Order of play, fourball match play

[sac1]

I am familiar with the rule that says that a pair can decide to hit in any order they like as long as it doesn't unduly delay play, but there seems to be no information about the relative positions of their opponents ball with this rule.

For example: player A and B are playing as a team and are both further away from the hole than player C of the opposing team on the putting green.  In this situation either A or B can put first, no problem.  But what happens when player B putts and puts their ball inside that of player C, does player B have the right to go and play their next shot ahead of player C because player A is still further away then C.

it would seem to me this is unfair if they do.  Player C should have the opportunity to be putting pressure on player B by either holing or lagging it up closer, not have player B holing out and having the advantage solely because his partner is further away.  Also in this situation player B might indeed be standing directly on player C's line, which is one of the principal reasons person furthest away puts first, players on the same team can choose to stand on each other's line, but surely not that of their opponents.

some clarification would be great.

Edited April 23, 2016 by sac1

[Martyn W]

2 hours ago, sac1 said:

 But what happens when player B putts and puts their ball inside that of player C, does player B have the right to go and play their next shot ahead of player C because player A is still further away then C.

Yes.:

30-3. Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play

b. Order of Play

Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, sac1 said:

Also in this situation player B might indeed be standing directly on player C's line, which is one of the principal reasons person furthest away puts first, players on the same team can choose to stand on each other's line, but surely not that of their opponents.

It may be considered poor etiquette to stand on an opponent's line of putt but the player is entitled to take a stance. By the same token the opponent is entitled to the line of putt his stroke gave him:

16-1a/13

 

Line of Putt Damaged Accidentally by Opponent, Fellow-Competitor or Their Caddies

Q.An opponent, fellow-competitor or one of their caddies accidentally steps on and damages the player's line of putt. What is the ruling?

A.There is no penalty. Rule 1-2 is not applicable as the physical conditions were not altered with the intent of affecting the playing of the hole.

In equity (Rule 1-4), the player may have the line of putt restored to its original condition. The player is entitled to the lie and line of putt he had when his ball came to rest. The line of putt may be restored by anyone.

[Dormie1360]

Also,

 

30-3b/1 

Player Entitled to Putt Stands on Another Player's Line of Putt

Q. A and B are partners in a four-ball match. A's ball is closer to the hole than any other ball and it is B's turn to play. Side A-B decide that A will putt before B - Rule 30-3b. However, in doing so A would be standing on B's line of putt or the line of putt of an opponent. What is the ruling?

A. A would be entitled to putt first even if he would be standing on B's line. Rule 30-3b overrides Rule 16-1a, which prohibits touching the line of putt.

A would also be entitled to putt first if he would be standing on an opponent's line of putt. However, it would be a sporting gesture for Side A-B to relinquish A's right to putt first in these circumstances.

Edited April 23, 2016 by Dormie1360