Rules question · Rule 23.4 · Expert
Four-ball: partner arrives late: can they still play?
In Four-Ball stroke play, your partner is stuck in traffic. You start on your own. They arrive after you have started the 3rd hole. What is the ruling?
Answer
They may play from the 4th hole and may already give you advice on the 3rd
In Four-Ball your side may be represented by one partner alone. A partner who arrives later may join only between the play of two holes. Until then they may already help you and give advice. If they play on the 3rd hole anyway, they get the general penalty.