Four Ball Golf Tips for Better Team Play and Fun on the Course

Four-ball golf is a format where two players team up, but each one plays their own ball for the entire round.

Your team’s score on each hole comes from whichever partner does better, so it’s a great way to compete together without too much pressure. Honestly, it keeps things moving and a little more relaxed since you just need to beat your opponents’ best score on each hole.

You get to play your own game and don’t have to depend entirely on your partner’s shots.

This format works for all skill levels, because if one of you has a rough hole, the other can pick up the slack.

Whether you’re out to win or just having a laugh with friends, four-ball makes golf more social and simple.

Key Takeways

• Four-ball lets you and a partner each play your own ball, and the best score counts for your team.
• It mixes competition with teamwork and keeps the pace up.
• Players with different skills can enjoy the game together.

Basics of Four Ball Golf

Four Ball golf is a team game, but both partners play their own ball every hole.

The team’s score is always the better of the two scores.

It helps to know the team setup, the main rules, and what makes this format different from others.

What Is Four Ball Golf?

In Four Ball, four players split into two teams.

Each of you plays your own ball, so there are four balls in play on every hole.

Your team’s score for the hole is just the lower score between you and your partner.

Only one of you needs to finish the hole for the team to post a score.

You and your partner go up against another team, trying to get the lowest score on each hole.

Four Ball works for both casual rounds and big tournaments.

Rules and Format

You play your own ball from the tee until you hole out.

The team’s score for the hole is simply the lowest strokes taken by either partner.

If both teams tie, that hole is halved.

Most of the time, people play Four Ball as match play, but you can do stroke play too.

Rule 23 from the USGA covers Four Ball matches, so there’s a clear set of guidelines for scoring and who plays when.

You and your partner can decide who tees off first, but you need to alternate shot order between holes.

If your side already wins the hole, you don’t have to finish.

Key Differences From Other Golf Formats

Foursomes force partners to hit alternate shots with one ball, but in Four Ball, you each play your own.

That gives you freedom to play safe or take risks, depending on your partner’s position.

Four Ball is more forgiving, since one good hole can save the team.

Compared to singles, the team aspect means you have to talk and plan together.

You’ll see this format in events like the Ryder Cup, which really highlights how it mixes teamwork with individual skill.

Strategies, Scoring, and Play in Four Ball Golf

Four-ball is a team game—two partners, each playing their own ball.

The team’s score for the hole is whichever partner scores lower.

If you want to play well and have a good time, it helps to know how to score, work with your partner, and pick the right gear.

How Scoring Works in Four Ball

Both you and your partner play every shot with your own ball.

On each hole, your team’s score is the lowest of your two scores.

So if you get a 5 and your partner gets a 4, you take the 4 for the team.

You can play Four Ball as match play or stroke play.

In match play, you try to win more holes than your opponents.

In stroke play, every shot adds up for your total score.

Handicaps sometimes come into play, especially with net scoring.

Always keep track of your gross score (actual strokes) and net score (after handicap).

Don’t forget to mark your scorecard after each hole so things don’t get mixed up.

Popular Events and Team Play

You’ll see Four Ball in big team events like the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and the Zurich Classic.

These tournaments are all about teamwork, strategy, and handling pressure.

You and your partner make up a team, so how you work together really matters.

Usually, one partner plays it safe while the other goes for the riskier shots, hoping for those birdies or even an eagle.

Playing as a team builds camaraderie and makes the game way more exciting.

You need good coordination for things like order of play, tee shots, and figuring out where to aim.

Tactics and Communication Tips

You want at least one of you to make the lowest score possible on every hole.

Talk about shot options, hazards, and what the conditions are like.

If you’re in trouble, maybe your partner can play it safe from the fairway.

Use strategic thinking to decide who tees off first or when to get aggressive.

If your partner is in a tough spot, just playing steady golf can help the team.

Don’t rush.

Share info with your partner and caddie to plan your shots.

Keep an eye on your opponents’ scores, especially in match play, so you can adjust your tactics.

Equipment and Practical Advice

Bring your full set of clubs, but focus on accuracy and versatility.

Your partner’s strengths should fill in your weaknesses.

If you’re good with long irons, maybe your partner handles the short game or putting.

Use wedges and putters that work for the course conditions—like bunkers or slick greens.

Pack your golf bag with enough balls, tees, and gloves for both of you.

Good etiquette matters—mark your ball and don’t distract your partner.

Respect the pace of play and follow the course rules to keep things moving.

Practicing together before a tournament helps you get used to each other’s style and can boost your scores (and the fun).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a quick rundown on the basics of playing four ball golf, how tournaments work, and how scoring shakes out.

You’ll also see how it compares to best ball, and there’s a note about Modified Four-ball if you’re curious.

What are the basic rules for playing four ball golf?

You play with a partner, but each of you uses your own ball for the whole round.

The lower score between you and your partner counts for your team on each hole.

Each player takes turns, and the one farthest from the hole usually goes first.

How do four ball golf tournaments typically work?

Tournaments usually split four players into two teams.

Each team plays against the other.

The team’s best score on each hole decides which team wins that hole.

Can you explain the difference between four ball and best ball?

Four ball and best ball are basically the same thing.

Each player plays their own ball, and the team uses the best score for each hole.

Both terms mean two teammates take on another pair, and the best score wins the hole.

What are the scoring procedures in a four ball golf match?

You write down the best score from your team on every hole.

The team with the lowest best score wins the hole.

If both teams tie, the hole is halved.

The match keeps going until a team leads by more holes than are left.

How does four ball stroke play differ from the traditional format?

In four ball stroke play, you add up the best score on each hole for your team’s total.

That’s different from match play, where you’re just trying to win more holes, not count every stroke.

What is a Modified Four-ball golf format and how is it played?

Modified Four-ball tweaks a few rules, especially around conceding putts.

Sometimes, you just have to accept a conceded putt, even if it might give your partner an advantage.

This format can speed up play or throw in some extra challenges, depending on what the tournament organizers decide.