golf pairs matchplay

Question
Hi ken
can you tell me the ruling on playing the wrong ball in pairs matchplay.
I was under the impression that it resulted in loss of hole to the pair that had played the wrong ball.
But whilst playing in a match yesterday this happened and we could not clarify the situation.

   kind regards KEVIN

Answer
Hi Kevin,

The rules state that in a team matchplay event, only the player that hits the wrong ball is disqualified from the hole.

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

c. Wrong Ball
If a player incurs the loss of hole penalty under Rule 15-3a for making a stroke at a wrong ball, he is disqualified for that hole, but his partner incurs no penalty even if the wrong ball belongs to him. If the wrong ball belongs to another player, its owner must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.

So, the partner that is still in play can "save the day" and still tie or win the hole.

Hope this helps.
Check out other rules at www.usga.org

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Best regards,
Ken Tannar