You’ve seen it in the Ryder Cup and you’ve heard your buddies talk about it for the weekend game, but what exactly is the Four-Ball format in golf? This simple team game is one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to compete on the course, whether you're a scratch player or a high-handicapper. This guide will walk you through exactly how Four-Ball works, from the basic rules and scoring to the team strategies that will give you and your partner the best chance to win.
At its heart, Four-Ball is team golf in its purest form. It's often called Four-Ball Best-Ball or simply Best-Ball, and the concept is very straightforward. Here’s the breakdown:
Let's use a simple example to make it clear. Suppose you and your partner, Team A, are playing against another team, Team B.
On the first hole:
In this case, Team A’s score for the hole is a 4 (your par, which is the "best ball"). Team B's score for the hole is a 3 (the birdie, their "best ball"). Even though three players made a 4 or better, the format only considers the best score from each side.
It's important not to confuse Four-Ball with other team formats. In a scramble, all four players hit a tee shot, select the best one, and all players hit their second shot from that spot. In foursomes (or alternate shot), each team plays only one ball, with partners alternating shots until the hole is finished. Four-Ball gives you the best of both worlds: you get to play your own game but have the backup of a partner on every hole.
The Four-Ball format can be scored in two primary ways: match play or stroke play. The one you use depends on the type of event you're playing in. Understanding the difference is vital to your team's game plan.
This is the iconic format used in events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. In match play, the competition is hole by hole. You aren’t building a cumulative score for the round, you are simply trying to win more individual holes than the other team.
Example Scenario (Match Play):
Let's say Team A and Team B are all square (tied) heading to the 15th tee.
With only one hole left to play (the 18th), Team B cannot catch up. Team A wins the match "2 and 1." Match play creates an exciting, head-to-head dynamic on every single shot.
This is the more common format you’ll find in club tournaments, charity outings, and member-guest events. In stroke play, your team is competing against the entire field, not just the other team in your group. The goal is to post the lowest possible 18-hole total best-ball score.
Example Scenario (Stroke Play):
On the front nine, your team records the following best-ball scores: 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5. Your front-nine total is 37. You do the same on the back nine for a final 18-hole score. Unlike match play, every single stroke counts toward the final result. A team in another grouping could be having a great round, so you always need to be thinking about making birdies and saving pars.
The beauty of Four-Ball is that it opens up a world of strategy. Having a partner gives you a safety net, allowing one player to be aggressive while the other plays it safe. This dynamic is the foundation of winning Four-Ball play.
How you and your partner approach each tee shot can set the tone for the entire hole. The most common and effective strategy is to designate one player to hit first and find the fairway.
The objective on approach shots remains the same: one person a on the green, putting for birdie or a comfortable par. When one partner’s tee shot is in trouble (in the trees, rough, etc.), the other partner’s job is simple: get on the green. This isn't the time to be a hero and attack a tucked pin. Aim for the center of the green and secure the par. This conservative play gives the player in trouble a chance to attempt a heroic recovery shot without the fear of wrecking the team's score.
This is where Four-Ball matches are often won and lost. Having two chances at a putt is a massive advantage. If your partner is away and putts first, pay close attention. You get a perfect read of the line and speed without having to use up your own turn. If you’re the first to putt, give your teammate some feedback after your putt: "It breaks left more than it looks," or "It’s surprisingly quick."
The most powerful position in Four-Ball is having a "free run" at a birdie. If your partner has already tapped in for a par, you can putt aggressively for birdie. You don’t have to worry about a speedy comeback putt, because the team score is already secure. Go for it!
Pace of play is everyone's responsibility, and in Four-Ball, you can help by knowing when you're out of the hole.
The one exception: never pick up too early if your partner is in serious trouble and your strange score (like a double-bogey) might actually be the better of the two scores. Always be sure your partner is in a good position before you take yourself out of the hole.
To keep things fair and competitive, most Four-Ball events use handicaps. The method for calculating them differs between match play and stroke play. Always check with the pro shop or tournament committee for the specific rules of the day, but here are the USGA guidelines:
In match play, strokes are allocated on a relative basis.
For example: Team 1 has an 8 (Player A) and a 16 (Player B). Team 2 has a 12 (Player C) and a 20 (Player D).
In stroke play competitions, a percentage of each player's Course Handicap is typically used to prevent teams with very high handicaps from having an unfair advantage.
The USGA recommendation is that men receive 90% of their Course Handicap, and women receive 95%.
For example, a player with a 20 Course Handicap would play with a handicap of 18 for the round (20 * 0.90 = 18). So they get 18 strokes that would apply on each respected hanicap-hole. The best *net* score between the two partners is then taken as the team score for each hole.
At its core, Four-Ball is a fantastic team format that balances individual performance with the support of a partner, making it a favorite for competitive and casual rounds alike. Whether you're playing match play or stroke play, the right strategy of alternating aggressive and safe shots can make all the difference, creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere on the course.
That feeling of support and having a smart, reliable strategic second opinion is exactly what we focus on. You can think of my brain as a built-in Four-Ball partner on every shot. When you're standing on an unfamiliar tee, you can consult with Caddie AI to get a smart hole strategy in seconds. And for that tough moment when your partner is in trouble and the pressure is on you, you can even snap a photo of a difficult lie to get immediate advice on the best play to make, letting you swing with total confidence.
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