What Is a Group of 4 Golfers Called?

A group of four golfers playing together is simply called a foursome. While that's the quick answer, this term covers a wide range of social games, competitive formats, and on-course dynamics. This article will explain not just the terminology, but also the different ways a foursome can play, why four is the standard group size, and how your group can manage the course like seasoned players.

"Foursome" vs. "Four-Ball": Understanding the Lingo

In everyday golf talk, calling your group a "foursome" is perfectly correct. You show up at the first tee and tell the starter, "Our foursome is ready to go." Everyone will know what you mean. However, once you start talking about different game formats, the terminology gets more specific and it's helpful to know the difference between two very common team games.

The Casual Term: Foursome

As mentioned, this is the universal, casual name for any group of four golfers. It doesn't imply a specific game is being played. It could be four friends just playing their own ball for individual scores (stroke play) or enjoying a relaxed round with no scoring at all.

• Common Usage: "I'm playing in a foursome with my buddies on Saturday."
• Meaning: A group of four people are playing golf together.

The Official Format: Foursomes (Alternate Shot)

This is where things can get confusing. "Foursomes" is also the name of a specific, official golf format recognized worldwide, especially in events like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup. It's a two-on-two team game where each team plays only one ball.

Here’s how it works:

1. Your group splits into two teams of two. Let's say it's Team A (Player 1 & 2) and Team B (Player 3 & 4).
2. Each team use one ball.
3. Players on a team alternate hitting shots. For example, Player 1 tees off on the first hole. Player 2 then hits the second shot from where that tee shot landed. Player 1 hits the third, and so on, until the ball is holed.
4. To keep it fair, the players also alternate who tees off on each hole. If Player 1 teed off on hole #1, then Player 2 would tee off on hole #2, Player 1 on hole #3, and this pattern continues.

This format, often called alternate shot, tests teamwork and strategy heavily because you're responsible for setting up your partner's next shot.

The Other Team Format: Four-Ball

This is arguably the most popular team game in golf and another staple of the Ryder Cup. "Four-Ball" is also a two-on-two team format, but it's much more forgiving and straightforward than Foursomes.

Here's how it works:

1. Just like Foursomes, you have two teams of two.
2. Unlike Foursomes, every player plays their own ball throughout the hole. So, four balls are in play on every shot.
3. At the end of the hole, the two partners on a team compare their scores, and only the lower score (the "best ball") counts as the team's score for that hole.

Example: On hole #4, Player 1 makes a 4 and their partner, Player 2, makes a 5. Their team score for that hole is a 4. If their opponents, Player 3 and 4, made a 5 and a 6 respectively, their team score is a 5. Team A wins the hole. If Player 3 made a 3, their team score would be 3, and they would win the hole.

Four-Ball is popular because it allows you to play your own game while still being part of a team. It provides a safety net, if you have a bad hole, your partner can still post a good score and win it for the team.

Why Is Four the Standard Group Size?

Ever wondered why golf rounds are built around the foursome? It’s not an arbitrary number. Golf courses set a maximum of four players per group primarily for one reason: pace of play. A well-functioning foursome can typically complete a round a four to four and a half hours, which is the standard benchmark for most courses.

Allowing groups of five ("fivesomes") dramatically slows down the entire course, creating long waits and frustration for every group behind them. A foursome strikes the perfect balance between:

• Efficiency: It allows four different people to be preparing for their shots at the same time, keeping the flow moving from tee to green.
• Sociability: It’s a great number for conversation and friendly competition. It’s large enough to create fun dynamics but small enough that no one feels left out.
• Logistics: Two golf carts conveniently accommodate four players and their bags.

Fun Games to Play in a Foursome

Now that you're an expert on the terminology, let's get to the fun part. Playing in a foursome opens the door to dozens of entertaining games that can make any round more exciting. Here are a few classics:

1. Scramble

A scramble is perfect for groups with a wide range of skill levels. It's low-pressure, promotes teamwork, and almost always results in a better score than you could shoot on your own. It's often used in charity or corporate outings.

• How it works: All four players tee off. The team then collectively decides which tee shot is the best one. From that spot, all four players hit their second shots. They again pick the best second shot, and all four players hit their third shots from that new spot. This continues until the ball is in hole. You’re always playing from the best position, which makes it a blast.

2. Best Ball (Four-Ball)

As explained above, you can turn your casual weekend round into a team game by playing four-ball. Create two teams of two. Each player plays their own ball, and the lowest score on each hole wins it for the team. This is a great way to add a bit of an competitive edge without the extreme pressure of alternate shot.

3. Nassau

The Nassau is a classic golf bet, consisting of three separate matches in one round.

• Match 1: The front nine (holes 1-9).
• Match 2: The back nine (holes 10-18).
• Match 3: The overall score for the full 18 holes.

You can play this as individuals (each player against the other three) or as two-person teams. Each of the three matches is worth a set amount. For example, in a "$2 Nassau," the winner of the front nine gets $2, the winner of the back nine gets $2, and the winner of the overall 18 gets $2.

4. Skins

A Skins game adds drama to every hole. Here's how it's structured:

• How it works: Each hole is worth a "skin." The only way to win a skin is to have the single lowest score on that hole.
• Example: If one player makes a 3 and the other three players make 4s, the player with the 3 wins the skin. However, if two players make a 3, and the other two make 4s, no one wins the skin because there was a tie for the low score.
• The Carryover: When a hole is tied, the skin "carries over" to the next hole, making it worth two skins. This can continue, leading to very tense moments on holes worth 4, 5, or more skins!

Tips for Better Pace of Play in a Foursome

Playing in a group of four means you have a responsibility to keep up with the group ahead of you. It's not about rushing your shots, it's about being efficient between them. This approach is called "Ready Golf."

Practice These Habits:

• Go to Your Ball: As soon as it's safe, walk or ride to your ball while the other players are hitting. Don't sit in the cart and wait for everyone else to play before you move.
• Plan Ahead: Figure out your yardage and club selection before it is you turn to hit. As you approach your ball, you should already have a good idea of what you need to do.
• Shared CartEtiquette: Don't drive to one player's ball and wait for them to hit before driving to the other's. Drop player one off at their ball with a couple of club choices, and then drive to player two's ball so both can prepare simultaneously.
• On the Green: While others are putting, you can be lining up your own putt from a distance (without distracting them). Don't wait for your turn to start your process.
• Park Strategically: When you get to the green, park your cart on the path that leads to the next tee. This prevents you having to walk backwards to get your cart after you've finished the hole.
• Let Shorter Hitters GotFirst: If a shorter hitter is ready to go and can't reach the group ahead, let them play even if they aren't "away". This keeps things moving.

Final Thoughts

So, a group of four golfers is a foursome, the bedrock of a good day on the course. Understanding this simple term, along with different game formats like Four-Ball and alternate-shot Foursomes, allows you to enjoy friendly competition or just a relaxing social round. And by embracing smart, efficient on-course habits, your group can ensure a great time for yourselves and for everyone else who is playing.

For those moments when you and your partners are debating the right strategy in a team game or when you're facing a tough shot and need an expert opinion, our 24/7 golf expert, Caddie AI, is built to give you the confidence you need. It helps with hole strategy, club selection, and can even analyze a photo of a tricky lie to recommend the best way to play it. This frees you up from the guesswork so you can focus on making a great swing and enjoying your game.