What Is the Difference Between Foursomes and Four-ball?
by Frank Longabucco, Professor at Keiser University College of Golf, PGA Certified Professional
Golfers are often confused by the terms used by the USGA and the Rules of Golf. There are many forms of competition that allow golfers to have fun in team or group events. The Ryder Cup is known as the ultimate team event in the world of golf. The Ryder Cup players compete on Friday and Saturday in Four-ball and Foursome formats. So, what is the difference between these two formats?
Four-Ball
Four-Ball (also known as Best Ball) is a team format in which two players compete as partners, each playing their own ball throughout the hole. The lower of the two scores is recorded as the team’s score for each hole.
Foursomes
Foursomes (also known as Alternate Shot) is a team format in which two players share one ball and alternate shots until the hole is completed. One player tees off on all odd-numbered holes, while the other tees off on all even-numbered holes. The order of play remains the same regardless of which player holes out. So, if Player A Tees off on #1 and all the odd holes, and Player B Tees off on all the even holes. Penalty strokes do not affect the rotation of play.
A simple way to remember the difference is that in Four-Ball, both partners play every shot, whereas in Foursomes, each partner plays only some shots.
Match Play or Stroke Play?
Both formats can be played as match play or stroke play:
- Match Play: One two-player team competes directly against another two-player team, winning holes rather than counting total strokes. Four-Ball and Foursomes are the formats used during the first two days of the Ryder Cup, followed by singles matches on the final day.
- Stroke Play: Teams compete against the entire field, with the lowest total score determining the winner. This format is common for larger events because the entire field can compete in a single round.
Handicap Allowances
Both formats can be played with handicaps:
- Four-Ball Stroke Play: Each player receives their full course handicap allocation as applied on the scorecard.
- Four-Ball Match Play: Handicap strokes are applied based on the difference from the lowest-handicapped player in the group.
- Foursomes Stroke Play: The team handicap is calculated by taking 35% of the lower-handicapped player’s course handicap and 15% of the higher-handicapped player’s course handicap, then combining the two allowances.
Follow the USGA Handicap Guidelines
Golf clubs and tournament committees are encouraged to follow the current USGA Handicap Allowance recommendations, available in the Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C, on the USGA website. Team competitions remain popular because they allow players to compete alongside a partner of their choice, encourage participation, and create a more enjoyable playing experience. In Four-Ball formats, especially, a partner’s score can keep the team competitive even when one player has a difficult hole.
