The Former Rule 34: Disputes and Decisions
The USGA and R&A outline the guiding principles of golf in their "Official Rules of Golf," and the former Rule 34 covered disputes among competitors and referee's decisions when it came to claims and penalties, which are ultimately decided by a committee in the absence of a referee.
Subpoint One: Claims and Penalties
During match play, Rule 34 dictates that "If a claim is lodged with the Committee under Rule 2-5, a decision should be given as soon as possible so that the state of the match may, if necessary, be adjusted," but also stipulates that if the claim is not made according to Rule 2-5, it must not be considered at all.
Who Makes the Call
Rule 34-2 and 34-3 govern that the ultimate decision in regards to broken rules and penalties to be applied either falls on a referee or on a committee.