Fourball vs Foursome Golf – What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever played in a golf competition, society day, or watched the Ryder Cup, you’ve probably heard the terms fourball and foursomes. 

While the names sound similar, the formats are very different and understanding how each works can help you choose the right type of game for your next round.

The key difference is simple:

In fourball, both golfers play their own ball and the best score counts. In foursomes, teammates play one ball and take alternate shots. 

What Is Fourball in Golf?

Fourball is one of the most popular team formats in golf because each player plays their own ball throughout the round.

On every hole, the best score from the two teammates counts as the team score, which is why fourball is often called better ball.

For example:

• Player A scores 5 
• Player B scores 4
• The team score is 4

Fourball tends to feel more relaxed and forgiving than other team formats. If one player struggles on a hole, their partner still has the opportunity to post a good score for the team. 

Fourball can be played as:

• Match play
• Stroke play
• Stableford

It is commonly used for club competitions, golf days, and social rounds because golfers of different abilities can contribute to the team. 

What Is Foursomes in Golf?

Foursomes is a completely different challenge.

Rather than both golfers playing their own ball, teammates share one ball and take alternate shots until the hole is completed. 

Typically:

• One player tees off on odd numbered holes
• The other tees off on even numbered holes
• Players alternate every shot from there

For example:

• Player A hits the tee shot
• Player B plays the second shot
• Player A hits the third shot
• The pattern continues until the ball is holed

Because every shot affects your partner, foursomes places a greater emphasis on consistency, communication, and course management. 

Golfers wanting a full breakdown of the format can read the iGolf guide to What Is Foursomes in Golf?.

Which Format Is Harder?

Many golfers find foursomes the tougher challenge.

In fourball, a bad hole does not necessarily hurt the team because your partner’s score may still count.

In foursomes, however, every shot directly affects the result. A poor drive can leave your partner in trouble, while a missed approach may create a difficult next shot for them.

Golfers interested in additional team formats may also enjoy reading about What Is Greensomes in Golf?, another popular partner format that combines elements of both fourball and foursomes.

Fourball and Foursomes in Professional Golf

Both formats are used in elite team competitions including the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup.

These events typically include:

• Fourball matches
• Foursomes matches
• Singles matches

Each format tests a different side of a golfer’s game.

Fourball rewards aggressive scoring and birdie making, while foursomes often rewards consistency, patience, and partnership.

That mix is one of the reasons team golf creates some of the sport’s most memorable moments.

Golfers wanting to understand how these formats fit into head-to-head competition can also explore Match Play Golf: Rules, Formats & How It Works.

How Handicaps Work in Fourball and Foursomes

Handicap allowances differ between formats under the World Handicap System™.

Typical allowances include:

• Fourball Better Ball: 85% in stroke play
• Foursomes: 50% combined allowance

These adjustments help ensure fair competition regardless of ability level.

For golfers looking to better understand handicaps and how they apply across different formats, the iGolf guide to How to Calculate a Golf Handicap UK (WHS Explained) explains everything in detail.

Which Format Should You Play?

The best format depends on the type of round you want.

Choose fourball if you:

• Prefer playing your own ball
• Enjoy a more relaxed format
• Want greater scoring opportunities
• Are playing socially or casually

Choose foursomes if you:

• Enjoy strategic golf
• Like team-focused play
• Want a tougher challenge
• Thrive under pressure

Both formats bring something unique to the game and can make a standard round far more enjoyable.

Improve Your Golf With iGolf

Whether you’re playing fourball, foursomes, greensomes, or medal golf, tracking your progress is key to improving your game.

With iGolf, non-club member golfers can:

• Obtain an official Handicap Index®
• Track scores and performance through the MyEG app
• Submit scores from rated courses
• Access a digital history of golfing progress
• Enjoy Public Liability Insurance included in membership

An iGolf subscription costs just £47 per year, making it an easy way to stay connected to the game while monitoring improvement across every format you play.