Can I correct a pro's ruling in match play?
Yes, but only if you ask for a ruling before it's too late. In match play you protect your own rights, so if a pro acting as referee makes a call you think is wrong, you must request a ruling promptly — otherwise the result stands even if the call was incorrect.
When the pro is acting as a referee
If the pro is an assigned referee, their decision is binding on the spot. You can still ask the Committee to review it, but you have to make that request in time — before either player starts the next hole, or before you leave the final green if it's the last hole. Once that window closes, the ruling stands even if video later proves it wrong.
When the pro is just a fellow player
If the pro is your opponent or a playing partner offering an opinion, that's not a ruling — it's advice. You're not bound by it. You and your opponent can agree on how to proceed, but if you disagree, either of you can request a ruling from the Committee. The key is doing it before the match moves on.
The 'reasonable judgment' standard doesn't apply to referees
Rule 20.1b(2) protects a player's own estimates — like where a ball crossed a penalty area — if they did their best at the time. That protection doesn't extend to a referee's decision. A referee's job is to apply the Rules correctly; if they misapply a Rule, the Committee can correct it, but only if you ask in time.
Exceptions that change the answer
- You discover a possible breach after the final hole but before the result is final → You can still request a ruling. If the Committee finds a breach, the match score adjusts and you may have to return to the course to finish the match.
- Both players played out the hole with two balls because of uncertainty → In match play that's not allowed. The score with the original ball counts if you referred it to the Committee and the opponent didn't object to the second ball being played.
Frequently asked questions
What if the pro referee tells me the wrong penalty and I play on?
If you realize it before the next hole starts, request a ruling from the Committee immediately. If you don't speak up in time, the wrong penalty stands and you can't change it later.
My opponent and a pro both say I'm wrong — do I have to accept it?
No. In match play you can always request a ruling from the Committee. The pro's opinion isn't binding unless they're the assigned referee, and even then you have a short window to ask for review.
Can we just agree to ignore a referee's call and play on?
No. Players can't waive a Rule or a referee's decision. If a referee makes a ruling, it applies unless the Committee overturns it after a timely request.
What counts as 'in time' to request a ruling?
Before either player makes a stroke on the next hole, or before leaving the final green on the last hole. The clock starts when you become aware of the facts, not when you learn something was a penalty.
If video shows the referee was wrong after the match is over, can I protest?
Only if you requested a ruling before the deadline. Once the result is final and no timely request was made, the match stands as played — even with video proof.