Can my partner mark and lift my ball in Foursomes?
Yes, your partner can mark and lift your ball in Foursomes. Under Rule 22.2, both partners compete as one side playing a single ball, so either of you may take any allowed action — including marking, lifting, replacing, dropping, or placing the ball — regardless of whose turn it is to play next. This shared authority is unique to Foursomes (and Four-ball when a partner's ball is involved) and differs from stroke play, where only the player or their caddie may normally lift the ball.
How the rule works in practice
In Foursomes you share one ball, so the Rules treat you as a single unit. That means either partner can mark the spot, pick the ball up, clean it, and put it back — or drop or place it when relief is needed — even if it's the other partner's turn to hit. You don't need to ask permission or wait for the player whose stroke is next; the authority is shared automatically. This applies everywhere on the course: teeing area, fairway, penalty area, bunker, or putting green. The only requirement is that the action itself is allowed by the Rules (for example, you can't lift a ball in the fairway just to clean it unless a Rule permits it).
How this differs from individual stroke play
In individual stroke play, only the player or their caddie may lift the player's ball (Rule 14.1b). If a fellow competitor lifts it without authorization, the player gets a one-stroke penalty under Rule 9.4b. Foursomes removes that restriction entirely between partners because you are one side — your partner's action is your action. This also means if your partner marks and lifts the ball incorrectly (e.g., fails to mark before lifting, or lifts when not allowed), the penalty applies to the side, not just to them.
Caddies and shared responsibility
Each partner's caddie can help the other partner exactly as they could help their own player — giving advice, lining up putts, tending the flag, etc. But a caddie can't do anything the other player's caddie wouldn't be allowed to do, such as standing behind the player when the stroke is made. Any breach by either partner or either caddie counts against the side. If your partner's caddie improves your lie, you both get the penalty. In stroke play, only one of you needs to sign the scorecard for the side.
Frequently asked questions
Does it matter whose turn it is to play?
No. Rule 22.2 says either partner may act "no matter which partner's turn it is to play next for the side." The right to mark, lift, replace, drop, or place the ball is shared at all times.
Can my partner mark my ball on the green while I'm walking up?
Yes. Your partner can mark and lift your ball on the putting green (or anywhere else) without you being there, as long as the ball is marked before it's lifted.
What if my partner drops my ball in the wrong spot?
That's a breach by the side. You both get the penalty (usually two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play) because any action by either partner applies to the side under Rule 22.2.
Can my partner's caddie line up my putt for me?
Yes. Your partner's caddie can help you in any way your own caddie could — including lining up putts, giving advice, or tending the flag — because Rule 22.2 treats both caddies as working for the same side.
Do both of us need to sign the scorecard in stroke play?
No. Only one partner needs to certify the side's hole scores on the scorecard, as stated in Rule 22.2 and Rule 3.3b.