Foursomes and Four Ball Match Play

[bkuehn1952]

I will be playing a Foursomes (match play) match and a Four Ball (match play) match.  Any Rules twists that often catch players unfamiliar with the formats?  I have generally reviewed the Rule and Decisions but nothing replaces actual experience.

[Rulesman]

Be careful about who takes the provisional in foursomes and which penalties are affect the player or the side in fourball

[Asheville]

29-1. General - In a foursome, during any stipulated round the partners must play alternately from the teeing grounds and alternately during the play of each hole. Penalty strokes do not affect the order of play.

29-2. Match Play - If a player plays when his partner should have played, his side loses the hole.

D29/4 Dropping Ball in Foursome Competition - the member of the side whose turn it is to play next must drop the ball.

D29-1/3 Who Plays Provisional Ball in Foursome - provisional ball is played by other member of the side.

[bkuehn1952]

Thanks @Asheville and @Rulesman.  I hope I don't get an opportunity to use the pointers!

[DaveP043]

The one rule that has the most common impact in fourball matches is in the order of play.  There can be a great deal of strategy in the order you choose to play, whether its second shots on a par 5, approaches to a green, or putts and/or chips.  Order of play may also have an impact in requiring an opponent to wait to complete a hole when he'd prefer to putt out.  This is one of the rules where there's no penalty for disregarding it, but you (or your opponent) can be required to replay a shot taken out of turn.