As the 2025 Ryder Cup gets underway at Bethpage Black, golf fans are doing what they always do every two years — brushing up on the rules and trying to remember the difference between four-ball and foursomes.
Both formats are Ryder Cup staples, featured across the first two days of play. While the names sound similar, the styles couldn’t be more different. And understanding these formats is key to keeping up with the action as it unfolds this weekend.
Whether you’re watching for the first time or just need a refresher, here’s a clear breakdown of how each format works.
Four-balls
In the USGA Rules of Golf, Rule 23 says this of four-ball: “Four-Ball (played either in match play or stroke play), where partners compete as a side with each playing a separate ball. The side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the partners on that hole.”
The four-ball format — also known as best ball or low ball — has each player on a two-person team playing their own ball, so four balls are in play on every hole. The team’s score for each hole is the lower of the two players’ scores.
What makes four-ball especially interesting is the flexibility and strategy involved. Partners can play in any order, only one needs to finish the hole for the team’s score to count, and players can even share clubs.
Foursomes
Rule 22 says this of foursomes: “Foursomes (played either in match play or stroke play), where two partners compete together as a side by alternating in making strokes at a single ball. The Rules for this form of play are essentially the same as for individual play, except for requiring the partners to alternate in teeing off to start a hole and to play out each hole with alternate shots.”
Foursomes — aka alternate shot — is a format where two players compete as a team by taking turns hitting the same ball. Unlike formats where each player plays their own ball, in foursomes the partners must alternate every shot. One player tees off on odd-numbered holes, the other on even-numbered holes, and they continue alternating until the hole is finished. This format can be played as match play or stroke play, with both partners sharing full responsibility for every stroke.
Part of what makes the foursome format so unique is the alternating shot rule. This aspect adds a strong strategic element to the match, making foursomes a true test of teamwork. Partners need to coordinate carefully, not just deciding who tees off first, but also maintaining the order throughout the hole — even when dealing with penalties or provisional balls.
