If golf formats leave you puzzled, you’re not alone! After all, there are so many like match play, alternate shot, Stableford, and four-ball. Out of these, the one being followed in Vegas at The Showdown is the four-ball format. It is much simpler than you think.

Four-ball is where you and your partner play your own balls and the best score between the two of you per hole counts for the team score. Whether it’s match play or stroke play, the focus is on teamwork—but without sharing the same ball (thank goodness, right?). Unlike formats where you rely on your partner’s shots, this one’s all on you. You play your game, they play theirs. Simple.

As per USGA, the accurate definition of the format is, “Four-Ball, commonly referred to as “better ball,” is a format in which two golfers compete together as a side, with each player playing their own ball. A side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the two partners on that hole. It can be played as gross or net and as stroke play or match play.”

In four-ball, both players don’t need to finish the hole. If your partner sinks a par and you’re staring at a triple bogey, you can pick up and move on. And if no one holes out? In match play, you lose the hole. In stroke play, your team’s disqualified—unless you catch the mistake in time. Four-ball works seamlessly in both match play and stroke play.

In stroke play, your team’s score is just the lowest score per hole for 18 holes. For match play, the same rules apply, but here’s the kicker: Order of play doesn’t matter. If your partner has a 4-foot par putt and you’ve got a 6-footer for birdie, they can putt first. It’s a great strategy to take some pressure off. But don’t forget this USGA rule: “You must not continue play of a hole after your next stroke has been conceded if this would help your partner. If you do so, your score for the hole stands without penalty, but your partner’s score for the hole cannot count for your side.”

Basically, once you’ve conceded a stroke, call it a day. The Showdown is not the only event where this format is being followed, there are many other events. 

Where is the four-ball format played?

One of the best examples of professionals using this format is the Ryder Cup. This three-day showdown between Team USA and Team Europe is always one of the most exciting weeks in golf. The pride, the pressure, and those incredible courses make for some epic moments. And the four-ball format adds to the fun.

On Friday and Saturday, the teams play eight four-ball matches in total. Then they wrap things up with the Sunday singles matches. Watching the best players in the world playing their own balls in this format often leads to some jaw-dropping shots and exciting finishes. The Presidents Cup, which happens every other year also uses the four-ball format.

So now, as the Showdown starts at any minute featuring four-ball, you’ll know exactly what’s going on!