Jackson Reid
Four-ball golf, also known as better ball, best ball or 4BBB, is a pairs format in which two golfers compete together as a side. It is a variation of traditional golf where each golfer plays their own ball, but the difference comes in the scoring. The lower score of the two partners is counted against the other team on each hole. Four-ball can be played using match play or stroke play format. In match play, each team's best score is compared to determine who wins the hole. In stroke play, the winners are the team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4 (2 pairs of teammates) |
| Number of balls used | 4 |
| Type of game | Team-based |
| Scoring | The lower score of the two teammates on each hole is considered the team's score |
| Order of play | The teammates can play in the order they want |
| Hole completion | Only one of the teammates is required to complete each hole |
| Winner | The team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes wins |
| Handicap allowance | 90% of the difference from the lowest handicap golfer in the match |
| Common events | Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup, Zurich Classic, and Curtis Cup |
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What You'll Learn
Four-ball golf is a pairs format
In a four-ball match, each golfer plays their own ball, and the team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores. This means that only one of the pair is required to complete each hole. For example, if Player A makes a 5 on the first hole and their partner Player B makes a 4, the team score for that hole is a 4. Once a player realises they cannot beat their partner's score, they do not have to finish the hole and can simply pick up their ball.
In a stroke play competition, competitors are paired and play as a team. The winners are the team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes. In a match play competition, on the other hand, a four-ball consists of two teams of two players competing directly against each other. All four golfers play their own balls throughout the round, and each hole is won by the team whose member has the lowest score.
The four-ball format is commonly played at major team events like the Solheim Cup, Presidents Cup, and Ryder Cup. It is also used in amateur team tournaments like the Curtis Cup.
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Each player plays their own ball
Four-ball golf, also known as better ball, best ball or 4BBB, is a pairs format in golf. It is played at major team events like the Solheim Cup, Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup. In four-ball golf, two players compete as a team, playing their own ball. The lower score of the two players on each hole is considered the team's score for that hole.
For instance, if Player A scores a 5 and their partner, Player B, scores a 4, the team's score for that hole is 4. If both teams have the same best score on a hole, the hole is considered "halved," and each team earns half a point in match play or moves to the next hole with no change in the cumulative score in stroke play.
In four-ball golf, each player plays their own ball throughout the round. This is in contrast to another team golf format, foursomes, where a pair of players play with just one golf ball and take alternate shots. In four-ball, the two players on a team play together against another team of two players, with all four golfers playing their own balls throughout the round.
The four-ball format allows players to determine the order of play, with the player furthest away from the hole not necessarily playing first. For example, if Player A has a 6-foot birdie putt and their partner, Player B, has a 4-foot par putt, Player B can choose to go first. This strategy can help free up your teammate. However, once the hole is conceded, players must follow specific rules. According to the USGA, "You must not continue play of a hole after your next stroke has been conceded if this would help your partner. If you do so, your score for the hole stands without penalty, but your partner's score for the hole cannot count for your side."
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The lowest score of the pair counts
Four-ball golf, also known as better ball, best ball or 4BBB, is a pairs format in the game of golf. In this format, two golfers compete together as a side, with each player playing their own ball. The team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores.
The key principle of four-ball golf is that the lowest score of the pair on each hole counts as the team's score for that particular hole. This means that if one player scores a 5 and their partner scores a 4, the team's score for that hole is a 4. This rule applies in both match play and stroke play competitions. In match play, the team with the lowest score on a hole wins that hole. In stroke play, the winners are determined by the team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
The ability for teammates to play their own ball throughout the round distinguishes four-ball from other team formats like foursomes, where players take alternate shots with the same ball. This format encourages individual skill and strategic play, as teammates can discuss the optimal order to play their shots based on their relative distances from the hole.
The four-ball format also allows for flexibility in scoring. On each hole, the team can choose to record both players' scores or only the lowest score. If one player cannot beat their partner's score, they are not required to finish the hole and can pick up their ball. This rule adds a strategic element, as players can focus on maximising their strengths while minimising the impact of their weaknesses.
The lowest-score principle in four-ball golf promotes collaboration and camaraderie among teammates. It encourages players to support and motivate each other, creating a team dynamic that blends competition and cooperation. This unique blend challenges players to balance their individual performance with team strategy, making four-ball golf a popular format in amateur and professional team events.
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Four-ball is used in pro golf events
Four-ball golf, also known as better ball, best ball or 4BBB, is a pairs format commonly used in professional golf events. In this format, two golfers form a team and play their own balls throughout the round. The team's score on each hole is determined by the lower of the two players' scores, and only one of the pair is required to complete each hole. This format adds a strategic layer to the game, as partners can decide the order of play based on their strengths and the hole's requirements.
The four-ball format is widely used in prominent professional golf events, such as the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. These tournaments showcase the highest level of golf, with players taking part in intense competitions. The Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour has also been using the four-ball format since 2017.
During the Ryder Cup, Team USA and Team Europe go head-to-head in a thrilling three-day event. The four-ball format is played on Friday and Saturday during one session, with 36 holes played on each of the first two days. The unique format, where players play their own balls, often leads to impressive scores and exciting matches.
The Presidents Cup, organised biennially alongside the Ryder Cup, also leverages the four-ball format to create compelling competitions. In both match play and stroke play events, four-ball golf offers a blend of individual skill and team collaboration, making it a popular choice for professional tournaments.
The versatility of four-ball golf, where it can be adapted for both match play and stroke play, adds to its appeal in professional events. In match play, the team with the lowest score on a hole wins that particular hole, while in stroke play, the winners are determined by the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
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It can be played as match or stroke play
Four-ball golf is a pairs format where two golfers compete together as a team, with each player playing their own ball. It can be played as either match play or stroke play. In match play, two teams of two players compete directly against each other, with each golfer playing their own ball. Each hole is won by the team with the lowest score. In stroke play, competitors are paired and play as a team, again with each golfer playing their own ball. The team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores, and the winners are the team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
In both formats, only one of the pair is required to complete each hole. When both partners hole out, the lower score is the team's score for the hole. When only one partner holes out, that partner's score becomes the team's score for the hole, and the other partner does not need to hole out. Partners can share clubs or play from the same bag, as long as the total number of clubs does not exceed 14. They can also provide advice to each other, such as club selection.
In match play, the handicap allowance is calculated as 90% of the difference from the lowest handicap golfer in the match. For example, if golfers A and B have handicaps of 4 and 8, and golfers C and D have handicaps of 10 and 12, golfer A would get 0 shots. The other players would then subtract the lowest handicap (4) from their handicap and multiply this difference by 90%.
In stroke play, the side's gross scores for each hole must be entered on a single scorecard, and in a handicap competition, each partner's handicap must be entered. The side is disqualified unless this is done in time.
Unlike in other formats, the player furthest away from the hole does not have to play first. Instead, each team can play in the order they determine is best. For example, if "A" and "B" are partners and A is further from the hole, they could decide to have B play first.
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Frequently asked questions
Fourball golf, also known as better ball, best ball, or 4BBB, is a pairs format in golf where two golfers compete as a team, playing their own balls. The team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores.
In fourball golf, each player on a team plays their own ball throughout the round, whereas in other formats like foursomes, a pair of players alternate shots using a single ball. Additionally, in fourball, the players on a team can choose the order in which they play, with the closest player to the hole not necessarily playing first.
In fourball golf, only the lowest score between the two teammates on each hole counts towards the team's overall score. For example, if one player scores a 5 and their partner scores a 4, the team's score for that hole is 4.
It's important to focus on the hole you are currently playing and not get discouraged by your previous scores. Stick to the strategies that work best for you and be mindful of your position in the scoring. Treat golf like a mind game with your opponent, and don't give up, as anything can happen.
Fourball golf is commonly played in amateur team tournaments like the Curtis Cup and major events such as the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup.
