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Fourball Matchplay

Also called Better-ball matchplay, Four-ball

Two against two, everyone playing their own ball. Only the better net score of each pair counts on each hole.

Players
4 — two pairs
Scoring
Holes won
Allowance
90% of course handicap, off the lowest
Winner
Most holes won

How it works

  1. 1Each player's handicap is 90% of their course handicap. The lowest of the four plays off scratch, the others get the difference.
  2. 2All four play their own ball on every hole.
  3. 3Each pair's better net score is its score for the hole. Lower wins.
  4. 4Scored like singles: holes up or down, "2 & 1" and so on.

Good to know

Once your partner's safe, you can afford to attack the pin.

Close relations

Fourball Better BallOwn ball each; the better score counts.Singles MatchplayOne v one. Win the most holes.Ryder Cup Team MatchSessions of singles, fourballs & foursomes.

Play it on PinPals. Live scoring works out the handicaps and keeps the leaderboard on everyone’s phone.

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Allowances follow the World Handicap System recommendations used by Golf Ireland. Your club or society may set its own — the entry sheet wins.