Fourball
The fourball is a competition format in which two players compete as a team and each plays their own ball.
In fourball, known in German mostly as Vierball, two players form a team. Both play every hole with their own ball, and per hole only the better of the two scores counts. In match play the team wins the hole whose best ball shows the better score; in the stroke play format the best balls are added up. Fourball is one of the most popular team formats of all, from the club round to the big international team competitions, because it combines individual play with team spirit.
In practice the format opens up tactical freedom. An example: your partner has already saved his hole with a safe par, you lie in front of the green after two strokes. Now you can go for the risk and play straight at the flag, because the worst result is covered. Conversely: whoever plays first often lays down the safe ball, whoever plays second may attack. This safety makes the fourball attractive for players with different handicaps too — the stronger player carries, the other complements.
The typical mistake is playing both balls to the bitter end. If your score on a hole is worse than your partner's anyway, you may pick up your ball in match play — that keeps the pace of play high. Also popular: confusing it with the scramble, where the team always plays on with the same ball. In fourball your ball remains yours from the tee to holing out. And do not confuse it with foursomes, where the partners share one ball.
FAQ
When may I pick up my ball in fourball?
In match play at any time, as soon as your score on the hole is worse than your partner's anyway. That saves time and keeps the pace of play high. In the stroke play format this applies only with restrictions, because your individual score may be needed for the scoring there — the committee sorts out the details.
How do we play the fourball tactically smart?
Classically the first player lays down the safe ball and the second may attack. If your partner is already lying safely for par, you can attack the flag directly — the worst result is covered. This division of labour makes the format attractive for pairs with different handicaps too.
What is the difference between fourball and scramble?
In fourball each player plays their own ball from the tee to holing out, and the better of the two counts. In a scramble, by contrast, the team selects the best ball after every stroke and everyone plays on from there. And with foursomes the fourball only shares the name — there the partners share a single ball.