Miles Bennett
Four-ball is a pairs format in golf, also known as better ball, best ball, or 4BBB. It is a team-based competition where two golfers form a team and compete against another team of two golfers. Each golfer plays with their own ball, and the team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores. Four-ball is a popular format in amateur golf and is also used in some of the biggest team events, such as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and President's Cup. The rules for handicaps in four-ball vary depending on whether the game is match play or stroke play.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Format | Team-based |
| Number of players | 4 |
| Number of teams | 2 |
| Each golfer | Plays their own ball |
| Team's score | Lowest score between the two players |
| Hole completion | Only one player from the pair is required to complete each hole |
| Winner | Team with the lowest aggregate score |
| Handicap allowance | 85% in four-ball stroke play or Stableford competitions |
| Competitions | Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour |
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What You'll Learn
Four-ball is a team-based format
In a four-ball match, each golfer plays their own ball throughout the round, rather than alternating shots with their partner. The team's score on each hole is determined by taking the lower score of the two players. Only one player from the pair is required to complete each hole. The winning team is determined by the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
The rules for handicaps in a four-ball game can vary depending on whether it is a match play or stroke play competition. In match play, no scorecard is required. Under the World Handicap System, each player receives 85% of their handicap allowance in four-ball stroke play or Stableford competitions.
The four-ball format adds a unique twist to the game of golf, as it combines team collaboration with individual performance. Golfers can strategize with their partners and elect the order of play to optimize their scores. This format promotes both camaraderie and strategic thinking, contributing to the richness and enjoyment of the game.
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Each golfer plays their own ball
Four-ball golf, also known as better ball, best ball, or 4BBB, is a pairs format where two teams of two players compete directly against each other. Each golfer plays their own ball throughout the round, rather than alternating shots with their partner on a single ball. This format is similar to a standard golf tournament and is very popular for season-long, ladder-type tournaments at golf clubs.
In a four-ball match, each hole is won by the team with the lowest score between the two players. Only one player on a team needs to complete each hole. The winning team is determined by the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
The four-ball format has been used in prestigious tournaments such as the Ryder Cup (since 1961), Solheim Cup (since 1990), and President's Cup (since 1994). It is also played in amateur team tournaments like the Curtis Cup.
The rules for handicaps in four-ball golf vary depending on the type of competition. In match play events, no scorecard is required, and handicaps are not used. In stroke play or Stableford competitions, each player receives 85% of their handicap allowance under the World Handicap System.
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The team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores
Four-ball is a pairs format in golf, where two teams of two players compete directly against each other. Each golfer plays with their own ball, and the team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores. For instance, if golfers A and B are a team, and A's ball is closest to the hole, the team can decide that B will play first, followed by A. Only one of the two players needs to complete each hole. The winning team is the one with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
The four-ball format is very popular for season-long, ladder-type tournaments at golf clubs. It is also used in some of the biggest team events in golf, like the Presidents Cup, the Ryder Cup, and the Solheim Cup. Four-ball is also known as better ball, best ball, or 4BBB.
The rules for handicaps vary depending on whether the four-ball game is in match play or stroke play. In match play events, no scorecard is required. While formats like scrambles, shambles, and Chapman golf are common for amateur golfers, they are not present in the professional game. However, four-ball events have been a standard in pro golf for decades.
Four-ball is similar to foursomes in that they both involve teams of two players. However, in foursomes, players take alternate shots with the same ball, while four-ball is more like a standard golf tournament, with individuals playing their own balls.
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Four-ball is popular for season-long, ladder-type tournaments
Four-ball is a pairs format in golf, where two golfers form a team and compete against another team of two golfers. It is also known as better ball, best ball, or 4BBB. In a stroke play competition, each golfer plays their own ball, and the team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores. Only one player from each pair is required to complete each hole, and the winning team has the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
Four-ball is a very popular format in amateur golf and has been used in some of the biggest team events, including the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour. It is also commonly used for season-long, ladder-type tournaments at golf clubs.
The rules for handicaps in four-ball vary depending on whether the game is match play or stroke play. Under the World Handicap System, each player will receive 85% of their handicap allowance in four-ball stroke play or Stableford competitions. In match play events, no scorecard is required.
Four-ball is a unique team format as golfers play their own balls throughout the round, rather than alternating shots on a single ball as in foursomes. This format encourages strategy and camaraderie between teammates as they work together to achieve the best score.
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Handicaps vary depending on the type of four-ball game
Four-ball golf is a pairs format where each golfer plays with their own ball. The team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores. The team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes wins.
The rules around handicaps in four-ball golf depend on whether it is a stroke play or match play competition. In stroke play, each player is given 85% of their handicap allowance. For example, if Player 1 has a handicap of 12, they will be given 10 shots in four-ball stroke play competitions (12 x 0.85 = 10.2, rounded down to 10).
In match play, the handicap allowance is 90% of the difference from the lowest handicap golfer in the match. For example, if Golfers 1 and 2 have handicaps of 5 and 9, and they are playing against Golfers 3 and 4, with handicaps of 11 and 13, Golfer 1 has the lowest handicap, so they get 0 shots. The other players then subtract 5 from their handicap and multiply this difference by 90%.
It is important to note that four-ball golf caters to golfers of all abilities due to the rules around handicaps and the fact that only the best score on each hole is considered.
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Frequently asked questions
Four-ball is a team-based golf format where two golfers form a team and compete against another team of two golfers. Each golfer plays with their own ball and the team with the lowest score wins the hole.
In foursomes, players take alternate shots with the same ball, while in four-ball, golfers play with their own balls throughout the round.
The four-ball format is used in some of the biggest team events in golf, including the Ryder Cup (since 1961), Solheim Cup (since 1990), and President's Cup (since 1994).
