Four-Ball
Game Formats
Explained Simply
Two-person teams play their own balls; lower score counts. Can be played as stroke play or match play.
Example
“You and a partner play against two opponents. Each person plays their own ball, best score on each side counts.”
Why it matters
The most common competitive team format. Also called 'better ball' in some regions.
Common beginner mistake
Confusing four-ball with foursome — in foursome, two players share ONE ball alternating shots. In four-ball, each player has their own.
Related
casual
Game Formats
Related
- Best Ball (Four-Ball)Each player plays their own ball throughout the hole. The lowest score among your team counts as the team's score for that hole.
- Match PlayA format where you compete hole-by-hole. Win a hole, go 1-up. Lose it, go 1-down. Most holes won = winner.
- Stroke PlayThe most common format — every stroke counts for the entire round. Lowest total score wins.