Only Two Balls in a Foursome…What?

(Rules for the Game of Golf)

As a reader or one who may take a quick glance at these rules of golf articles submitted to Golf House Kentucky on a monthly basis, you have been privy to historical facts, famous names of individuals and their contributions to the game, whimsical anecdotes and perhaps a few real facts and figures. I have always tried to provide some thought-provoking idea or off-the-cuff humor to bring a smile to your face. It is my hope that I have been successful in some way to encourage your mind and heart to remember that golf is a game, not a life and death matter.

Let’s also remember that there have been major changes over the past few decades described as modernizing the game’s guidelines. Some of these changes have been popular with players and those who officiate the game and there have been some that have been downright headscratchers. Before 1984 we dropped a ball over our shoulder to get it back in play. That changed to shoulder height and arm’s length and now we must lean over so we can drop from our knee height. That’s a big difference in less than half a century.

The point I’m trying to make is we will continue to see changes to the rules, equipment, competitions, course architecture and players’ skill levels. There are few, if any, sports that don’t constantly review and change their rules of the game to better serve the players and fans. Golf will always be evolving in some fashion, so we have to get used to it, unless you want to return to playing in a coat and tie again!

Research indicates there’s a long history of groups of golfers playing in foursomes and of course it began in Scotland. But it certainly has been popularized across the world by events using the alternate shot format such as the Ryder Cup, Curtis Cup, Walker Cup, Solheim Cup, and an event close to my heart, the Coomer Cup.

Teams (sides) of two players compete against another side of two using one ball per side. The competition can be conducted in either stroke play or match play. Rule 22 – Foursomes (Also Known as Alternate Shot) lists six subsections to identify the workings of the rule. All of the first 20 rules apply to this form of play except when modified by the specific rules in Rule 22. Either of the partners may take any action for the side before the stroke is made, such as marking the spot of the ball and replacing or placing the ball. It does not matter which partner’s turn it is to play next.

A partner and his caddie may assist the other partner in any way the other partner’s caddie is allowed to help, such as giving advice and taking other actions. All of the actions must follow the guidelines published in Rule 10. Any action or breach of the Rules by either partner or either caddie applies to the side.

The third subsection of the rule concerns how the partners are to proceed in making strokes at the side’s ball. Partners must alternate the order of play from the tee until the ball is holed out. If a stroke is cancelled, replayed, or otherwise does not count under any Rule (except when a stroke is made in the wrong order, the same partner who made the stroke must make the next stroke for the side. If the side decides to play a provisional ball, it must be played by the partner whose turn it is to play the next stroke. If a stroke is made by a partner in the wrong order, the General Penalty will be applied (2 strokes).

Who decides which partner plays first from the first tee? It is up to the side to determine, and that player must be ready to play at the prescribed starting time. His partner must also be present on time at the tee or near where the ball played may come to rest on the hole.

I have always found it interesting that partners are allowed to share clubs. What is sometimes forgotten is the limit of 14 clubs is a total for both partners. In other words, you can have 7 clubs in your bag and your partner can have 7 clubs in his bag.

Lastly, subsection 22.6 reminds us about the restriction of a player or caddie standing behind the partner when a stroke is made. Except for providing information or guidance prior to the stroke, neither partner or caddie shall stand on or close to an extension of the line of play behind the ball while making a stroke. Once again, a 2-stroke penalty will be accessed to the side.

Foursome golf can be a lot of fun, but it is also when you will hear lots of apologizing and gnashing of teeth between partners.

“Sorry pard, never hit it there before.”

“I told you I can’t hit that soft core ball. We should use my Pinnacles.”

“Oops! Looks like I owe you another one!”

P.G. Wodehouse, English writer and humorist, penned hundreds of novels, short stories, musicals and plays during his 93 years of life. Some of those published works centered around the game of golf. A favorite character of his was call Oldest Member, a septuagenarian that no longer plays golf at the club but is known to listen in and flourishingly repeat what he hears as other club members tell their tales of woe after their round over a favorite adult beverage. Wodehouse included Oldest Member in dozens of short stories. Although attributed to Wodehouse himself, I can just hear Oldest Member suggesting that “to find a man’s character, just play golf with him.”

I’ll bet you will find out a lot about your golfing buddies the next time you pair up for a round of alternate shot golf.