Introduction
If you love golf and enjoy a good team competition, then golf four ball match play might be your new favorite format. It’s fun, fast-moving, and perfect for both casual games with friends and big events like the Ryder Cup. But if you’re just hearing about it for the first time, the rules can feel a little confusing.
This guide aims to simplify all of that. We’ll explain golf four ball match play rules in clear, easy steps, written in a friendly tone anyone can follow. Whether you’re new to golf or an experienced player looking to brush up, we’ve got you covered.
You’ll find answers to common questions, tips to play better, and real examples to help you understand how it works. So grab your clubs, call up a golf buddy, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about four ball match play.
What Is Golf Four Ball Match Play?
In golf four ball match play, two teams of two players each face off. Each golfer plays their own ball on every hole, so you’ll always have four balls in play on each hole. This is different from scrambled or alternate shot formats.
The scoring system is based on match play, meaning the goal is to win individual holes rather than track every shot across the round. On each hole, the lowest score from each team is compared. If one team’s best player scores better, they win the hole. If both lowest scores are the same, the hole is halved.
For example:
- Player 1 from Team A makes a 4
- Player 2 from Team A makes a 5
- Player 1 from Team B makes a 6
- Player 2 from Team B makes a 4
Then the hole is tied because both teams have a best player who scored 4. Pretty simple, right?
Why Golfers Love the Four Ball Match Play Format
There’s a reason four ball match play is used in events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. It’s full of strategy, teamwork, and energy.
Here are a few reasons players love it:
- You play your own ball the whole time. No sharing shots.
- Teamwork matters, but you can recover even if your partner messes up a hole.
- It’s competitive yet relaxed, because each hole is a fresh chance to win.
- Fewer blowups. You can make a bad score and still help your team by bouncing back next hole.
This makes the format perfect for friendly matches and tournaments. It also levels the playing field—so players of different skills can have a fair and fun time.
Key Rules of Golf Four Ball Match Play
The official rules of golf four ball match play are set by governing bodies like the USGA. But don’t worry—we’ve broken them down into beginner-friendly explanations:
- Four balls are used on each hole. Each golfer plays their own shots from tee to green.
- The best score from each team decides the hole. Only the lowest score by one player on a team counts.
- Match play scoring. You win a hole, go “1 up.” Lose it, go “1 down.” Tie means “halved.”
- Order of play follows standard rules. The team with the honor (lowest score on the last hole) plays first.
- Conceding is allowed. You can concede a hole, putt, or even the match at any time.
- Penalties apply to individuals. If one teammate breaks a rule, only their score is affected unless both broke it.
Always check with your course or tournament host for local rule adjustments. But these basics will serve you well in nearly every four ball match.
How Teams Are Scored in Four Ball Match Play
Let’s make this crystal clear: each team only uses the lowest score from its two players per hole. That’s the big difference between this format and stroke play.
For example on hole 1:
- Team A: Player A1 makes 5, Player A2 makes 3 → Team A’s score is 3
- Team B: Player B1 makes 6, Player B2 makes 4 → Team B’s score is 4
Team A wins the hole and goes “1 up.”
Scoring continues until:
- One team is ahead by more holes than are left to play (e.g., 3 up with 2 holes left = match won)
- Or the match finishes “all square” if no one finishes ahead
Simple math, but the excitement and team banter make it super entertaining.
Using Handicaps in Four Ball Match Play
Wondering how to keep things fair if players have different skill levels? That’s where golf handicaps come in.
Here’s how they work in four ball match play:
- Each player gets their full handicap strokes based on the course slope.
- The player with the lowest handicap plays off scratch (0 handicap).
- All other players subtract that lowest handicap from their own to get how many strokes they’ll receive.
- Handicap strokes are applied on the holes marked on the scorecard (typically the hardest holes).
Real-life example:
- Player A1: Handicap 10
- Player A2: Handicap 18
- Player B1: Handicap 4
- Player B2: Handicap 12
Player B1 would play as scratch. Player A1 gets 6 strokes (10–4), Player A2 gets 14, and Player B2 gets 8.
This system keeps things fun and balanced, especially in casual matches.
What’s the Strategy Behind Four Ball Match Play?
Great question! Because you have a teammate and match play style scoring, you can get creative. Here are some smart tips:
- Play aggressive if your teammate is safe. If your partner lands a par putt, you can aim for birdie without fear.
- Don’t both attack risky shots. Let one player play it safe while the other goes bold.
- Keep track of your opponent’s shots. You only need to beat one of their scores—not both.
- Use body language and talk. Friendly encouragement or solid focus can boost your team’s performance.
- Read greens together. Two sets of eyes are better than one when it comes to putting.
Good communication and knowing your teammate’s strengths can give your team a real edge on the course.
What Happens If a Player Skips a Hole or Makes a Big Mistake?
If one player struggles with a hole—hits out of bounds, finds water, or even picks up their ball to save time—it’s not the end of the world in four ball match play.
Only the lowest score counts for your team. If your partner finishes strong, your team can still win or halve the hole.
You’re not required to finish every hole as long as your teammate is still in play. This also helps speed up rounds and keeps the focus on the team game—not individual mistakes.
That’s a great reason why beginners love this format—it’s not as punishing as solo stroke play.
How to Mark the Scorecard in Four Ball Match Play
Many people ask, “How do we keep score in this format?”
Simple tips:
- Use one scorecard for both teams.
- Write down each player’s gross score.
- Circle the lowest score per team.
- Note who wins each hole—record with a “+” or “1 up” style.
- Keep a running match total (e.g., Team A is 2 up after 5 holes).
At the end, record the final match result, such as:
- Team A wins 3 & 2 (3 up with 2 holes left)
- Match tied (“All Square”)
- Team B wins 1 up (won final hole)
Good scorekeeping is easy—and makes reading the match recap a breeze.
What Makes Four Ball Different from Foursomes?
These two terms sound similar, but they’re completely different formats.
- Four Ball = 4 players, 4 balls in play. Everyone plays their own ball.
- Foursomes = 4 players, 2 balls in play. Each team hits alternate shots on one shared ball.
That means in foursomes, teammates take turns hitting the same ball (one drives, one hits the next shot). In four ball, teammates don’t share any shots—they just rely on the best score between the two.
Four ball tends to be easier, more social, and gives every player the chance to shine on their own terms.
When Is Golf Four Ball Match Play Used in Tournaments?
You’ll spot four ball match play in many team-based golf events, such as:
- The Ryder Cup – alternating formats of four ball and foursomes
- Presidents Cup – U.S. vs. international team competitions
- Club Team Matches – local tournaments or weekend challenges
- Charity Fundraisers – where fun is the top priority
It’s also great for couples, parent-child events, or friend groups who want to compete without all the pressure of individual stroke play.
People love it because it’s flexible—easy to play on any course, with any skill level.
FAQs
1. What does “four ball” mean in golf?
It means four players each play their own ball. The best score from each team is used per hole.
2. How do you win in four ball match play?
You win holes by having the lowest score against the other team. Most holes won = match winner.
3. Do both teammates have to finish the hole?
No. If one teammate has a poor hole, they can pick up their ball as long as the team’s best ball is still in play.
4. Is four ball match play good for beginners?
Yes! It’s great for learning under less pressure, since your partner can help save bad holes.
5. What happens if the match is tied after 18 holes?
The match is “all square,” unless you play extra holes or go to a sudden death playoff.
6. What’s the biggest mistake players make?
Not knowing it’s about team scores—some people play as if it’s stroke play and forget to strategize with their partner.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned golfer craving some competition with friends, golf four ball match play is easily one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to play.
It mixes personal performance with team strategy and keeps things fun, even when you mess up a hole. With the right teammate, a few simple rules, and a healthy sense of humor, you’ll find that four ball brings out the best in golf—and in you.
So grab a buddy, set up teams, and try it for yourself soon. You might never look at regular golf rounds the same way again!
