A unique feature about the match play format is that the order of play is much more relevant than what we see in stroke play. Many times, “ready golf” is utilized when playing stroke play, whereas in match play that term is almost non-existent. In match play, the player farthest from the hole is to play first (Rule 10).
(ASIDE FROM THE AUTHOR)
This is a good moment to point out that we sometimes see a situation when a player’s ball is on the putting green and it is assumed that his opponent that is in a greenside bunker or chipping off the green (but closer to the hole) is to automatically play first. This is incorrect. Consider only distance from the hole when deciding who plays first in this situation. The cut of grass or the fact that a player is in a bunker is irrelevant. Distance is king in this situation!
(ASIDE OVER)
This feature of playing first if you are away from the hole is so important that if you play out of turn the opponent may immediately recall your shot. The word “immediately” is emphasized in this situation because this essentially means that the shot must be recalled before the opponent plays his next shot. So, if you play out of turn, and the opponent then plays a shot, his opportunity to recall the shot is no longer valid.
Conversely, the opponent may choose not to recall the shot depending on how poorly you hit that shot. If you play out of turn and hit one into the tall grass and behind some trees, your opponent can say nothing and have you play the ball where it lies. So, if you do play out of turn, hit a good enough shot that your opponent wants you to do it over again!
