Four-Ball Versus Foursomes: What’s the Difference?

Four-ball and foursomes are two of the most commonly confused formats in golf. Even experienced players and tournament organizers sometimes have to double-check the rules. If you’ve been wondering about the differences between four-ball and foursomes, here’s everything you need to know.

What is four-ball in golf?

A four-ball (often referred to as better-ball) is a two-person team golf format where you and your partner each play your own ball from the tee into the cup. On every hole, the lower of the two scores is the team score. If only one partner holes out and finishes that single score, the team score is the single score.

Four-ball allows golfers to employ a variety of different strategies. If one partner has a steady hole, the other can take risks. The format is common in weekend money games and club events.

One great thing about four-ball is that even though it’s a two-person event, if one player is having a bad hole (or day), the other can finish the round.

The four-ball format can be played with either gross or net scoring.

🟩 Four-Ball Recap (Quick Facts)

• Team Size: 2 players
• Balls in Play: Each player plays their own ball
• Scoring: Lower score on each hole counts for the team
• Formats: Can be played as gross or net
• Play Style: Match play (versus another team) or stroke play (against the field)

What is foursomes in golf?

Foursomes (often referred to as “alternate shot”) is a two-person golf format where only one ball is in play at any given time. The partners take turns hitting the same ball until it’s holed. Usually, one partner tees off on odd holes, the other on even holes and the team gets to choose who starts the round.

The great thing about the foursomes format is that it is quick.

With only one ball in play, the format should move a little quicker. However, it’s a challenging format in the sense that teamwork and strategy will play a crucial role.

Like four-ball, foursomes can be played as a gross or net event.

🟩 Foursomes Recap (Quick Facts)

• Team Size: 2 players
• Balls in Play: One ball per team (alternate shots)
• Tee Shots: Players alternate who tees off (one on odd holes, one on even)
• Scoring: Played as gross or net
• Play Style: Match play (versus another team) or stroke play (against the field)

Where you’ll see the pros play these formats

Four-ball and foursome formats are sometimes used in professional golf events. The Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup and Solheim Cup also have four-ball and foursomes as part of their competition as does the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic.

Which format should you try?

There are pros and cons to both four-ball and foursomes formats.

The great thing about four-ball is that you get to play your entire round. You may also find yourself able to take more risks at times, if your partner has the safe shot covered.

Foursomes, on the other hand, offers a unique challenge. It’s not every day you get to play this closely with a teammate. It’s tough, even when you think everything is going smoothly, unexpected trouble can creep in. The format itself moves a little quicker, too, since only one ball is in play for each team at a time.

Final thoughts

While you may hear four-ball and foursomes referred to as “better-ball” and “alternate shot” in casual conversation, it’s good to know their correct names under the USGA Rules of Golf. Grab a partner and have fun playing either format!