When does a hole end in Four-Ball stroke play
A hole in Four-Ball stroke play is completed as soon as one partner holes out and the other partner either holes out, decides not to continue, or is disqualified for that hole. You don't need both players to hole out — one score counts for the side. Rule 23.3c(2) makes this clear.
What counts as completing the hole
The side finishes the hole the moment one partner holes out, provided the other partner does one of three things: also holes out, chooses not to hole out, or is disqualified for the hole. That's it — no waiting for both to putt out if the second player's score won't count. If your partner has already holed out for a net birdie and you're lying six, you can pick up. The hole is over for your side. Your score just won't be the one that counts.
What the second partner can do
Once the first partner holes out, the other partner has three options. They can finish the hole normally and try to beat that score. They can pick up and accept the first partner's score for the side. Or they can be disqualified from the hole — for example, by breaching a rule with a penalty of disqualification for the hole — in which case the first partner's score stands alone. There's no penalty for picking up once your partner has holed out. It's expected strategy in Four-Ball.
How this differs from match play
In Four-Ball match play, a hole can also end early if the result is decided — say the opponents have already won the hole with a lower score than you could possibly make. Stroke play doesn't work that way. You always need at least one partner to hole out, and the hole isn't over until the second partner's status is resolved: holed out, picked up, or DQ'd.
Frequently asked questions
Do both partners have to hole out in Four-Ball stroke play?
No. Only one partner needs to hole out. The hole is completed when that happens and the other partner either holes out, picks up, or is disqualified for the hole.
Can my partner pick up after I hole out?
Yes. Once you've holed out, your partner can pick up at any time. Their score simply won't count for the side, and there's no penalty for not finishing.
What if my partner is disqualified for the hole?
If your partner gets disqualified for the hole — for example, a serious breach like playing from a wrong place that isn't corrected — the hole is still completed as long as you've holed out. Your score stands for the side.
Does the hole end immediately when the first partner holes out?
Not quite. The hole is completed when the first partner holes out AND the second partner's status is settled — they've holed out, chosen not to, or been DQ'd. If the second partner is still playing, the hole isn't officially over yet.
Is this different in Four-Ball match play?
Yes. In match play, a hole can also end when the result is decided — for instance, if the opponents have already won the hole. In stroke play, you always need one partner to hole out and the other's status resolved.