Playing friendly matches is one of the best parts of golf, but teaming up with a partner to take on another duo introduces a fantastic strategic dimension to the game. That’s precisely the fun behind a four-ball match. This article will walk you through exactly what a four-ball is, how it’s scored, and most importantly, give you practical strategies you can use with your partner to win your next match.
At its core, four-ball is a team competition format played between two teams of two golfers each. The name "four-ball" tells you the most important rule: every single player plays their own golf ball from the tee to the hole. There are always four balls in play on every hole. This is the main difference from a scramble, where the team selects the best shot and everyone plays from there.
After each player on the two teams has completed a hole, the scores are compared. Each team takes the lower of its two partners' scores for that hole. This low score is known as the "better ball," which is why you'll often hear this format called "Four-Ball Better Ball" or simply "Better Ball."
The team with the lower of the two "better ball" scores wins the hole. If the best scores from both teams are the same, the hole is tied (or "halved").
Here’s a quick example to make it crystal clear:
In this case, a 3 beats a 4, so Team 2 wins the hole. Even though you beat one of your opponents individually, their partner’s strong play secured the hole for their team.
While the four-ball system of taking the better score per hole is consistent, the way the overall winner is decided can differ. The format can be played as either match play or stroke play, which changes the dynamic of the competition significantly.
This is the classic, head-to-head version of four-ball that you see in a prestigious event like the Ryder Cup. The objective isn't to post the lowest total score over 18 holes, but simply to win more holes than the opposing team.
Match play is a hole-by-hole battle of wits and nerve, where one bad hole can be immediately erased by winning the next one.
Often used in club championships, pro-am events, and member-guest tournaments, four-ball stroke play feels more like a traditional round of golf. The goal here is to achieve the lowest possible team score over the full 18 holes.
In this format, every stroke truly counts. A high score on a hole from both partners can be very damaging to your total score, whereas in match play, you would just lose one hole at worst.
For most amateurs, handicaps are what make competitive golf fair and enjoyable. Four-ball has a specific, standardized system for applying handicaps to level the playing field. According to the Rules of Golf (Rule 23), here is how you calculate handicap strokes for a four-ball match:
Let's use an example to illustrate:
Here's how the playing handicaps are calculated:
Now, these players get to subtract their strokes on the most difficult holes. Player D will "get a stroke" on the 13 hardest holes (handicap holes 1 through 13 on the scorecard), meaning a gross 5 becomes a net 4 on those holes.
Four-ball isn't just about two people playing well individually, it's about two people playing smart together. A great team can often beat two more skilled, but less strategic, individuals. Here are some proven strategies to use in your next match.
This is the foundation of four-ball strategy. The goal is for one player to make a safe, stress-free par, freeing up their partner to play aggressively and hunt for a birdie.
This dynamic shifts from shot to shot. If the first player hits their tee shot into the trees, the roles reverse. The second player becomes the "Rock" and must find the fairway.
Good partners are always talking. This isn't just about encouragement, but about sharing valuable information.
One of the biggest mistakes in team play is checking out of a hole after a poor shot. It's deflating for your partner and often a tactical error.
Your teammate might unexpectedly hit their ball out-of-bounds or into a water hazard, and suddenly your scramble to make a net bogey is the most important shot on the hole. You never know when your score will be needed, so grind out every hole until your ball is in the cup. Similarly, avoid saying "sorry" for a bad shot. It serves no purpose other than to add negativity. You are a team - you win and lose together. Just move on to your next shot.
You have to be very aware of what is happening in the hole. Both what your team is doing and what the opponent is doing is also something you want to stay keenly aware of to inform your own strategy.
In match play, situational awareness is a big separator. If both your opponents have hit their tee shots into trouble, there’s no need for you or your partner to attempt a hero shot. A simple par will likely be enough to win the hole. Conversely, if one of your opponents has a short putt for birdie, your team needs to get aggressive to try and match it. Apply pressure when you can, and play conservatively when the opponents hand you an opening.
A four-ball match is a fantastic golf format that perfectly balances individual performance with partnership and team chemistry. By understanding how the scoring and handicaps work, and by approaching each hole with a smart, collaborative strategy, you and your partner can get more out of every round and score higher wins.
Developing that on-course strategy is exactly why we designed our features at Caddie AI. When you and your partner are weighing risk versus reward, we can give you a smart, simple game plan for any hole in seconds. If your partner is safely in the fairway and you're contemplating an aggressive line to the green, we are at your fingertips to provide that instant, data-driven second opinion to help you make every decision with complete confidence.
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