July 2022
FOUR BALL STROKE PLAY
Question: I have been administering a Four Ball Stroke Play Competition – Medal – and have a problem because on one hole the lower score was attributed to the wrong player. It was on a short hole. The higher handicapped player had a 2 and the player with the lower handicap had a 4, but they were wrongly attributed. What is the Ruling?
Answer: If they are transposed Rule 23.2b applies.
(1) Side's Scorecard in Stroke Play
• Each score on the scorecard must be clearly identified as the score of that individual partner who made it; if this is not done the side is disqualified.
(2) Committee's Responsibility
>> If those scores are different the lowest (gross or net) score for that hole counts for the side
>> If both scores are the same, the Committee may count either score. If the score used is found to be wrong for any reason, the Committee will count the other score. (Only when both have the same score 2 2s or 2 4s in this case)
If the score that counts for the side is not clearly identified as the score of the individual partner who made it, or, if the partner is disqualified relating to the play of the hole, the side is disqualified.
It is disqualification as you cannot take the other score as it was not the same score.
This Ruling would be the same in Stableford or Par/Bogey.
See also for confirmation Rule 23.8b Disqualification Penalties
(1) When Breach by One Partner Means Side Is Disqualified?
Rule 3.3b(3) Wrong Score for Hole