fourball: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Specialist/Technical)Technical/Sporting
Quick answer
What does “fourball” mean?
A golf match format where two teams of two compete, with each player using their own ball and the team's score for each hole being the lower score of the two partners.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A golf match format where two teams of two compete, with each player using their own ball and the team's score for each hole being the lower score of the two partners.
In broader sporting contexts, can refer to any team competition where partners play their own ball and the best individual score counts for the team.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, as it is a specific golf term. However, 'four-ball' (hyphenated) is a common variant spelling in both.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of partnership and team strategy within an individualistic sport.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, but standard within golf circles globally.
Grammar
How to Use “fourball” in a Sentence
[team] played/won a fourball (against [opponents])The [tournament] featured a fourball (format).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fourball” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The morning's fourball was a tightly contested affair.
- They decided to enter the fourball competition at the club.
American English
- The Ryder Cup features both fourball and foursomes matches.
- Our fourball got rained out after the 14th hole.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in specific sports science or history papers on golf.
Everyday
Only among golfers or sports fans.
Technical
Core term in golf rulebooks, tournament descriptions, and commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fourball”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fourball”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fourball”
- Using 'fourball' to refer to a four-player group playing independently (which is just a 'foursome' in social terms).
- Confusing it with 'foursomes' (alternate shot).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in common golf parlance, 'fourball' and 'best ball' (or 'better ball') are used interchangeably to describe the same format, though 'fourball' is the official term in the Rules of Golf.
No, by definition, 'fourball' requires two teams of two players. A three-player group playing a similar 'best ball' format would not be called a fourball.
Extremely rarely. The term is almost exclusively tied to golf. Similar formats in other sports (e.g., bowling) are not typically called 'fourball'.
In match play, the team that wins the most holes wins the match. In stroke play, the team with the lowest total net or gross score (using the better ball on each hole) wins.
A golf match format where two teams of two compete, with each player using their own ball and the team's score for each hole being the lower score of the two partners.
Fourball is usually technical/sporting in register.
Fourball: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔː.bɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔr.bɑl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOUR players, each with their own BALL = FOURBALL.
Conceptual Metaphor
COOPERATION IS SELECTING THE BEST RESULT (The team's success is metaphorically 'harvesting' the best individual fruit from the two available).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key difference between 'fourball' and 'foursomes' in golf?