Rules of Golf - Rule 31: Four-Ball Stroke Play
31-1. General
In four-ball stroke play two competitors play as partners, each playing
his own ball. The lower score of the partners is the score for the hole.
If one partner fails to complete the play of a hole, there is no
penalty.
The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance with the following
specific Rules, apply to four-ball stroke play.
31-2. Representation of Side
A side may be represented by either partner for all or any part of a
stipulated round; both partners need not be present. An absent
competitor may join his partner between holes, but not during play of a
hole.
31-3. Maximum
of 14 Clubs
The side is penalized for a breach of Rules 4-3a (iii) and 4-4 by either
partner.
31-4. Scoring
The marker is required to record for each hole only the gross score of
whichever partner’s score is to count. The gross scores to count must be
individually identifiable; otherwise the side is disqualified. Only one
of the partners need be responsible for complying with Rule 6-6b.
(Wrong score — see Rule 31-7a.)
31-5. Order of
Play
Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side
considers best.
31-6. Wrong
Ball
If a competitor makes a stroke at a wrong ball that is not in a hazard,
he incurs a penalty of two strokes and must correct his mistake by
playing the correct ball or by proceeding under the Rules. His partner
incurs no penalty even if the wrong ball belongs to him.
If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner must place a
ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.
31-7.
Disqualification Penalties
g a. Breach by One Partner
A side is disqualified from the competition for a breach of any of the
following by either partner:
• Rule 1-3 — Agreement to Waive Rules
• Rule 3-4 — Refusal to Comply with a Rule
• Rule 4-1 or -2 — Clubs
• Rule 5-1 or -2 — The Ball
• Rule 6-2b — Handicap (playing off higher handicap; failure to record
handicap)
• Rule 6-4 — Caddie (having more than one caddie; failure to correct
breach immediately)
• Rule 6-6b — Signing and Returning Score Card
• Rule 6-6d — Wrong Score for Hole, i.e., when the recorded score of the
partner whose score is to count is lower than actually taken. If the
recorded score of the partner whose score is to count is higher than
actually taken, it must stand as returned.
• Rule 6-7 — Undue Delay; Slow Play (repeated offense)
• Rule 7-1 — Practice Before or Between Rounds
• Rule 14-3 — Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment
• Rule 31-4 — Gross Scores to Count Not Individually Identifiable
g b. Breach by Both Partners
A side is disqualified:
(i) for a breach by both of Rule 6-3 (Time of Starting and Groups) or
Rule 6-8 (Discontinuance of Play), or
(ii) if, at the same hole, each partner is in breach of a Rule the
penalty for which is disqualification from the competition or for a
hole.
g c. For the Hole Only
In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would result in
disqualification, the competitor is disqualified only for the hole at
which the breach occurred.
31-8. Effect
of Other Penalties
If a competitor’s breach of a Rule assists his partner’s play, the
partner incurs the applicable penalty in addition to any penalty
incurred by the competitor.
In all other cases where a competitor incurs a penalty for breach of a
Rule, the penalty does not apply to his partner.
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