How to play fourballs, the most exciting format in golf

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Ian Poulter at the Ryder Cup

In the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup and Solheim Cup there is perhaps no format more exciting than the fourballs.

There are, perhaps obviously, four balls in action and, with the golfers involved being among the best in the world, the chances are that the birdies and eagles will come thick and fast.

However, there are times when a little bit of cunning strategy overtakes the quest for par breakers.

Let’s see what PGA professional Pete Styles has to say in this video about the fourball format.

“This is fourball match play we’re talking about,” he says.

“We’ve got four players, four balls in action and two of the golfers are playing against the other two.

“So the best score either of player in the partnership is what counts for the team.”

Styles explains that one team might score a four and five, the other team a seven and a four. Both teams take their best score – four – and the hole would be deemed all square.

This process is also explained by the alternate title for this format: better ball.

In Styles’ example, on the next hole, the first team make two threes and the second team makes two sevens. The first team wins but they only win the hole even though they took four strokes fewer.

“In understanding this format there are some tactics because you’re not trying to get the lowest score of an entire field,” Styles reminds us, “you’re just trying to beat the opposition (in front of you).

“And I can see what they are doing so I can think about the game a little differently.”

Styles gives another example. It’s a basic one but it explains the tactics. He assumes the first team hit both of their tee shots out of bounds.

“What does team two do?” he asks. “Well, I’d put the driver away because we’re trying to just keep the ball in play.

“What the first team should have done is that after the first guy went out of bounds, the second guy should have just stayed in the hole with a de-risk shot.

“So there are lots of times in this format when you’re not necessarily trying to hit the lowest score. You are de-risking and putting pressure on the opposition.

“You don’t want to gift a hole.”

Pete Styles’ website

READ MORE: How to play foursomes, the fastest format in golf

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