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Fourball – an exciting form of tournament play

The fourball format is also played at the Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)
The fourball format is also played at the Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)

Fourball (also called bestball or fourball) is played in golf with two, three or four players per team. Each golfer in a team plays his or her own ball. However, after each hole, only the best score is included in the team score. If one player locks in a four and the team partner needs five or more strokes, only the four is scored.

The fourball format holds some tactical possibilities: In the team it can be decided, for example, that one player plays more on risk and attacks the flag directly in order to win the hole (in match play). The other team partner tries to provide back-up by trying to place the ball safely on the green and thus take the pressure off. Who takes on which role depends on the current game situation.

Click here for the leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Fourball with numerous variations

If a player with a very low handicap competes against players with a higher handicap, another variant is conceivable: The strong golfer is on his or her own and plays alone against a team that can take advantage of the synergy. In addition, the pairing of low handicap with high handicap is advantageous in fourball tournaments played according to Stableford. Such tournaments are often offered at the beginning or end of the season, when the course is not yet or no longer in the best condition.

In stroke play, the best scores of all the holes played by a team are added together and the total number is counted at the end of the course. In match play, as it is played at the Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup for example, you play against your opponents for each hole. The team that needs fewer strokes for the respective hole gets a point. In the event of a tie, the hole is split – both teams receive half a point. The team that wins the most holes wins the match.

Ryder Cup 2023: Rules and Format
Ryder Cup 2023 Tee Times
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Highlights Tours Knowledge Rules

Foursome format – the rules in match play

Foursome is one of the forms of play at the Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Foursome is one of the forms of play at the Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)

In foursomes, two teams (usually two players each) compete against each other. Within a team, players take turns stroke by stroke: Player “A” tees off. Once at the ball, player B takes the second shot with the same ball. This continues until the respective team has holed the ball in team work.

A tactically extremely important decision is made by the team before the match even begins: the two team members agree on who will tee off on the even holes and who will tee off on the odd holes. Depending on who feels confident with their driver or irons, the par 3 and par 5 holes can be divided accordingly.

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Foursomes – Matchplay with your partner

Foursomes can be played both as stroke play and as match play. Alltough the match play variant is the most common and is also played in this form at major team events such as the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup. In English, the foursomes format of play is also often referred to as the “Alternate Shot”.

The Foursome Teams at the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup

In major tournaments such as the Ryder Cup or the Solheim Cup, the captains of both teams have to take great care in deciding their lineups for the foursomes format. Playing strength and current form must be factored into the decision on pairings, but equally the captains would have to pay attention to the human element in the lineup – the players must function as a team.

Ryder Cup 2023: Rules and Format

In addition, golfers should ideally complement each other in many ways. For example, a popular option is to pair rookies, who are on the team for the first time in a major tournament, with an experienced player. Some pairings have already proven themselves in previous events and have a strong record together – so it is logical not to change anything. In the end, gut feeling certainly plays a not insignificant role in the pairing of the captains.

Ryder Cup 2023 Tee Times
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Rules

World Rankings: Would You Make the Cut?

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Official World Golf Ranking Governing Board announces updates to the Ranking System
Modified system for the 23 Eligible Golf Tours to go into effect Week Ending 14th August 2022.

London, United Kingdom – The Governing Board of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) today announces enhancements to the Official World Golf Ranking. The updated system will incorporate modern statistical techniques which will allow all eligible players and events to be more accurately evaluated relative to each other.

Over the last three years, OWGR has coordinated an independent analysis of the Ranking and its system to ensure it is meeting its key objectives of publishing a transparent, credible and accurate ranking based on the relative performances of participating players. The results of this analysis have led to the changes announced today, including distribution of Ranking Points to all players making the cut to provide greater differentiation of performances; and use of a Field Rating calculation based on a statistical evaluation of every player in the field, rather than just those in the field among the current Top-200 of the Ranking.

Major Championships will continue to award 100 First Place Points, while THE PLAYERS Championship will award 80. All other tournaments will award Ranking Points according to the strength and depth of their fields, with a maximum of 80 First Place Points.

Click here for additional details, Frequently Asked Questions, and definitions about the updated OWGR Ranking System.

“The Official World Golf Ranking owes a massive debt of gratitude to founders Mark H McCormack and Tony Greer, whose vision has done so much to shape the competitive landscape of men’s professional golf over the past 35 years”, said Official World Golf Ranking Chairman Peter Dawson. “Since 1986, the Tours eligible for inclusion have grown in number from 6 to 23 and the rankings have been continuously modified to accommodate this expansion and to improve accuracy. We are confident the further enhancements announced today will best position OWGR for the years ahead.”

Following a 12-month notice period, implementation is set for Week Ending 14th August 2022 at which point all future eligible tournaments will utilize the updated system. There will be no recalculation of past events, meaning the impact of the new methodology will be gradual.

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Rules

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club & Yas Links Abu Dhabi To Eliminate All Single-Use Plastic Bottles

The view across the 18th hole at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (Image: Aldar Properties)

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 09 March 2021: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi, both of which are owned by Aldar Properties, have eliminated all single-use plastic bottles from its premises as of March 2021, underlining their commitment to environmental sustainability.

A combined total of over 100,000 plastic water bottles are consumed by golfers between the two properties on an annual basis. Joining the global movement to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics and conserve the environment, the goal is to reduce this figure by 40% this year. Members and guests will be encouraged to use and refill their own reusable water bottles from the water coolers throughout their round, these water coolers will be equipped with hand sanitizers following health & safety directives as well as ensuring a hygienic environment for players and associates alike.

Commenting on the new sustainable initiative Francisco de Lancastre David, Cluster General Manager at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi, commented:

“As plastic waste and pollution increases, we should all be making a conscious effort to do our part. I’m proud to have both golf clubs onboard with this new sustainable initiative, which will reduce our carbon footprint significantly and I hope that our members and visitors will be encouraged by this when visiting the course.”

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi are committed to preserving the environment and promoting environmental best practice. With that in mind, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has successfully completed the Audubon certification process and the golf course has been officially certified as a sanctuary. The International Audubon Society is dedicated to protecting diversity in bird species. The programmes include habitat protection, green energy development and the management of protected areas while encouraging the public to become a part of the birding community. The emphasis is on conserving urban habitats by promoting planting trees and dedicating time to creating bird friendly environment.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is home to over 180 bird species, families of Mountain Gazelle and is also a natural nesting area for the Hawksbill turtles, all these elements create an unparalleled experience which should be taken good care of. The programme is designed with sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment and in compliance with strict environmental guidelines.

To further cement their green footprint and dedication to making a difference, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is already accredited for a number of certifications, such as Environmental Planning, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management and Chemical use Reduction and Safety.

The move to eliminate single-use plastic from the golf clubs is in line with the clubs’ owner, Aldar Properties’ sustainability strategy which is built around the key pillars of economy, community, people and environment. In December 2019, Aldar launched its first sustainability report which outlines its strategy and initiatives in detail.

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Rules

PGA of America to Allow for Use of Distance-Measuring Devices during its Major Championships, Beginning 2021

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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (February 9, 2021) – The PGA of America today announced that, beginning in 2021, the use of distance-measuring devices will be allowed during competition rounds at its three annual Major Championships: the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. 

“We’re always interested in methods that may help improve the flow of play during our Championships,” said Jim Richerson, President of the PGA of America. “The use of distance-measuring devices is already common within the game and is now a part of the Rules of Golf.  Players and caddies have long used them during practice rounds to gather relevant yardages.” 

With this announcement, the distance-measuring devices used by players and/or caddies in PGA of America Championships will need to conform to the Rules of Golf regarding their use and performance: 

Rule 4.3a (1)

Distance and Directional Information.

  • Allowed: Getting information on distance or direction (such as from a distance-measuring device or compass).
  • Not Allowed: Measuring elevation changes, or interpreting distance or directional information (such as using a device to get a recommended line of play or club selection based on the location of the player’s ball).

This policy will debut with the 2021 PGA Championship, which will be played at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, from May 17-23. The PGA Championship perennially features the strongest field in golf based on the Official World Golf Rankings.

(Text: PGA of America Press Release)