If you’ve ever seen a Ryder Cup broadcast or played in a club tournament and heard commentators talk about “four ball,” you might have thought, what is four ball in golf? Four ball isn’t a secret; it’s one of the most popular team formats in golf. It’s full of strategy, excitement, and chances for both amateurs and pros to show off their skills.
This article explains four ball in a clear and complete way, whether you’re a player or a fan who wants to learn more about competitive golf formats.
What does four ball mean in golf?
Four ball, which is also known as better ball or best ball, is a type of team competition used in both professional and amateur golf.
How Four Ball Works in Golf:
- Two teams of two players each play against each other.
- On every hole, each golfer hits their own ball.
- The score for each team on each hole is only the lowest score from that team.
- In match play, the team with the best ball wins the hole and goes “1 up.”
- In stroke play, the lowest best-ball scores over the course of a whole round decide who wins.
For example: If Team A’s players score a 4 and a 6 on a hole and Team B’s players score a 5 and a 5, Team A wins the hole because their best score (4) is better than Team B’s best score (5).
Why is it called Four Ball?
It’s easy to understand the name: there are four golf balls on each hole, one for each player. Even though only two of those scores count (one for each team), all four balls are played separately.
Four Ball Rules You Should Know (USGA Rule 23)
Here are some important official rules that every player should know when playing Four Ball in a competitive setting. Rule 23: Four Ball of the USGA/R&A Rules of Golf says these things.
1. The order of play
In Four Ball, the teams can decide what order they want to play in.
If Player A is 30 feet from the hole and Player B is 15 feet away, they don’t have to follow the usual away first rule if they are on the same team. The 15-footer can go first to post a score, and the partner can free run at the longer putt.
2. One Partner Can Represent the Side
A team can compete without both players being there. You can start the match by yourself if your partner is late. Your partner can join the match between holes, but not in the middle of a hole that is already going on.
3. You can help your partner as long as you follow the rules
Each player has to play their own ball, but partners can do some things with each other’s balls before they hit the ball. You can mark, lift, replace, drop, or place your partner’s ball.
Partners can also share clubs, but the total number of clubs they both carry can’t be more than 14.
4. Concessions and Continuing to Play
In Four Ball match play, if a player’s next stroke has been conceded, they can still putt out or play the ball as long as they don’t give their partner any information or help, like helping them read the break of a putt.
If the partner would benefit from continuing to play after a concession, then the partner’s score cannot count for the side on that hole.
This rule stops players from using conceded situations to help their partner in a roundabout way.
Four Ball vs Foursomes
Four ball can be confused with other formats because many team events also use foursomes. This is how they are different:
- Four Ball: Each player hits their own ball, and the lowest score on the hole wins.
- Foursomes: Two players take turns hitting the same ball in foursomes. One player hits tee shots on odd holes and the other on even holes.
This makes a big difference in strategy. Four-ball lets each player play their own game, but foursomes require everyone to work together.
How Handicaps Work in Four Ball
The World Handicap System (WHS) uses certain handicap allowances in Four Ball competitions to make sure the format is fair.
In match play, each player gets 90% of their Course Handicap. The lowest handicapper in the group plays at scratch, and the other players get strokes based on the difference between their handicap and the lowest player.
In stroke play, each player gets 85% of their Course Handicap.
Four Ball Golf Tips
Taking Calculated Risks
Since only the team’s best score on a hole counts:
- One partner can go after birdies hard while the other plays it safe.
- If aggressive shots cause problems, the score of the safer partner may still count.
- Teams that find a balance between risk and consistency tend to score lower.
Partner Roles That Work Well Together
A long hitter and a reliable short game specialist on the same four ball team can cover more situations.
FAQ
Q: Are Four Ball and Best Ball the Same?
A: People often use Best Ball to mean the same thing as Four Ball when they talk about golf. The official Rules of Golf say that Four Ball is a two person team format in which each player plays their own ball and the best score wins.
Q: Can amateurs play Four Ball?
A: Yes, it’s often played in club events and casual tournaments, and the rules can be changed to make it fair.
Q: Do you only need one player to finish the hole?
A: Yes, only one partner needs to make the hole for the team’s score to count.
Q: What happens if I hit my partner’s ball by mistake?
A: You are the partner’s agent according to Rule 23.5. In most cases, the partner gets the penalty or the ball is replaced if you move or hit their ball. However, whether it’s a one stroke penalty or a loss of hole in match play depends on the situation.
Q: Is Four Ball More Fun Than Stroke Play?
A: Many golfers think four ball is more fun because it rewards taking risks and team strategies are more important.
