Mixed Foursomes | Golf Monthly

Got caught out on the R&A Rules Quiz by a question on whether the Committee can stipulate which partner plays from the first tee in a foursomes comp. I thought not, but apparently they can!

33-1/3.5 Restriction on Which Partner in Foursome Competition May Play from 1st Tee

"Q. Rule 29-1 states that in a foursome “the partners must play alternately from the teeing grounds and alternately during the play of each hole.” However, it is a matter of personal choice which partner drives at the 1st tee. May a Committee, in the conditions of a foursome competition, stipulate which partner must play from the 1st tee?

A. Yes."

Seemed odd to me but I think the wording of the question in the decision is a bit misleading as the bit about it being a matter of personal choice isn't actually in the Rules so the Committee isn't waiving a Rule in imposing such a condition. Would have been good to have had a bit more explanation in the decision but there you go. Could be that it is specifically for mixed comps; can't think when else it might be warranted.