Rules question · Rule 20.1b · Expert
Noticed the opponent’s breach too late: can I still make a claim?
In match play you realise on hole 3 that your opponent breached a Rule on hole 2. You said nothing, and you have both teed off on hole 3. Can you still request a ruling?
Answer
No, you had to request it before the next tee shot. The result of hole 2 stands
In match play a ruling must be requested in time: if you knew the facts before either of you teed off on the next hole, you must speak up by then. Otherwise the result of the hole stands, even if the Rules were applied wrongly.