Foursomes Provisional

[ADB]

Hi all

Just a quick query, I have signed up to a Foresomes matchplay knockout comp and, although I understand the basics, I am still a little hazy on the order of play when provisional shots are incurred.

For example, if player A tees off and there is doubt as to whether the ball will be found or is OOB, Player B plays a provisional. If Player A's original ball is found in bounds does Player A play the next shot as Player B hit the provisional?

As an added question, if Player A's original ball is found in bounds but unplayable (with the only option to replay from original spot) - who returns to the tee to play the '3 off the tee'??

Thanks

 

[BTatHome]

Player B is the answer to all your questions

 

[woody69]

Player B is the answer to all your questions

Ha! I've always played it as player A. Player A plays the provisional, and/or player A returns to the tee.

 

[louise_a]

Player B is the answer to all your questions

is the correct answer.

 

[FairwayDodger]

Player B is the answer to all your questions

And I'll throw this into the mix.....

If it's mixed foursomes remember that player B needs to play the provisional from the same tee that player A teed from!

 

[ADB]

Many thanks all, my partner is somewhat erratic off the tee so we will be choosing odds and evens carefully....and no doubt playing a few provs!

 

[woody69]

Yep, seems I was wrong the few times I have played! http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-29/

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Many thanks all, my partner is somewhat erratic off the tee so we will be choosing a different format....and no doubt playing a few provs!

Fixed that for you

 

[ADB]

Fixed that for you

Can't say I am looking forward to the format, but it will be different. Being relatively new to the club, it is also a chance to meet more members....well a minimum of 2 anyway!

 

[Region3]

Many thanks all, my partner is somewhat erratic off the tee so we will be choosing odds and evens carefully....and no doubt playing a few provs!

I've only played it once, but have a careful look at how the par 3's and 5's are distributed odds/evens wise.

I was the better iron player but my partner was the better putter. Because of how the 3's and 5's fell I think it gave me something like 12 or 13 of the approach shots.

 

[Region3]

If it's the course in your sig, it doesn't make a lot of difference. Whoever tees off on the first hole gets (hopefully) 10 approach shots.

 

[ADB]

Thanks R3, yes I am a member at Pyecombe GC. I think it is more about the tee shots we fancy and those we don't...there are a couple that don't suit my eye!

We need to make the 'sorry' pact as well

 

[Region3]

I think it is more about the tee shots we fancy and those we don't...there are a couple that don't suit my eye!

I know what you mean. There's about 8 of those at my place!

 

[ADB]

Final question - if the provisional is played by the wrong partner i.e Player A in my opening scenario, is that deemed to be playing out of turn and concession of hole (even if the original ball is then found).

 

[rulefan]

Final question - if the provisional is played by the wrong partner i.e Player A in my opening scenario, is that deemed to be playing out of turn and concession of hole (even if the original ball is then found).

Yes, if the original is not found. However, if the original is found then the provisional is abandoned any penalties incurred with the provisional are disregarded.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Can't say I am looking forward to the format

What has caused you to think that? Those who don't like it often take that view as they don't get to play 'a whole round' - as you are hitting alternate shots. But in most cases that view is held because they are not playing foursomes correctly - and it's bleedin' difficult...

You cannot and must not ignore what your foursomes partner is doing - and (especially) as you haven't played together before you must jointly decide what shot to play - every shot. You are playing as 'one' even although there are two of you. So though you are not hitting the ball every shot you must 'play' every shot your partner plays 'with' him. That way you really get into the format and can really enjoy it. Many here (especially Scots) will tell you it is the best and most challenging golf format - and when it goes well - the most rewarding.

Enjoy yourself - and remember - never say sorry if and when you mess up - your partner doesn't need you telling him you have; no need to make comments of the 'oh blimey' or even 'no problem' sort when your partner messes up; and don't overdo self-congratulations when you play a good shot. Just keep everything nice and level and consistent in demeanor and comment all through a match.

 

[rulefan]

Good tips there

 

[North Mimms]

And I'll throw this into the mix.....

If it's mixed foursomes remember that player B needs to play the provisional from the same tee that player A teed from!

My husband has a habit of putting his tee shot OOB on our longest par 5 when we play mixed foursomes knockouts.
Trying to reach the fairway from the white tees is a challenge for me!