Rules · Lesson
How Four-Ball Works
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In four-ball, under Rule 23, both partners play separate balls. The better score counts for your side. If only one of you holes out, that score counts. If neither does, your side loses the hole in match play. In stroke play, you're disqualified unless you fix it in time. On the scorecard, show clearly whose score is whose. One partner can play alone for the side. A late partner can join only between holes. You can help each other, but never agree to leave a ball on the green to help.
Step by step
- Each partner plays their own ball.
- The lower score counts.
- Mark whose score is whose.
- Late partners join between holes.
- Don't leave a ball to help.
Why it works
Each partner plays a separate ball, so your side gets two attempts at every hole and only the lower score counts. This lets one partner take risks while the other plays safe. The rules keep the format fair by requiring clear scoring and by not letting partners agree to leave a ball in play to help each other.
Common mistakes
- Adding both partners' scores together instead of taking the lower one.Compare the two scores on each hole and record only the lower one for your side.
- Writing a score on the card without showing which partner made it.Mark each score with the partner's name or initial so it is clear whose score counts.
- Agreeing with your partner to leave your ball on the green or in play so it helps their shot.Pick up or play your ball as normal; you may give advice and help, but you may not agree to leave a ball there on purpose.
How you'll know it's working
- After each hole, you can say which partner's score counted and the card shows it.
- Both partners are playing their own ball from tee to hole and neither of you shares a ball.
- A partner who arrives late waits and joins at the next tee, not mid-hole.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Play a few holes with a friend and write the lower score and its owner on the card after every hole.
Harder: Play a full round in stroke play, where a card with unclear scores can lead to disqualification, and check every hole before you sign.
Common questions
Do both partners have to play every hole in four-ball?
No. One partner can play alone for the side on a hole or for the round. A late partner can join only between holes, not during one.
What happens if neither partner finishes a hole in four-ball match play?
If neither of you holes out, your side loses the hole. If only one of you holes out, that score counts for your side.
