Have a team match coming up? Know the rules that apply.
There’s a special feeling that comes from teaming with a friend to win a match. But the rules that govern team play can differ from what you’re used to. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
DO THIS
Ask For Help
Unlike individual stroke or matchplay, you and your partner are a cohesive team in four-ball or foursome formats, so it’s OK to ask for or give advice to each other (rule 8-1). This includes getting help from either of your caddies.
Watch The Putt
You can’t stand on an extension of your partner’s line when he or she putts, but you may look at it during the stroke from the other side of the hole (rule 14-2b, definition: line of putt).
Switch It Up
You and your partner can play in any order when it’s your side’s turn to play (rule 30-3b). This is especially handy on the putting green. For example, partners with similar putts can decide who should go first to give your team the best chance at holing one of the putts.
Leave It There
In matchplay, if your partner’s ball on the green can assist your shot off the green, you don’t have to mark it unless your opponent asks you to (rule 22-1). If you hit it, replace the ball, but your ball is played as it lies.
DON’T DO THIS
Wait For Your Partner
If your partner is late, start playing. You can be a one-man team until he or she arrives. This also applies during the round if one of you has to sit out some holes (rule 30-3a, rule 31-2). The only stipulation is that a partner can only join or rejoin a match or round between holes.
Share Too Many Clubs
It’s OK if you need to use your partner’s putter or any other club provided the combined number of clubs in both your bags is 14 or less (rule 4-4b). This rule applies even if one of you damages a club during normal course of play, such as bending it while hitting a shot by a tree root. The damaged club can be replaced, provided you don’t unduly delay the tournament.
Assist In Your Partner’s Shot
You can’t shield your partner from the elements (rain, wind, bright sun, etc.) during a stroke, nor can you offer physical or directional assistance. That means you can’t do things like help them maintain their balance while hitting an awkward shot, indicate his or her line of play (rule 8-2a) or stand close to or on an extension of that line behind the ball during the stroke (rule 14-2).