Four-Ball (Best Ball)
Also called Four-Ball (Two-Man Best Ball), Better Ball, Fourball
Partners play their own balls; the lower score on each hole counts.
4+ players · best with 4Team & Partner FormatsPartners (2 v 2)Easy to score
How to play →Team & Partner Formats · Outing & Tournament Formats
Foursomes (Alternate Shot)
Also called Scotch Foursomes, St Andrews Foursomes, Canadian Foursomes, Fensomes
Two partners share one ball and alternate every stroke.
- Players
- 4+ players, best with 4
- Play as
- Partners (2 v 2)
- Scorekeeping
- Medium
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
Before the round, partners decide who tees off on odd holes and who on even holes. They then alternate strokes with a single ball until it is holed; penalty strokes do not change the order. Used on the first two days of the Ryder Cup alongside four-balls (8 of the 28 points).
Scoring
Match play or stroke play with one score per side per hole. WHS allowance: 50% of the partners' combined course handicaps (in match play, half the difference between the sides' combined handicaps).
Variations
- Greensomes (both drive, choose one)
- Chapman/Pinehurst (both drive, swap balls, choose after 2nd shot)
- Bloodsomes/Gruesomes (opponents choose your drive)
- Threesomes (one player vs an alternate-shot pair)
- Mixed foursomes with different tees
Tips
- Plan who tees off on the par 3s and tough driving holes when choosing odd/even
- Never apologize mid-round; the format is about partnership composure
Nothing tests a partnership like having to hit your partner's next shot from the trees.
Works with
Each link opens every game that works for that number of players.
Related games
Scramble
Also called Captain's Choice, Fort Lauderdale, Four-Person Scramble
Everyone hits, team picks the best shot, everyone plays from there until holed.
2+ players · best with 4Team & Partner FormatsTeamsEasy to score
How to play →Sixes (Round Robin)
Also called 6-6-6, Hollywood, Triple Six
Change partners every six holes so everybody plays with everybody once.
4 players only · best with 4Team & Partner FormatsRotating partnersEasy to scoreMoney game
How to play →Chapman (Pinehurst)
Also called Chapman System, Pinehurst System, Pinehurst Foursomes
Both drive, swap balls for the second shot, pick one ball, then alternate.
4+ players · best with 4Team & Partner FormatsPartners (2 v 2)Medium to score
How to play →Sources
Rules reflect the version most groups play, cross-checked across these sources. House rules vary; agree yours on the first tee.
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