Can I Show My Partner the Line After My Putt Has Been Conceded?

Consider this classic fourball match play scenario, a true "You are the Ref" moment in golf. It's a situation almost every golfer has encountered at least once.

Let's dive into this week's question: In a fourball betterball (4BBB) match play, two opponents face similar putts—one for a half, the other for the win. The player with the putt for a half is conceded their shot and asked to pick up their ball, specifically to prevent them from showing their partner the putting line. However, this player proceeds to putt out anyway. What is the correct ruling in this scenario?

What's the literal and figurative outcome here? Is it permissible to complete a putt after it has been conceded, or does this action unfairly provide a strategic advantage to a partner by revealing the putting line?

Golf Concession Rules: Showing Your Partner the Line After a Conceded Putt

Concessions in golf can often be a source of confusion and even controversy. What seems like a straightforward gesture can sometimes lead to contentious moments, much like those involving Sergio Garcia and Matt Kuchar, or Suzann Pettersen and Alison Lee. Misunderstandings regarding conceded putts are not uncommon.

Despite the potential for confusion, this specific question has a definitive answer found directly within the Rules of Golf. However, it's not located under the general rules for concessions (Rule 3.2) or advice (Rule 10.2a).

Instead, the relevant guidance is found in Rule 23, which specifically addresses Fourball play. While Fourball generally adheres to the standard rules of individual stroke play or match play, certain variations apply.

Rule 23.6, concerning the order of play for a side, states that partners may play in any sequence they deem most beneficial. This means that when it's a player's turn to play, either that player or their partner can take the next stroke. However, a significant exception exists, particularly regarding continuing play on a hole after a stroke has been conceded in match play.

The crucial factor is whether continuing to play would provide assistance to a partner attempting to sink their own putt. Specifically, the rule dictates that a player "must not continue play of a hole after the player’s next stroke has been conceded if this would help their partner."

If a player disregards this rule and putts out anyway, there is no direct penalty applied to that player, and their individual score for the hole remains valid. However, for their partner, who might have a putt to win the hole, the consequences are significant: "The partner’s score for the hole cannot count for the side."

Still Have Questions?

Even with recent revisions to the Rules of Golf in 2019 and 2023, certain situations can still be perplexing. This column aims to clarify common queries.