Golf fans who regularly watch and play the game may not be used to the unique aspects of match play defined by the Rules of Golf that are on display during events such as the Ryder Cup.
Key terms include:
Side
Two or more partners competing as a single unit in a round in match play or stroke play. Each set of partners is a side, whether each partner plays their own ball (Four-Ball) or the partners play one ball (Foursomes).
A side is not the same as a team. In a team competition, each team consists of players competing as individuals or as sides.
Four-Ball
A form of play where sides of two partners compete, with each player playing their own ball. A side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the two partners on that hole.
Four-Ball may be played as a match-play competition between one side of two partners and another side of two partners or a stroke-play competition among multiple sides of two partners.
Foursomes (also known as “Alternate Shot”)
A form of play where two partners compete as a side by playing one ball in alternating order on each hole.
Foursomes may be played as a match-play competition between one side of two partners and another side of two partners or a stroke-play competition among multiple sides of two partners.
Advice
Any verbal comment or action (such as showing what club was just used to make a stroke) that is intended to influence a player in choosing a club, making a stroke, or deciding how to play during a hole or round.
Advice may be shared between players and caddies who are on the same side.