{"id":480246,"date":"2026-03-17T11:02:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T11:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/480246\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T11:02:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T11:02:09","slug":"can-we-change-balls-between-holes-in-a-foursomes-game-national-club-golfer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/480246\/","title":{"rendered":"Can we change balls between holes in a foursomes game? – National Club Golfer"},"content":{"rendered":"

I love a good foursomes game<\/a>. I get utterly engrossed in it. Who is teeing off on which hole? Where do I need to leave you for your approach? What\u2019s the best miss?<\/p>\n

And which ball are we going to use?<\/p>\n

We\u2019re going to focus on that last question for this week\u2019s rules column. While it may be a difficult enough decision choosing between the premium ball you might be toting and the distance rock beloved of your partner, I was recently asked whether you\u2019re stuck with the choice.<\/p>\n

If you pick a ball for your foursomes encounter, is it OK to switch it up or do you have to play the same ball throughout in alternate shot?<\/p>\n

LISTEN TO THE NCG GOLF PODCAST<\/p>\n

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\"GolferGolfer with a ball in their hand | Source: Adobe Stock<\/p>\n

When can you change balls during a foursomes match?<\/p>\n

This question usually comes up when I\u2019m being asked about match play games \u2013 and it\u2019s normally because someone has questioned whether it\u2019s allowed or not between holes \u2013 but the format doesn\u2019t actually matter.<\/p>\n

Rule 6.3a<\/a> says a player needs to hole out with the same ball played from the teeing area. There are obvious exceptions to that: when it\u2019s lost or out of bounds, or if another ball is substituted \u2013 such as when taking relief under a rule.<\/p>\n

The same rule also says a player \u201cmay change balls between two holes\u201d.<\/p>\n

For the avoidance of any further doubt, Rule 22.1<\/a>, which covers foursomes, says the side playing one ball is treated \u201cin the same way as the individual player is treated\u201d.<\/p>\n

So unless your club is toting the one-ball rule<\/a>, and I would be stunned if they were, you\u2019re free to change up as you\u2019d wish. <\/p>\n

Got a question for our expert?<\/p>\n

Despite the changes to the Rules of Golf in 2019 and 2023, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. I\u2019ll try to help by featuring the best of your queries in this column.<\/p>\n

What do you think of these foursomes rules? Let me know by leaving a comment below, email me at s.carroll@nationalclubgolfer.com<\/a> or get in touch on\u00a0X<\/a>.<\/p>\n