What Is Four-Ball Golf? (A Beginner’s Guide)

AvatarByMatthew Woods Golf Terms And Definitions

Four-ball golf is a popular format for playing a round of golf with friends or colleagues. It’s a great way to enjoy the game and have some friendly competition. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of four-ball golf, including the rules, scoring, and strategies. We’ll also provide some tips for playing four-ball golf successfully. So if you’re thinking about trying this format for the first time, or you’re just looking to improve your game, read on!

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What Is Four Ball Golf Format? Four-ball golf is a team game in which two players form a team and play against another team of two players. Each player plays their own ball, and the lowest score on each hole is counted as the team’s score.
History Four-ball golf was first played in the United States in the early 1900s. It became an official format for the Ryder Cup in 1969.
Rules The rules of four-ball golf are similar to the rules of stroke play golf. The main difference is that players are allowed to give each other advice on their shots.
Pros and Cons Four-ball golf is a more social format of golf than stroke play golf. It is also a more forgiving format, as players can rely on their teammates to make up for any mistakes they make.

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What is Four Ball Golf?

Four-ball golf is a team format of the game of golf in which two players compete as a team against two other players. Each team plays one ball, and the lowest score on each hole is counted as the team’s score for that hole. The team with the lowest total score after 18 holes wins the match.

Four-ball golf is a popular format for social and recreational golfers, as it is relatively easy to play and does not require a high level of skill. It is also a good format for beginners, as they can learn the game while playing alongside more experienced players.

Four-ball golf is played on a standard golf course, with each team playing from the same tee box on each hole. The players on each team take turns hitting their tee shots, and the best tee shot is selected as the team’s ball. The players then alternate hitting their approach shots, and the best approach shot is selected as the team’s ball. The players then putt out from the same spot, and the lowest score on each hole is counted as the team’s score for that hole.

The team with the lowest total score after 18 holes wins the match. If the two teams are tied after 18 holes, the match is decided by a sudden-death playoff.

Rules of Four Ball Golf

The rules of four-ball golf are essentially the same as the rules of stroke play golf. However, there are a few key differences:

  • In four-ball golf, each team plays one ball, and the lowest score on each hole is counted as the team’s score for that hole.
  • In stroke play golf, each player plays his or her own ball, and the lowest score on each hole is counted as the player’s score for that hole.
  • In four-ball golf, the players on each team take turns hitting their tee shots, and the best tee shot is selected as the team’s ball.
  • In stroke play golf, each player hits his or her own tee shot.
  • In four-ball golf, the players on each team alternate hitting their approach shots, and the best approach shot is selected as the team’s ball.
  • In stroke play golf, each player hits his or her own approach shot.
  • In four-ball golf, the players on each team putt out from the same spot, and the lowest score on each hole is counted as the team’s score for that hole.
  • In stroke play golf, each player putts out from his or her own ball.

Four-ball golf is a fun and challenging format of the game of golf. It is a great way to enjoy the game with friends or family, and it is a good format for beginners to learn the game. If you are looking for a new way to play golf, give four-ball golf a try!

Scoring in Four Ball Golf

In four-ball golf, each team has two players. Each player tees off on each hole, and the team’s lowest score on that hole is counted. For example, if one player scores a 5 and the other player scores a 6, the team’s score for that hole is 5.

The team with the lowest total score after 18 holes wins the match. If both teams are tied after 18 holes, the match is decided by a sudden-death playoff.

Here are some additional rules for scoring in four-ball golf:

  • If a player’s ball is lost or out of bounds, the player can take a drop and add two strokes to their score.
  • If a player takes a penalty stroke, the player’s score for that hole is increased by one stroke.
  • If a player scores a hole-in-one, the player’s score for that hole is zero.

Strategies for Playing Four Ball Golf

There are a few different strategies that you can use to play four-ball golf effectively. Here are a few tips:

  • Play your own game. Don’t try to copy your partner’s swing or strategy. Just focus on playing your own best golf.
  • Communicate with your partner. Let your partner know what you’re thinking and what you’re planning to do. This will help you to make decisions on the course and avoid costly mistakes.
  • Be supportive of your partner. Everyone makes mistakes in golf. If your partner makes a bad shot, don’t dwell on it. Just encourage them to keep playing their best.
  • Have fun! Four-ball golf is a great way to enjoy the game with friends or family. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the challenge.

Here are a few additional strategies that you can use to improve your four-ball golf game:

  • Practice your short game. The short game is often the difference between winning and losing in four-ball golf. Make sure you practice your chipping, pitching, and putting so that you can get up and down when you need to.
  • Be aggressive on the tee. In four-ball golf, you don’t have to worry about your partner’s score. So take some chances on the tee and try to hit the ball as far as you can.
  • Be patient on the greens. It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re not making putts. But in four-ball golf, you have two chances to make each putt. So take your time and focus on making a good stroke.

Four-ball golf is a great way to enjoy the game with friends or family. It’s a challenging format that requires players to be both strategic and skillful. By following the tips in this article, you can improve your four-ball golf game and have a lot of fun in the process.

What is four-ball golf?

Four-ball golf is a format of match play in which two players on one team compete against two players on another team. Each player plays their own ball, and the team with the lowest score on each hole wins the hole. The team that wins the most holes wins the match.

How is four-ball scoring done?

In four-ball scoring, each player’s score on each hole is counted, and the lowest score on each hole is used to determine the team score. For example, if one player on a team scores a 4 on a hole and the other player scores a 5, the team’s score for that hole is 4. The team that has the lowest total score after all 18 holes wins the match.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of four-ball golf?

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to playing four-ball golf. Some of the advantages include:

  • It is a more social format than other formats of match play, as players are able to interact with their teammates more frequently.
  • It can be a more forgiving format for players who are not as skilled, as they can rely on their teammates to make up for any mistakes they make.
  • It can be a more exciting format to watch, as there is more potential for comebacks and dramatic finishes.

Some of the disadvantages of four-ball golf include:

  • It can be more difficult to coordinate shots and strategies with a teammate than it is to play individually.
  • Players may feel pressure to perform well in order to help their team win, which can lead to tension and stress.
  • It can be more difficult to manage your emotions when playing four-ball golf, as you are not only responsible for your own performance, but also for the performance of your teammate.

Is four-ball golf a common format?

Four-ball golf is a popular format for recreational golfers, as it is a relatively easy format to learn and it is more social than other formats of match play. However, it is not as common at the professional level, as most professional tournaments are played in stroke play format.

What are some famous four-ball matches?

Some of the most famous four-ball matches include:

  • The 1969 Ryder Cup, in which the American team won 18-12 over the European team. The American team featured a number of great four-ball pairings, including Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson and Johnny Miller.
  • The 1986 Masters Tournament, in which Jack Nicklaus won his sixth green jacket. Nicklaus played four-ball with Tom Watson, and the duo won all three of their matches.
  • The 2016 Ryder Cup, in which the European team won 17-11 over the American team. The European team featured a number of great four-ball pairings, including Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia, and Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose.

Where can I learn more about four-ball golf?

There are a number of resources available to learn more about four-ball golf. Some of these resources include:

  • The United States Golf Association (USGA) website:
  • The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) website:
  • The Golf Channel website:
  • Golf Digest magazine:

    four-ball golf is a popular format for both casual and competitive play. It is a great way to introduce new players to the game, and it can also be a challenging and rewarding format for experienced golfers. If you are looking for a fun and social way to enjoy golf, four-ball is a great option.

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Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.

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