Four balls and four-persons are two of the most confused formats in Golf. Even experienced players and tournament organizers sometimes need to double the rules. If you have wondered about the differences between four cannons and four, here is all you need to know.
What is four balls in golf?
A four ball ball (often referred to as the best ball) is a two -person golf format where you and your partner each play your ball from Tee to Cup. In each hole, the lowest of the two results is the result of the team. If only one partner pulls and ends that single result, the team’s result is the only result.
Four balls allow players to use a variety of different strategies. If one partner has a stable hole, the other can take risks. The format is common in weekend money games and club events.
One great thing for four balls is that although it is a two -person event, if one player has a bad hole (or day), the other can end the round.
The four -ball format can be played with gross or net results.
Recap with four balls (quick facts)
- Team Size: 2 players
- Balls in the game: Each player plays their own ball
- Marking: The lowest score in each hole counts for the team
- Formats: Can be played as gross or net
- Play style: Game of match (against another team) or Stroke Play (against the field)
What is Foursomes in Golf?
Foursomes (often referred to as “Shot Alternate”) is a two -person golf format where only one ball is in the game at any time. The partners get the curves by hitting the same ball until they are placed. Usually, one partner goes with strange holes, the other even in the holes and the team has to choose who starts the round.
The great thing about the format of the four is that It’s fast.
With only one ball in the game, the format must move a little faster. However, it is a challenging format in the sense that teamwork and strategy will play a crucial role.
Like four balls, four-persons can be played as a gross or net event.
Summary Quadrant (Quick Facts)
- Team Size: 2 players
- Balls in the game: A ball for team (alternative shots)
- Shots Tee: The players alternate who leave (one in strange holes, one in even)
- Marking: Played as gross or net
- Play style: Game of match (against another team) or Stroke Play (against the field)
Where will you see the good play these formats
Four and four-year-old forms are sometimes used in professional golf events. The Ryder Cup, the President of the Presidents and the Solheim Cup also have four balls and four as part of their competition as well as PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic.
Which format should you try?
It has the benefits and the bad for both four -ball and four formats.
The great thing for four balls is that you get to play your entire round. You can also find yourself capable of taking more risks ever if your partner has a secure stroke covered.
Foursomes, on the other hand, offers a unique challenge. It is not every day you have to play this closely with a teammate. It is difficult, even when you think everything is going well, the unexpected trouble can crawl. The format itself moves a little faster, as only one ball is in the game for each team at a time.
Final thoughts
While you can hear with four balls and four-persons referred to as the “best top-top” and “alternate stroke” in casual conversation, it is good to know their correct names under Golf Rules USA. Grab a partner and have fun playing or forms!
office Four balls versus four: What is the difference? first appeared in MygolfSSS.
