Rules question · Rule 15.3a · Expert
Leaving the opponent’s ball as a backstop: is that allowed in match play?
In match play you are chipping from just off the putting green. Your opponent’s ball lies one metre behind the flagstick. As they go to mark it, you say: “Leave it, it’ll help me.” They leave it and you chip. What is the ruling?
Answer
No penalty, in match play your opponent may leave their ball there for you
In stroke play you would both get two penalty strokes as soon as you chip with their ball helping you, whether or not your ball hits it. This penalty applies only in stroke play, because there an advantage affects the whole field. In match play it affects only your match, so your opponent may leave their ball in place, even at your request.