What happens if both partners are late in Four-Ball?
If both partners in a Four-Ball side miss their starting time, the side is disqualified. But if each partner arrives ready to play within five minutes of the tee time, both get the general penalty (two strokes) on the first hole instead of being DQ'd.
The basic rule
Rule 5.3a says your round starts when you make a stroke on your first hole, and you must be at the starting point, ready to play, at the exact time the Committee set. In Four-Ball, that applies to each partner individually. If a partner breaches this, the penalty is disqualification — but there are three exceptions that can save you.
When both partners are late
If both of you show up at the tee, ready to play, no more than five minutes after your starting time, Exception 1 kicks in. Each of you gets the general penalty (two strokes) applied to the first hole. The side isn't disqualified; you just start two down on the opening hole. If only one partner is late within five minutes and the other is on time, the late partner gets two strokes on the first hole and the side plays on.
Starting early or exceptional circumstances
Exception 2 covers starting early: if either partner tees off up to five minutes before the assigned time, that partner gets two strokes on the first hole. Exception 3 is the safety valve — if the Committee decides something truly exceptional (like a car accident, medical emergency, or being detained as a witness) kept a partner from starting on time, there's no breach and no penalty. The Committee has full discretion here; it's not for everyday traffic or a slow breakfast.
Exceptions that change the answer
- A partner arrives at the starting point, ready to play, no more than five minutes late → That partner gets the general penalty (two strokes) on the first hole instead of disqualification
- A partner starts no more than five minutes early → That partner gets the general penalty (two strokes) on the first hole instead of disqualification
- The Committee decides exceptional circumstances prevented starting on time → No breach, no penalty — the partner starts without penalty
Frequently asked questions
What if one partner is on time and the other is six minutes late?
The late partner is disqualified under Rule 5.3a. The on-time partner can still play, but the side gets no score from the disqualified partner on any hole.
Does 'ready to play' mean having my full bag?
No. You're ready to play if you have at least one club and a ball for immediate use — even just your putter and a ball counts.
What counts as the 'starting point' in a shotgun start?
The starting point is the teeing area of the hole your group was assigned to start on. The Committee can set a standard, like being inside the gallery ropes.
Can we just agree to start five minutes early to beat the weather?
If you tee off before your assigned time, even by one minute, Exception 2 applies — each partner who started early gets two strokes on the first hole. You can't waive this by agreement.
What if we're both stuck in the same traffic jam?
That's not automatically 'exceptional circumstances.' The Committee decides case by case. Everyday traffic delays usually don't qualify — you're expected to allow enough travel time.