Rules question · Rule 3.2c · Expert
Declared a handicap that is too high in match play: what happens?
Before a handicap match, on the first tee you mistakenly declare a handicap that is too high, so you get one stroke more. Your opponent tees off. You only notice the mistake on the 2nd hole, and the affected hole comes later. What is the ruling?
Answer
You are disqualified
If you declare a handicap that is too high and do not correct it before your opponent makes their next stroke, you are disqualified if it affects the handicap strokes. This applies even if the affected hole has not been played yet, because your opponent may plan their play around it. If you declare a handicap that is too low, there is no penalty, but the lower handicap stands.