Match play: non competing guests

[twosmalltowns]

Hi all. Comments appreciated please! Situation; we have a match play competition over several months. Players A & B are having an official match and usually there are 1 or 2 guests (friends, etc.) who play in the group. Are there any " official" guidelines for the guests? What should we tell them before tee off? I assume something like: Guest hits green side chips and putts after A & B. No help reading putts, no advice before shots. Comments & suggestions welcome. Cheers.

[Dormie1360]

The guests are "outside agencies".  As far as showing lines, etc., I think it's a good idea to not have one of the guests play first if it might show the line, but there is not a "rule" against this.  Other than treating the guests as outside agencies and applying the rules accordingly, (like if they were to move your ball), I believe the only thing mentioned in the rules concerning other players playing along with the match is that both match play opponents must agree to allow the other players to play with them.

Rules like attending the flagstick, advice, etc., still apply.

Edit:  One thing to be aware of is cart sharing and who is riding with who.  This effects the status of "equipment", depending on who's sharing carts and/or who's driving a moving cart.

[Jon Hoover]

Sounds pretty competitive what are you guys playing for?

[twosmalltowns]

John:  thanks for the good comments.  Appreciated!

Jon H.:  we are playing for pride, honour, yadda yadda yadda.  At my club we do this match play  tournament.

rules are:  single elimination (only winner advances) with eventually a final 8, final 4, etc.  It takes a few months to get it all in (with travel.)  Prize is bragging rights, likely a small prize... its a good way to meet new golfers.

And yes, it is competitive - as expected with a bunch of retired guys who are alpha males!  ; )

Stay cool.