Match Play order of play fourball.

[Douglas]

I am on the green 7 feet from the hole.
My opponent A is also on the green 6 feet from the hole.
My opponent B is off the green 35 feet from the hole.
( My partner has picked up).
My opponent A and myself need our putts to half the hole.
My opponent B can win the hole if he can sink his from 35 ft.
My opponents declare their intent to use the either play first rule so that if A sinks his putt B can have a go at the hole without risking three strokes and a loss should I sink mine.
My contention is that the furthest away first rule apply to my opponent A and that I should have first attempt to sink my putt.
If I'm successful I put pressure on A which is obvious. Then should A miss his putt B would not have the luxury of 'going for the 35 footer...he could end up failing to hole after two shots and I would win the hole.
My contention is that whilst the rule allowing partners to chose their order of play is fine,I can not find authority for them change the furthest away rule. Is this specifically catered for within rules or decisions.
Douglas

 

[fundy]

their "team" is away, they can choose which one to play

rule 30-3 b

 

[guest100718]

it's team. so they have the choice. It s a good tactic sometimes. you hole the short one for par leaving your pp a free run at the birdie.

 

[DCB]

Classic pairs matchplay tactics ......

 

[Region3]

My contention is that whilst the rule allowing partners to chose their order of play is fine,I can not find authority for them change the furthest away rule. Is this specifically catered for within rules or decisions.
Douglas

I'm struggling to understand. In what situation could they choose their order of play and NOT change the furthest away rule?
Do you mean you thought it was only ok if they're both further away than you are?


I've also seen tactics used in a different way, but only in the Ryder Cup. I guess you have to be confident!
A&B vs C&D
A out of the hole
B has 12' for birdie
C has 6' for birdie
D has 30' for birdie

D is away but if he goes first and misses, B has a birdie putt with less pressure because C isn't in the hole yet, and it puts pressure on C if he makes it.
Team C/D decide that C will putt first knowing that B might miss (ie less pressure on C), and heaps the pressure on B if he makes it.

 

[Douglas]

3o.3.b. Says they can chose order of play.
where in the rules does this overule the order of play rule.
Both are rules are they not?

 

[guest100718]

pairs golf. 4bbb etc is a specific exception.

 

[Douglas]

Yes, both should be further away should they not?

 

[guest100718]

it's nothing new and is a standard matchplay tactic..... until you miss the short one and your partners 35 footer is suddenly a mustn't 3 putt....

 

[guest100718]

Yes, both should be further away should they not?

No... you play as a team. furthest team from the hole

 

[Douglas]

Where is this stated in the rules?

 

[louise_a]

3o.3.b. Says they can chose order of play.
where in the rules does this overule the order of play rule.
Both are rules are they not?

30-3b covers it, the side furtherest away can chose which of the side putts first so the one nearer the hole is allowed under that rule to putt first.

Incidently when that happens, that side is still the next to putt

 

[guest100718]

Where is this stated in the rules?

you've already posted the relevant rule..... 30-3b

 

[Douglas]

Rule number ? Section number ?

 

[Douglas]

Thanks
30.3.b got it now!! Duh!

 

[fundy]

3o.3.b. Says they can chose order of play.
where in the rules does this overule the order of play rule.
Both are rules are they not?

rule 10-1