When you hear the term fourball session, a golf format where two‑player teams each play their own ball and the best score on every hole counts. Also known as four‑ball, it blends individual skill with teamwork. golf provides the playing field, while team match play defines the competitive structure. The handicap system levels the field so that players of different abilities can compete fairly. In short, a fourball session encompasses team match play, requires a handicap system, and relies on golf’s standard rules to create an exciting, balanced contest.
Fourball sessions pop up in many settings. At the amateur club level, leagues schedule weekly pairings so friends can test their chemistry on a familiar course. Professional tours use the format for televised events—think of the PGA Tour’s “Fourball Friday” where top players team up and the best ball on each hole decides the day’s winner. Even charity outings adopt fourball because it lets participants of varying skill levels enjoy a fair competition. The format also fits nicely into larger golf tournament structures: a tournament may start with stroke‑play qualifying, then switch to a fourball knockout phase, where the best‑ball rule adds drama and keeps the leaderboard tight.
Understanding the details helps you get the most out of a fourball session. Scoring is simple: each player records a score for every hole, the lower of the two scores is the team’s score for that hole, and the total of those best‑ball scores decides the match. Because only the best ball counts, aggressive play is rewarded—if one player hits a safe par, the partner can go for the green without fear of hurting the team. The handicap system adjusts each player’s net score, so a high‑handicap golfer can still contribute a winning shot. Course layout matters too; tighter fairways make accurate drives valuable, while wide greens give the second player a chance to recover a missed tee shot. Knowing these nuances lets you pick the right partner, choose a suitable course, and approach each hole with a clear strategy.
Ready to join a fourball session? Whether you’re signing up for a local league, watching a televised tournament, or planning a weekend charity match, the basics stay the same: two players, two balls, one best score per hole. Below you’ll find articles that dive into the history of the format, detailed scoring guides, tips for choosing partners, and real‑world examples from recent events. Use them to sharpen your game, understand the role of handicaps, and make the most of every fourball round you play.
Saturday's fourball matches at Bethpage Black saw Team Europe widen its advantage to 11.5-4.5 over the United States. Key pairings, strategic moves, and standout performances set the stage for a Sunday that could seal the trophy for Europe. Captain Luke Donald warned the job isn’t done despite the gap.