Rules question · Rule 4.1b · Expert
15 clubs in match play: how is the penalty applied?
In match play you realise on hole 3 that you are carrying 15 clubs. You still win the hole and go 3 up. What is the state of the match once the penalty is applied?
Answer
1 up
In match play one hole is deducted from the match score for each hole where you had too many clubs, with a maximum of two in the round. It applies at the end of the hole on which you become aware of it. So 3 up becomes 1 up. You must take the extra club out of play before your next stroke.