Four-Ball Golf: The Ultimate Team Format

Golf may be known as an individual sport, but some of its most exciting competitions are played in teams. Among the many formats used in team play, four-ball stands out as one of the most strategic and entertaining. Whether it’s played in match play at the Ryder Cup or in stroke play during professional tournaments, four-ball allows for both teamwork and individual brilliance. But what exactly is four-ball, and how does it differ from other formats?

Understanding Four-Ball Golf

At its core, four-ball is a format where two teams of two players compete against each other. Unlike alternate shot formats where teammates take turns hitting the same ball, in four-ball, each player plays their own ball for the entire round. Since there are four balls in play—two per team—the format is called “four-ball.”

The scoring is straightforward: for each hole, the best score between the two partners is recorded as the team’s official score. This means if one partner makes a birdie while the other struggles to make par or worse, only the birdie counts for the team.

Match Play vs. Stroke Play in Four-Ball

While four-ball can be played in different scoring formats, the two most common are match play and stroke play.

• Match Play Four-Ball: This version is commonly seen in high-profile events like the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. In match play, each hole is a separate contest. The team whose player has the lowest score on a given hole wins that hole. If both teams have the same low score, the hole is halved. The match continues hole by hole until one team has won more holes than the other team can mathematically catch up to.

• Stroke Play Four-Ball: Instead of competing hole by hole, stroke play totals up all scores at the end of the round. Each team’s best score on each hole is counted toward the team’s overall score. The team with the lowest aggregate score after 18 holes wins. One of the most well-known tournaments using this format is the Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour, where professionals pair up and play both four-ball and alternate shot formats.

Why Four-Ball Is So Popular

Four-ball is a favorite among golfers for several reasons:

• More Aggressive Play: Since only the best score on each hole counts, players can take more risks. If one player finds trouble, their teammate can still save the hole. This often leads to exciting, bold shot-making.

• Team Strategy Matters: Partners can play to their strengths. One player might be a long hitter, while the other has a great short game. They can take different approaches to each hole, giving their team an advantage.

• Faster and More Engaging: Unlike alternate shot formats, where only one player is hitting at a time, four-ball keeps the action moving with all four players playing their own ball. This makes it more engaging for both players and spectators.

• Redemption Factor: Even if a player has a bad hole, their teammate can still keep the team in the match. This takes some of the pressure off and allows for more enjoyable, stress-free golf.

Four-Ball vs. Foursomes: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse four-ball with foursomes, another common team format, but they are very different. In foursomes, partners alternate shots using only one ball. This means one player hits the drive, the other player hits the second shot, and they continue alternating until the hole is completed.

Foursomes demand a high level of coordination and teamwork, as each shot must be set up to benefit the partner’s playing style. Four-ball, on the other hand, allows each golfer to play their own game while still benefiting from their teammate’s success.

Famous Four-Ball Moments in Golf History

Many legendary moments in team golf have come from four-ball matches. Here are a few highlights:

• Tiger Woods & Steve Stricker (2012 Ryder Cup): This dynamic duo dominated their four-ball matches, demonstrating the power of strong team chemistry.

• Phil Mickelson & Keegan Bradley (2012 Ryder Cup): In one of the most electrifying pairings in recent memory, Mickelson and Bradley went undefeated in four-ball, taking down some of Europe’s best players.

• Jack Nicklaus & Tom Watson (1981 Ryder Cup): Two of golf’s greatest players teamed up and put on a masterclass in four-ball strategy, helping secure a dominant victory for Team USA.

How to Succeed in Four-Ball

If you’re playing in a four-ball event, whether in a casual round or a tournament, here are some key strategies to keep in mind:

• Play to Your Strengths: If you’re a great driver but struggle with putting, let your partner take aggressive putts while you focus on keeping the ball in play off the tee.

• Communication Is Key: Discuss game plans before and during the round. Knowing when to play safe and when to attack can make all the difference.

• Stay Mentally Strong: Just because your partner is playing well doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Consistency from both players increases the team’s chances of winning.

• Choose the Right Partner: The best four-ball teams aren’t just made up of great players—they are players who complement each other’s styles. A pairing with a long hitter and a steady putter can be tough to beat.

Summing Up

Four-ball is one of the most exciting formats in golf, blending individual skill with team strategy. Whether played as match play or stroke play, it creates opportunities for bold, aggressive golf while offering players a safety net in the form of a teammate. The format’s appeal lies in its balance of risk and reward, making it a favorite in both professional and amateur settings.

From the Ryder Cup to casual weekend rounds, four-ball brings out the best in teamwork, competition, and strategy. If you haven’t tried it yet, grab a partner, hit the course, and experience the thrill of this dynamic game format for yourself.