away - or a match at home and then a stroke competition away for that matter - is that Rule 7 isn't relevant. It applies only to practice on the same course as the competition.

 

[Kellfire]

The medal was a stableford? Eh?

 

[Hosel Fade]

You are allowed to practice on the course on the same day as a match so its perfectly fine. The same is not the case for strokeplay so it would not be allowed to play a match AM and then go out in a medal PM.