Order of Play

[arnoo1]

During a fourball match, a query came up over order or play. I was closest out of the four balls (putting for par) and my playing partner was furthest away on the fringe of the green (for birdie).
My partner and I wanted for me to play first, secure par so that a run could be made at the birdie putt. We believed this was within the rules of golf. Our opponents disagreed and said it was not permissible. Can it please be clarified who was correct when it came to order of play?

 

[Foxholer]

During a fourball match, a query came up over order or play. I was closest out of the four balls (putting for par) and my playing partner was furthest away on the fringe of the green (for birdie).
My partner and I wanted for me to play first, secure par so that a run could be made at the birdie putt. We believed this was within the rules of golf. Our opponents disagreed and said it was not permissible. Can it please be clarified who was correct when it came to order of play?

You were correct! They were wrong!

Rule 30-b. http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!rule-30

Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best.

 

[Crow]

You were correct.

 

[rulefan]

The ownership of the ball which is furthest from the hole determines which side plays first.

There is a Decision which covers who on that side may play first.

30-3. Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play

b. Order of Play

Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best.

Edit. My typing is getting slower. I think my fingers are rusty.

 

[JohnnyDee]

As others have said, then you and your PP were perfectly within your rights to do what you suggested. Your opponents were 100% wrong.

 

[KenL]

Amazing that people don't know this rule! Was it a competition?

 

[delc]

Amazing that people don't know this rule! Was it a competition?

Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. I find that even regular club golfers don't know the rules very well. It is always worth carrying the small rules book, or the R&A Rules app on your smart phone, so you can put then right.