What happens if your ball hits your partner?
No penalty — if your ball accidentally hits your partner or their caddie, you play the ball from where it comes to rest under Rule 11.1a. This applies in four-ball, foursomes, or scramble formats and is the same result as hitting any other person on the course.
The situation
In a four-ball, foursomes, or scramble, your shot accidentally hits your partner who is standing nearby — or hits their caddie walking up the fairway.
The rule
Under Rule 11.1a, an accidental collision between your ball and your partner, or your partner's caddie, carries no penalty. Play the ball from where it comes to rest. This is the same result as hitting any other person on the course. The rule is completely symmetrical — it doesn't matter whether it was your partner, an opponent, a spectator, or a referee. Accidental contact between a moving ball and any person means no penalty and play from the new position.
Real example
In a four-ball match, you hit a long iron and it strikes your partner's caddie who was walking 50 yards ahead. The ball deflects into a greenside bunker. No penalty — play your next shot from the bunker.
What to do on the course
- Check your partner or their caddie is unhurt — that's the priority
- Play from where ball ends up, no penalty
- In fourball formats, your partner's ball is unaffected — they continue with theirs (unless your partner is disqualified for serious misconduct under Rule 1.2, in which case the side is disqualified — see what happens if your partner gets disqualified under Rule 1.2)
- In foursomes (alternate shot), the order of play is strict — if the wrong partner hits, the side incurs the general penalty and must correct the error before the next tee (see what happens if we play out of turn in foursomes)
- To prevent these situations, communication in the group matters: partners should know where you're hitting and clear the area accordingly
Penalty
No penalty. Play the ball from where it comes to rest.
Exceptions that change the answer
- the player's ball in motion hits another ball at rest on the putting green and both balls were on the putting green before the stroke → the player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes)
- the ball comes to rest on any person, animal or moving outside influence located anywhere except on the putting green → the player must take relief by dropping the original ball
Frequently asked questions
What if my ball hits my partner on purpose?
If you deliberately hit your partner or their caddie, you get a two-stroke penalty under Rule 11.2a and must play the ball from where it comes to rest. The no-penalty rule only applies to accidental contact.
Does it matter if we're playing four-ball or foursomes?
No, Rule 11.1a applies the same way in four-ball, foursomes, scramble, or any other format — accidental contact with your partner or their caddie means no penalty and play from the new position. Your partner's ball is unaffected and they continue playing their own ball.
What happens if the ball hits my partner's equipment instead of them?
Hitting your partner's equipment (bag, cart, clubs) is treated the same as hitting your partner — no penalty under Rule 11.1a and you play the ball from where it comes to rest. The rule covers any person or their equipment.
Do I get a free drop if the ball ends up in a bad spot after hitting my partner?
No, you must play the ball from where it comes to rest with no free relief — even if it deflects into a bunker, penalty area, or out of bounds. The rule gives no penalty but also no relief from the resulting lie.
Is there any difference if it hits my partner's caddie versus my partner?
No difference — Rule 11.1a treats your partner and your partner's caddie identically, so accidental contact with either means no penalty and play from where the ball stops. The same applies to an opponent's caddie or any other person on the course.