What happens when both partners' scores are on the Four-Ball card
The Committee picks the lower score when both partners' scores are on the card. If the scores are identical, they can choose either — but if that one turns out to be wrong, they'll use the other. Either way, the score must be clearly tied to the player who made it, or the side is disqualified.
How the Committee decides
In Four-Ball stroke play, you only need one partner's gross score on the card for each hole. But there's no penalty if both of you write yours down. When that happens, the Committee's job is simple: they take the lower score — gross or net, depending on the competition. That becomes the side's score for the hole. You don't get to choose; they do.
When the scores are the same
If you both card a 4, the Committee can count either one. Here's the safety net: if the score they pick later turns out to be wrong — maybe that player incurred a penalty they didn't include — the Committee switches to the other partner's score. It's a built-in backup, but only works when both scores are identical.
The identification rule that kills cards
Every score on the card has to be clearly identified as Player A's or Player B's. Writing "4" twice with no initials, or just putting "Side: 4," isn't enough. If the score that ends up counting can't be traced to the actual player who shot it, the side is disqualified. Same deal if that player gets DQ'd for the hole — the side goes with them.
Exceptions that change the answer
- Only one score is entered for a hole → That score counts for the side automatically — no Committee choice needed.
- The score that counts isn't clearly identified to the individual partner → The side is disqualified, even if the number itself is correct.
- The partner whose score counts is disqualified for the hole → The side is disqualified — the other partner's score can't be substituted.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to write both scores on the card?
No. Only one partner's gross score is required per hole. Writing both is allowed and carries no penalty, but it gives the Committee two numbers to work with.
What if we both write 5 but I got a penalty stroke I forgot to add?
The Committee can count your partner's 5 instead. Since the scores were identical, they have the authority to switch to the other one when the first turns out to be wrong.
Can we just write 'Team 4' instead of our initials?
No. That's not clearly identifying the score to the individual partner. If the Committee can't tell whose 4 it is, the side is disqualified.
What happens if my partner gets DQ'd on a hole but their score is the lower one?
The side is disqualified. You can't fall back on your score — the rule says if the partner whose score counts is DQ'd for the hole, the side goes with them.
Does this apply in match play too?
No. This Committee procedure is only for stroke play. In match play, the lower score wins the hole automatically — there's no scorecard for the Committee to process.