Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Match Referee is an official appointed by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules during a match. The referee gives rulings, and players must follow them; the Committee may review a ruling when the referee refers it for review.
How it matters in match play
A Match Referee may rule when a Rules issue comes to their attention or a player makes a timely request. In match play, the referee can keep and announce the match score in organised events, but the Rules do not generally require players to keep a scorecard. A ruling is binding on the players.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Match Referee |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 20.1b(2) and Rule 20.2a |
| Related concepts | Referee, Committee, Ruling, Request for Ruling, Match Result |
Worked example
Alex and Ben are 2 up after 15 holes when Alex asks whether his ball is in a penalty area; the Match Referee decides the facts and applies the relevant Rule, then records the hole result and match score.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 20.1b(2) and Rule 20.2a
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What does a Match Referee do?
A Match Referee decides questions of fact and applies the Rules. The referee may also handle match administration, such as recording and announcing the match score, where the competition procedures assign those duties.
Can players appeal a Match Referee's ruling?
Under Rule 20.2a, a player has no right to appeal a referee's ruling to the Committee. The referee may obtain a second opinion or refer the ruling to the Committee for review, and the Committee's ruling is final when it decides the issue.
Must every match have a Match Referee?
No. A Committee may assign a referee to a match, but players may need to play on and protect their rights if a referee is not available promptly. The competition's Terms of the Competition determine the event's officiating arrangements.
Does a Match Referee keep the scorecard?
In an organised match-play event, the referee may keep the match scorecard and return it to the scoreboard. That is an event procedure, not a universal requirement for every casual match; the USGA notes that match play does not generally require a scorecard.
When should a player request a ruling?
A player should request a ruling in time to protect their rights. Before the final hole starts, the request normally must be made before either player makes a stroke to begin another hole; on the final hole, it must be made before the match result becomes final, subject to Rule 20.1b.
Is a Match Referee the same as the Committee?
No. The referee is an official named by the Committee to decide facts and apply the Rules. If no referee is available, or the referee refers an issue, the Committee gives the ruling; the Committee's ruling is final.