What happens if my partner gets disqualified under Rule 1.2?

If your partner is disqualified under Rule 1.2 for serious misconduct, your side is disqualified in match play and you must stop play in stroke play — the round ends for both of you. The Committee decides what counts as serious misconduct, like deliberately wrecking a green, and can warn first instead of DQ.

What counts as serious misconduct

Serious misconduct is behaviour so far from what golf expects that kicking you out is justified — think deliberately trashing a putting green, throwing clubs at people, or blatant cheating. The Committee weighs everything: intent, damage, whether it's a pattern. They can warn you that a repeat means DQ instead of pulling the pin right away. Ordinary breaches like slow play or a missed divot don't rise to this level unless the Committee has a Code of Conduct saying otherwise.

What happens to your side

In match play, if your partner gets DQ'd under Rule 1.2, your side loses the match — full stop. In stroke play, you both stop playing; your side is disqualified from the competition. You don't get to finish the round solo or swap partners. The DQ applies to the side, not just the individual, because Rule 1.2 misconduct breaks the spirit of the game for the whole team.

Code of Conduct vs. the base rule

Rule 1.2a only allows DQ for serious misconduct — no lesser penalties. But if the Committee adopts a Code of Conduct under Rule 1.2b as a Local Rule, they can set their own penalties: one stroke, the general penalty (two strokes/loss of hole), or DQ for serious breaches of that Code. Check the notice board or tournament info before you tee off; a Code of Conduct changes what can get you penalised short of DQ.

Exceptions that change the answer

• The Committee decides the misconduct is serious but a first offence → They may warn the player that a repeat will bring disqualification instead of DQ'ing them immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep playing if my partner gets disqualified for serious misconduct?

No. In match play your side loses the match immediately. In stroke play you must stop — your side is disqualified from the competition.

What exactly counts as serious misconduct under Rule 1.2?

Behaviour so far outside golf's norms that removal is justified — like deliberately destroying a green, physical threats, or blatant cheating. The Committee considers all circumstances before deciding.

Can the Committee just give a warning instead of disqualifying?

Yes. Interpretation 1.2a/1 lets the Committee warn a player that a repeat of serious misconduct will mean DQ, rather than disqualifying them on the first offence.

Does a tournament Code of Conduct change the penalties for bad behaviour?

Yes. If the Committee adopts a Code of Conduct under Rule 1.2b, they can impose one-stroke penalties, the general penalty, or DQ for breaches of that Code — not just for serious misconduct under 1.2a.

If my partner is DQ'd in a team event, does the whole team go out?

It depends on the competition format. In four-ball or foursomes, the side is DQ'd. In a larger team competition, the Committee's terms of competition decide whether the team continues with remaining players.