Foursomes Rules
Foursomes comes to prominence every time a Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup or Presidents Cup is played. It is a pairs format (also known as ‘alternate shot’) in which two partners compete as a side by playing one ball in alternating order on each hole.
While Rules 1 to 20 in the book are generally applied equally to foursomes, with each side treated like an individual player, there are a few modifications to be found in Rule 22, with the following the ones you most need to be aware of.
First, either partner may act for the side at all times and take any actions permitted or required by the Rules before the next stroke, whether marking the spot of the ball or lifting, replacing, dropping or placing it. Partners and caddies may help the other partner in any way normally allowed under the
Rules, such as giving advice. And any action taken, or breach of the Rules, by either partner or either caddie applies to the side.
One partner tees off on the odd-numbered holes and the other on the evens. Partners may decide who plays from the 1st tee, other than when the Terms of the Competition specify who must play first. They must then alternate strokes for the remainder of each hole. However, if a stroke is cancelled or otherwise does not count under any Rule (except when a stroke is made in the wrong order in foursomes in breach of Rule 22.3), the same partner who made the stroke must make the next stroke.
If a pair makes a stroke in the wrong order, the general penalty applies. In stroke play, the error must be corrected before the next hole begins by going back to where the first stroke was made in the wrong order and the correct partner then playing. Any strokes played, or penalties incurred, once the first stroke has been made in the wrong order do not count. The penalty becomes disqualification if the error is not rectified before the next hole begins or before returning the scorecard if it’s the last hole of the round.
As for provisional balls, the partner whose turn it is to play next hits the provisional ball, as penalty strokes do not affect the alternating order of play.
Finally, partners may share clubs, as long as the total number carried between them does not exceed the 14-club limit.
“IF A PAIR MAKES A STROKE IN THE WRONG ORDER, THE GENERAL PENALTY APPLIES”