Linda, now I am a bit more confused. In 483b it is said that
partners can play out of turn in stroke or match competitions and frequently do
this on the putting green to show their partner the line. However in 483a it is
stated that rule 10-2C prohibits partners playing out of turn for the purpose
of providing an advantage. Both partners can be disqualified in stroke play.
It seems that these two rules are at odds with each other.
I believe I understand that it is only a problem in match
play if a conceded putt is played in order to provide an advantage to the
remaining partner.
Lou
Dear Lou,
The rules regarding order of play depend on whether you are
playing as an individual competitor or you are playing with a partner.
Rule 10-2c tells us that individual competitors may not agree to play out of turn in stroke
play in order to give one of them an advantage. Both players would be
disqualified for making such an agreement.
Rule 31-4 tells us that partners
in a four-ball (better ball) stroke play competition may play in the order they
feel is best for their team.
Partners may (and
should) help one another. They may offer advice and play out of turn to help
each other. Individual competitors may not offer advice or play out of turn to
assist another player. Any help given to one player would be unfair to the
other players in the competition. This is known as “protecting the field.”
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
