Rule 22: Playing Together: The Foursomes Format
What this is about
This rule explains how two players play one golf ball together as a team. You take turns hitting until the ball is in the hole (cup).
What you need to do
On each hole, you start by alternating who tees off. The partner who tees off on hole 1 switches with the other partner on hole 2. After that, you alternate every stroke until the ball is in the hole (cup).
If a stroke doesn't count, for example because you have to replay it, the player who made that stroke plays again. If you play a provisional ball, the partner whose turn it is plays it.
Both partners are allowed to carry out actions such as marking the ball, regardless of whose turn it is.
Do you accidentally play out of order? This costs you two penalty strokes and you must correct the mistake by having the right player make the stroke. If you don't fix this in time, your team is disqualified.
Common mistake
A common mistake is that teams forget to alternate the teeing order on each new hole. They sometimes think that whoever teed off on the first hole always gets to tee off on the 'odd' holes, but that's not correct. The teeing turn switches every hole.
Example
Piet tees off on hole 1. The ball ends up in the bunker. It's now Lies's turn for the second stroke. Once Lies hits the ball out of the bunker, it's Piet's turn again for the next stroke. This is how they keep alternating.
Practise this rule with real exam questions in the free app.
22.1 Overview
Foursomes can be played as match play or stroke play. Two partners play together as a side and share one ball: they play alternately. Rules 1-20 apply, with modifications.
22.2 Both partners may act for the side
Either partner can carry out actions on behalf of the side, such as marking the ball, lifting it, replacing it, and tending the flagstick.
22.3 Partners must take turns hitting
The partners must strictly alternate taking a stroke. Penalty strokes don't change the order of play. If the wrong partner accidentally plays a stroke, the side gets the general penalty and the correct partner must play again.
22.4 Starting the round
22.4a Which partner plays first
The side may choose which partner tees off first on the first hole. After that, they alternate teeing off on each hole.
22.4b Starting time
At least one partner must be present at the starting time.
22.5 Partners can share the same clubs
Partners can share clubs, as long as the total doesn't exceed 14 clubs.
22.6 Partner may not stand behind the other
A partner may not deliberately stand behind the player making the stroke while the stroke is being made.