Four-ball in golf is a format where four players are split into two teams of two players each. Each player plays their own ball throughout the round. For each hole, the team's score is the lower score between the two players on that team. The team with the best (lowest) score on a hole wins that hole in match play, or the total best scores are added in stroke play. Only one player on the team needs to complete the hole for the team to have a score. Key points about four-ball:
- Two teams of two players compete.
- Each of the four players plays their own ball.
- A team's score for a hole is the lower score of the two partners.
- The format can be played as match play or stroke play.
- Only one partner needs to finish the hole for the team score.
- Partners may play in any order and can share clubs and advice.
This format is used commonly in competitions like the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Zurich Classic. Its main difference from the similar "foursomes" format is that foursomes have players alternate shots with one ball per team, while in four-ball each player has their own ball in play.
