Dear Golf Nut, I have a golf rules question in regards to match play. We were playing a friendly golf competition, match play, when a storm hit. We had completed 6 holes and were 2 down. Both teams agreed that the golf course was unplayable and that we needed to reschedule the match. When we resume do we start at hole 7 or do we start completely over?

That is an interesting golf rules question. Now part of your question I may have to make some assumptions on, but let’s look at the Rules of Golf. First of all, make note that the normal Rules of Golf apply for match play unless there are specific exceptions applied. The specifics on match play or 4 Ball Match play are addressed in Rule 2 or Rule 30.

So is there an exception for suspended play specific to match play? No, so Rule 6-8 comes into effect. This addresses “Procedure when play resumed.” Now normally the rules of golf on suspended play are written as if there is golf tournament being played and a Committee has made a ruling that suspended play. I am assuming that this wasn’t the case for your round of golf, but that you were just playing a friendly match at your local golf course.

Rule 6-8 would still apply so if play was suspended, then when play of the golf match resumes “Play must be resumed from where it was discontinued, even if resumption occurs on a subsequent day.”

Since you were down in this golf match, this may not have been the answer that you wanted. But that’s what the Rules of Golf say on this one.