Handicap and Match Play Question

[Martin B]

Al and Bob played a match, with Al giving Bob five strokes. The match was all square after 18 holes. The competition rules called for the match to continue in sudden death, starting on hole #1.

On the tee, Bob pointed out that that hole was handicap #5, so he gets a stroke.

Al disagreed, saying that they were still playing the match and that Bob only got five strokes, which he already used.

Who's correct?

(In the actual match, Al had a bogie while Bob shot par, so the stroke was not an issue.)

[spackler]

Bob is correct.

The USGA recommends:

(i) Match Play
A match that ends all square should be played off hole by hole until one side wins a hole. The play-off should start on the hole where the match began. In a handicap match, handicap strokes should be allowed as in the stipulated round.

In section 9-6 of the handicap manual.

[Kilroy]

Al is a player who wants an advantage. If the playoff goes 18 holes and Bob were to get no strokes over the playoff how is that fair?