Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
The Committee is the person or group in charge of a competition or the course. It administers play under the Rules, which can include setting Terms of the Competition, marking the course, adopting authorised Local Rules, providing Rules support and confirming results.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, the Committee can publish the draw and starting times, provide the competition information and Local Rules, assist with Rules questions, and receive or confirm match results. Players remain responsible for applying the Rules to themselves, but may ask the Committee for help; a Committee is not a licence to change a Rule informally.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Committee |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Definitions (Committee); Rule 1.3a; Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures, Section 1 |
| Related concepts | Local Rule, Terms of the Competition, Referee, Ruling, Match Play |
Worked example
For a four-hole match, the Committee publishes Alex and Ben's starting time and an authorised Local Rule; Alex wins holes 1 and 2, Ben wins hole 3, and the Committee records Alex's 1-up Match Result after hole 4.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Definitions (Committee); Rule 1.3a; Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures, Section 1
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Who is the Committee in golf?
It is the person or group in charge of the competition or the course. In general play it may be an informal course representative; in an organised event it may be a competition committee with defined duties.
Can the Committee make its own golf rules?
The Committee may adopt authorised Local Rules for the course or competition, and it sets the Terms of the Competition. It must act consistently with the Rules of Golf; an inconsistent Local Rule is not authorised under the Official Guide.
Can I ask the Committee for a ruling during Match Play?
Yes. A player may ask the Committee or a Referee for help with the Rules. If help is not available in a reasonable time, the player must play on and raise the issue when the official becomes available, following Rule 20.1.
Does the Committee decide every shot for players?
No. Players are responsible for applying the Rules to themselves and for recognising and applying penalties. The Committee administers the competition and resolves questions or issues within its responsibilities.
Does every casual round have a formal Committee?
Not necessarily. The Committee Procedures explain that general play often has a more informal structure, with responsibilities delegated to a golf professional, course manager or other course representative.
Can a Committee change a Rule to suit a match?
It can adopt an authorised Local Rule where the Rules and Official Guide allow one. It should not waive or rewrite a penalty informally; the Rules state that neither a player nor the Committee has authority to apply penalties in a different way.