31-1. General
In four-ball stroke play two competitors play as partners, each
playing his own ball. The lower score of the partners is the
score for the hole. If one partner fails to complete the play of
a hole, there is no penalty.
The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance with the
following specific Rules, apply to four-ball stroke play.

31-2. Representation of Side
A side may be represented by either partner for all or any part
of a stipulated round; both partners need not be present. An
absent competitor may join his partner between holes, but not
during play of a hole.

31-3. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs
The side is penalised for a breach of Rules 4-3a (iii) and 4-4 by
either partner.

31-4. Scoring
The marker is required to record for each hole only the gross
score of whichever partner’s score is to count. The gross scores
to count must be individually identifiable; otherwise the side is
disqualified. Only one of the partners need be responsible for
complying with Rule 6-6b.
(Wrong score – see Rule 31-7a)

31-5. Order of Play
Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the
side considers best.

31-6. Wrong Ball
If a competitor makes a stroke at a wrong ball that is not in a
hazard, he incurs a penalty of two strokes and must correct his
mistake by playing the correct ball or by proceeding under the
Rules. His partner incurs no penalty even if the wrong ball
belongs to him.
If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner
must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was
first played.

31-7. Disqualification Penalties
a. Breach by One Partner
A side is disqualified from the competition for a breach of any
of the following by either partner:
• Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules
• Rule 3-4 Refusal to Comply with Rule
• Rule 4-1 or -2 Clubs
• Rule 5-1 or -2 The Ball
• Rule 6-2b Handicap (playing off higher handicap;
failure to record handicap)
• Rule 6-4 Caddie (having more than one caddie;
failure to correct breach immediately)
• Rule 6-6b Signing and Returning Score Card
• Rule 6-6d Wrong Score for Hole, i.e. when the
recorded score of the partner whose score is
to count is lower than actually taken. If the
recorded score of the partner whose score is
to count is higher than actually taken, it
must stand as returned

• Rule 6-7 Undue Delay; Slow Play (repeated offence)
• Rule 7-1 Practice Before or Between Rounds
• Rule 14-3 Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment
• Rule 31-4 Gross Scores to Count Not Individually
Identifiable
b. Breach by Both Partners
A side is disqualified:
(i) for a breach by both of Rule 6-3 (Time of Starting and
Groups) or Rule 6-8 (Discontinuance of Play), or
(ii) if, at the same hole, each partner is in breach of a Rule the
penalty for which is disqualification from the competition
or for a hole.
c. For the Hole Only
In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would result in
disqualification, the competitor is disqualified only for the hole
at which the breach occurred.

31-8. Effect of Other Penalties
If a competitor’s breach of a Rule assists his partner’s play, the
partner incurs the applicable penalty in addition to any penalty
incurred by the competitor.
In all other cases where a competitor incurs a penalty for
breach of a Rule, the penalty does not apply to his partner.