2026 Match Play Golf Rules

2026 Match Play Golf Rules

Golf Rules Application

• USGA Rules shall apply
• Local Course Rules shall apply
• TAPPS rules shall apply
• USGA Match Play rules shall apply

 

Coach Eligibility

• Each team shall be allowed up to two (2) coaches
• Each coach shall be 
  • in the TMS database and 
  • Eligible having completed all TEaMs requirements

 

Student Eligibility

• Students must be entered into the TAPPS database prior to the tournament
• Students must be marked as eligible in the TAPPS database prior to the tournament

 

Team Members

• The school roster may include up to eight (8) eligible students
• A school must enter five (5) players for each match
• If a school does not enter five players, any lines not filled shall be considered a forfeit

 

Alternates

• Alternates from the list of eight (8) eligible players may be substituted prior to the start of the match
• No substitution is allowed once the the match roster is verified and the players report to the Tee Box

 

Match Lineup

• Coaches may change the lineup prior to each match
• Coaches may change the order of play prior to the start of each match
• The match line up is due to the tournament officials no later than 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the match
• No changes to the lineup are to be made after submission to the tournament officials
• Team lineups may be changed between matches

 

Length of Play

• Each individual match shall continue until a winner is determined or 
• If the match is tied at the conclusion of regulation
  • A one (1) hole playoff shall be played
  • If the extra hole is halved, the match shall be determined a draw
• Once an individual match is determined, the match players may continue to play until their paired partners determine a winner.
• Team matches shall conclude once a winner is determined (3 individual match wins)

 

Match Procedure:

• Coaches shall determine the lineup for their teams and submit their lineup card to the tournament director
• Each coach shall submit lineup for the match as directed
  • Substitution may not occur after the lineup is presented
  • Changes in playing order shall not occur after the lineup is submitted
• Tournament staff will review and compile score sheets for both coaches
• Both Coaches shall record the results of each individual match on their scoresheet
• Both Coaches shall turn in their match scoresheet along with their players’ individual scorecards to the tournament director
• Tournament director shall record the results of the match

 

Scoring:

• Double Par rule is in effect
  • Once double par is reached on any hole, the hole is concluded for that player and no more strokes should be attempted
  • Once double par is reached, a player may concede the hole
  • If both players reach double par, the hole shall be halved
• Concession
  • Players may concede a hole at any time during play for that hole
  • Players may concede a match during the contest without penalty
• Recording Scores
  • Match Play requires each contestant to record their match score and not their actual score on a hole
  • Once the match begins, holes are considered a win, loss or halved.
  • The running total should be recorded to keep track of the match