Fourball Golf Format Explained: Rules and Scoring

The fourball golf format is a team competition where two golfers play as partners, but each plays their own ball. At the end of each hole, the lower score from the two partners counts for the team. 

The format can be played as match play or stroke play. The rules are slightly different from foursomes, where partners share one ball and take alternate shots. Understanding that difference is important before you tee off.

Here is a practical guide to fourball, including how it differs from foursomes and other common golf team formats.

Fourball at a glance: Two golfers play as partners, each using their own ball. The lower score on each hole counts for the side. Fourball can be played as match play or stroke play and is covered by Rule 23 of the Rules of Golf. 

What is the Fourball Golf Format?

Fourball is a two-player team format covered by Rule 23 of the Rules of Golf. Each partner plays their own ball, although both partners do not always need to hole out. This is why fourball is commonly called better ball. The term best ball is also sometimes used informally, although Best-Ball has a separate meaning under the Rules of Golf. At the end of the hole, the team's score is the lower of the two individual scores.

For example, imagine you and your partner are playing a par-four:

• You score 4

• Your partner scores 5

• Your team's score is 4

If your partner scores 3 and you score 5, the team records a 3.

This scoring system gives both players a chance to contribute. You do not need both golfers to play well on every hole. If one partner struggles, a good score from the other can still count for the team.

How does Fourball Golf Scoring Work?

The scoring system is one of the easiest parts of the fourball golf format once you see it in action. Both partners play their own balls and record their individual scores. The lower score becomes the side's score for that hole.

Suppose you and your partner have these scores over five holes:

The team scores are therefore 4, 4, 5, 3, and 5.

If only one partner completes a hole under the rules, that player's score becomes the team's score. The other player does not have to finish the hole once their score cannot improve the side's result.

However, both players need to understand when they can pick up. In stroke play, if neither partner completes the hole, the side has no score for that hole and can be disqualified unless the mistake is corrected within the rules.

Fourball Golf Format in Match Play

Fourball match play is about winning individual holes rather than adding up the total number of strokes. Your side plays against another two-player side. Each player plays their own ball, and the best score from each side is compared.

For example:

• Your side's best score: 4

• Opposing side's best score: 5

Your side wins the hole. If both sides have the same best score, the hole is tied. The match continues hole by hole, with the side that wins the most holes taking the match.

Fourball Golf Format in Stroke Play

The same lower-score principle applies in stroke play, but the scores are added together over the round. If your team's counting scores are 4, 4, 5, 3, and so on, those scores form the side's total.

In fourball stroke play, the competition may use either gross or net scoring, based on the event rules and applicable handicap system. The competition committee should provide the exact handicap allowance before play. The USGA confirms that fourball can be played as either gross or net stroke play.

Fourball vs Foursomes: What is the Difference?

The biggest difference between fourball and foursomes is how many balls the partners play.

In fourball, both golfers have their own ball. They play independently, then the lower score counts.

In foursomes, the two partners share one ball and alternate shots. One player tees off, the other plays the next shot, and they continue alternating until the ball is holed. The partners also alternate who tees off on each hole.

The table below shows Fourball vs Foursomes:

If you want a closer look at the alternate-shot format, see our guide to the Rules of Foursomes in Golf.

For many club golfers, fourball feels more familiar because you still play your own ball from tee to green. The main adjustment is learning when your score matters and when your partner's score takes over.

Fourball is also one of the team formats used in competitions such as the Ryder Cup, where two-player sides compete in match play. 

Another professional example is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where teams alternate between Fourball and Foursomes across the four tournament rounds. 

What are the Rules for Playing Fourball?

The usual Rules of Golf still apply, but Rule 23 includes several provisions specifically for fourball.

1. Each partner plays their own ball

This is the defining rule of the format. You cannot simply take over your partner's ball and continue playing it. You are responsible for your own ball and score, while your partner is responsible for theirs.

2. Partners can choose their order of play

Unlike some formats, fourball does not require partners to alternate shots. The partners can decide who plays first. This can be useful when one player wants to hit a safe shot before their partner takes a more aggressive approach.

The R&A says that partners may play in the order the side considers most suitable.

3. You can give your partner advice

Partners are allowed to give each other advice, subject to the normal Rules of Golf. You can discuss club selection, distance, and shot strategy. This makes communication an important part of the format.

4. You may share clubs

Partners may share clubs, provided their combined number of clubs does not exceed 14. This rule is easy to overlook, especially if one partner has left a club at home and wants to borrow one.

5. Know when to pick up

One of the practical advantages of fourball is that you do not always need to finish a hole. If your partner has already made a score that will count for the side, you can usually pick up rather than play unnecessary shots. This can help keep the pace moving.

In match play, also remember that continuing after a stroke has been conceded can affect whether your partner's score is allowed to count, so follow the specific match-play provisions of Rule 23. For more detail on these situations, see the USGA Four-Ball rules guide. 

Fourball Compared with Other Golf Team Formats

Fourball is only one of several golf team formats you may encounter at a club competition or society day.

Foursomes uses one ball per side and alternate shots. Fourball gives each golfer their own ball and uses the lower score.

A Texas Scramble works very differently. Players usually select the best shot and then continue from the chosen position as a team. That makes the whole group involved in selecting and playing from the same shots. You can read our guide to Texas Scramble in Golf for a full explanation.

Other formats include Greensomes, Stableford, and Shamble. Each has its own scoring system, so always check the competition conditions before playing.

Common Fourball Mistakes

A few errors can cause unnecessary problems during a competition.

• Confusing fourball with foursomes: Remember that fourball means two separate balls. Foursomes use one ball and alternate shots.

• Picking up too soon: Make sure your partner's score is definitely going to count before abandoning your own ball.

• Forgetting the scorecard: In stroke play, scores must be correctly identified with the partner who made them.

• Taking risks when you do not need to: If your partner already has a strong score, there is often little benefit in attempting a difficult shot.

• Ignoring the competition conditions: Handicap allowances and other conditions can vary, so check the information supplied by your club or competition committee.

FAQs

Is fourball the same as best ball golf?

Fourball is commonly referred to as better ball or best ball, although the exact use of these terms can vary between competitions. Under Rule 23, two partners each play their own ball, and the lower score counts for the side.

Do both players have to finish every hole in fourball?

No. If one partner has completed the hole and their score will count for the side, the other partner does not need to hole out. However, you should make sure the counting score is secure before picking up.

Who plays first in fourball?

Partners can decide which of them plays first. They do not have to alternate shots as they would in foursomes.

Can fourball be played with handicaps?

Yes. Fourball competitions can use handicap allowances. The exact allowance depends on the format and competition conditions, so check the terms issued by your club.

What to Remember Before Your Fourball Competition

The fourball golf format is straightforward once you remember the main rule: both partners play their own ball, and the lower score counts.

That simple system leaves plenty of room for strategy. One player can play safely while the other takes a calculated risk. A poor hole from one partner does not necessarily hurt the team if the other produces a better score.

Before your next fourball competition, check whether you are playing match play or stroke play, confirm the handicap allowance, and read any local competition conditions. Once those details are clear, you can focus on playing your own game and helping your partner when it counts.