How to resolve a rules disagreement whilst playing a match

One of the commonest problems encountered in playing matches is when there is uncertainty or disagreement on how to proceed in situation which has arisen during the course of a match.This problem is handled under Rule 2 - Match Play, of the Rules of Golf, more specifically Rule 2-5 Doubts as to Proceedure, Disputes and Claims.  Please read the rule book for the exact and comprehensive wording of this rule.

Simply put where a doubt or disagreement occurs one player, or side, can make a claim as to how they believe the situation should be resolved.  In order to make a valid claim, the player has to make the claim promptly (i.e. before anybody in the match tees off on the next hole, or before leaving the 18th green) to their opponent by stating they want to make a claim or ask for a ruling and outline the basis of their claim.  If competition committee members are available at the time then the claim can be resolved there and then but if not the match should continue and the claim dealt with after the match with the score of the match being resolved accordingly.

As an example in a singles match Player A, who is 1 up after 11 holes, clears some range balls from a fairway whilst waiting to take his next shot, Player B states that Player A has forfeited the hole because he is practising on the course.  Player A disagrees saying he was tidying up the course and is going to continue to play out the hole.  Player B, before either player tees off on the next hole, states he is going to make a claim/ask for a ruling on whether or not Player A was practising.  Unfortunately no Competition Committee members were available so the match progresses.  A wins the hole to go 2 up with 6 holes to play.

Of course if A is found to have breached the rules then they lose the 12th hole and the match status is all square with 6 holes to play.  So the match has to be played to a clear conclusion or until a committee member can be consulted, e.g. until A wins the 18th hole to win the match by 1 hole if the claim is found against him or 3 up in the case that his actions are found to be within the rules. If at the conclusion of the 18th hole the result is not definitive then at the point a committee member should be available too resolve the claim, adjust the match score accordingly and for the match result to be known or continus on with extra holes.

There is more to the rule, its quite complicated, so players are strongly recommended to read the relevant sections in the rule book (and the related decisions too.)