Jackson Reid
Golf 4BBB, or four-ball better-ball, is a golf format where golfers play in pairs and each player plays their own ball. In a team of two, the lower score between the two partners on each hole counts as the team's score for that hole. Four-person teams play similarly, except the lowest score among the four counts as the team score for that hole. Four-ball is commonly played in team golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup.
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What You'll Learn
Golf 4BBB is a tournament format
Golf 4BBB, or four-ball, better ball, is a tournament format commonly played in team golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup. It is a pairs format where each golfer plays their own ball, and the team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores.
In a 4BBB tournament, golfers tee off in groups of four, with two pairs playing together. This means there are four golf balls in play on each hole, but only the lower of the two scores per pair counts as that team's score for the hole. For example, if Golfer A and Golfer B make up Team 1, and on the first hole, A scores 5 and B scores 4, then the team score on Hole 1 is 4.
With two-person teams, 4BBB can be played as stroke play or match play. In stroke play, the winners are determined by the team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes. In match play, teams compete directly against each other, and each hole is won by the team with the lowest score. When four-person teams are used, 4BBB is played as stroke play, and the low score among the four counts as the team score for that hole.
Four-ball better-ball is a popular format in amateur golf and is also used in some of the biggest team events in the sport. It is a standard tournament format, with individuals playing their own golf balls, in contrast to foursomes, where a pair of players alternate shots with a single ball.
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It involves groups of four golfers
Golf's 4BBB format, or "4-ball, best ball" or "4-ball, better ball", involves groups of four golfers. Each golfer plays their own ball throughout the game, meaning there are four balls in play on each hole. However, only the lowest score, or the "better ball", out of the four counts as the team's score for that hole.
When playing with four-person teams, 4BBB is played as stroke play. This means that all four golfers tee off and play their balls into the hole. The lowest score among the four counts as the team score for that hole. For example, if on Hole 1, Golfer A scores 6, B gets a 5, C scores 6, and D scores a 4, then the team score for that hole is 4.
With four-person teams, it is more important to use handicaps and award places based on net scores. This is to ensure that weaker golfers on the team have opportunities to contribute to the team's score on any given hole. There are no rules about how handicaps work in a 4BBB tournament, so the procedure will be set by the tournament organisers. In a four-person best ball, the most common handicap method is for women to use 90% of their course handicap.
For a 4BBB score to be considered in the last 20 rounds and potentially impact a golfer's handicap, certain conditions must be met. These include the individual's score counting towards the team's score in at least 9 holes, and the team's nett score being at least 6 strokes better than par.
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Each golfer plays their own ball
4BBB, or four-ball better-ball, is a golf format where each golfer plays their own ball. It is a pairs format, with two golfers playing as a team. In a stroke play competition, the golfers play in pairs and play as a team. Each golfer plays their own ball, and the team's score on each hole is the lower of the two players' scores. Only one of the pair is required to complete each hole. The winners are the team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes. This format is used in some of the biggest team events in golf, like the Presidents Cup.
In a match play competition, 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 with the lowest score. This format is commonly played in team golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup.
When playing in a four-person team, it is more important to use handicaps and award places based on net scores. This is to ensure that weaker golfers on the team have opportunities to contribute to the team's score on any given hole. There are no rules about how handicaps work in a 4BBB tournament, so the procedure will be set by the tournament organizers.
The four-ball format can be scored using stroke play or match play, but it is the latter that is most famously used in the Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup, and Ryder Cup. This format is also known as best ball, where each player on the team plays their own golf ball throughout the round. After each hole, the player with the lowest score on the hole (or "best ball") out of the 2-person team serves as the team's score.
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The lowest score counts per team
In golf, the format of play where teams of two players compete against each other is called 'Fourball, Best Ball' or '4BBB'. In this format, both players on the team play their own ball throughout the round, and at the end of each hole, the lowest score between the two teammates is counted as the team's score for that hole. This makes it a strategic and social format that is popular in match play and stroke play events.
The key to success in 4BBB is for the team to utilise the strengths of both players on each hole. On holes where one player excels, that player should aim for a low score, while the other player can adopt a more conservative strategy to ensure a decent second score. Good teamwork and communication are essential to deciding the best approach for each hole, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of both players.
For example, on a long par-5 hole, one player might be a long hitter and have a better chance of reaching the green in two shots. In this case, they should go for an aggressive line, trying to make birdie or eagle. Their partner, meanwhile, might play more conservatively, laying up with their second shot to ensure they are in a good position to make a par if needed. On the other hand, on a short par-3 hole, one player might be more accurate with their iron play and have a better chance of hitting the green, so they should take the lead on that hole.
The strategy also involves managing risks and knowing when to be aggressive. If one player is having a particularly good hole, the other might play more cautiously to ensure a good second score, rather than risking a poor shot that could lead to a high score for the team. On some holes, both players might adopt an aggressive strategy, knowing that even if one player makes a mistake, a good score is still possible.
The 4BBB format encourages collaboration and friendly competition among teammates. It adds a layer of strategy and excitement to the game, as teammates discuss the best approach for each hole and celebrate each other's successes. This format is commonly used in amateur golf events and professional team competitions, providing a fun and social alternative to individual play.
In summary, 4BBB, or Fourball, Best Ball, is a golf format where two-player teams compete, with the lowest score between the teammates counted on each hole. It requires teamwork, strategy, and an understanding of each player's strengths. By utilising this format, golfers can enjoy a social and collaborative experience while maintaining the competitive spirit of the game.
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It can be played as stroke or match play
4BBB, which stands for "4-ball, best ball" or "4-ball, better ball", is a golf tournament format that can be played as stroke or match play. In stroke play, players record the number of strokes taken at each hole and total them up at the end of a given round or rounds. The player or team with the lowest total score wins. In the case of a tie, the winner is usually determined through a playoff.
When 4BBB is played as stroke play, each golfer in a team of two or four plays their own ball throughout the round. The team's score on each hole is the lower of the two or four players' scores. Only one of the pair or foursome is required to complete each hole. The winners are the team with the lowest aggregate score over a set number of holes.
In match play, a player or players compete directly against an opponent or opponents in a head-to-head match. Golfers play as normal, counting the strokes taken on a given hole. The golfer or team with the lowest score on a given hole receives one point. If the golfers tie, then the hole is halved. A match is won when a player or team is winning by more holes than remain to be played.
When 4BBB is played as match play, each golfer in a team of two plays their own ball throughout the round. All four golfers play their own balls, and each hole is won by the team whose member has the lowest score.
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Frequently asked questions
4BBB stands for 4-ball, best ball or 4-ball, better ball.
In a 4BBB tournament, golfers tee off in groups of four, and each golfer plays their own ball throughout. Only one ball (the better ball, or low ball) counts per team per hole.
A 4BBB team can be made up of either one four-person team or two-person teams (which is more common).
4BBB is commonly played in team golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup.
