Fourball
The fourball is the team format of play in which everyone plays their own ball through and per hole only the better result counts.
In the fourball, also called bestball, two partners play their own round in parallel. Per hole the better of the two scores counts for the team. The format is the friendlier alternative to foursomes, because everyone plays their own game. It belongs to the Ryder Cup programme and is at many club tournaments the most popular team format. It also works as a group of four outing among friends, entirely without a tournament.
The tactical attraction lies in the division of labour. If your partner lies safely on the green, you can attack the flag directly. If he lies in the bunker, you play the safe variant. An example: on a par 5 you reach the green in two strokes, your partner needs four and putts for par. Your birdie counts for the team. Conversely his par saves you if your ball lands in the water. So risky and safe strokes keep each other in balance.
Common misconception: the fourball is not the same as the scramble. In the scramble one plays on from the best ball, in the fourball everyone plays their own ball through. This is also important: as a stroke play competition the fourball can count towards the handicap under certain conditions, if your own result is determined according to the rules. The details are regulated by the tournament committee on site.
FAQ
How do I play the fourball tactically smart with my partner?
Use the division of labour: if your partner lies safely on the green, you can attack the flag directly — if he lies in the bunker, you play the safe variant. So risky and safe strokes keep each other in balance over the round. The good thing about it: a hole disaster of one is carried by the other with his result.
What is the difference between fourball and scramble?
In the fourball everyone plays their own ball through to the hole, and per hole the better of the two results counts. In the scramble by contrast the team chooses the best ball after every stroke, and all play on from there. The fourball thereby remains a real individual result in the team, the scramble is pure team play.
Does my fourball result count towards the handicap?
Yes, under certain conditions a fourball in stroke play format can count towards the handicap, if your own result was determined according to the rules. That is different from the foursome, where the partners share one ball. The exact conditions are regulated by the tournament committee of your tournament on site.