Is a Four-Ball the Best Way to Play a Round of Golf

[GB72]

Over the last couple of weeks I have for the first time been playing as part of a 4 ball and this seems to me the perfect number for a round of golf. When playing in my normal 2 ball I have always felt that I am rushing to get past larger groups ahead or that we are standing waiting on tees waiting for groups ahead to play their shots. Never found this an issue as part of a 4 ball, seemed to stay the perfect distance from the group ahead, never waited on a tee and never felt pressured from the group behind.

May just be luck that I have had good, clear rounds for the last couple of weeks but could there be an argument to reduce congestion by, where possible, only sending out groups of 4.

 

[birdieman]

Can't agree, 2 ball is great for speed, 2.5 -3 hours per round. 3 ball is ok for medals, strokeplay.
4 balls take forever, harder to group players to similar abilty, too much palaver round the greens with whose shot is it etc.
If you are a 4 ball do us all a favour and split it into two 2-balls.

 

[daveyboy17]

3 ball is ideal not too slow and good company !

 

[shanker]

I agree with GB72. A four-ball is the best format.

 

[The23rdman]

As long as you're all of similar ability I don't think it matters much. Nothing worse than being paired with a complete hacker and spending all round looking for balls. That's my worst nightmare.

 

[theeaglehunter]

I think fourball is the best number of people. I like the fact that you can have a variety of company and can see four very different yet equally effective methods of playing the same hole, whilst on the course. Plus I don't think that the time for a fourball to play 18 holes is a problem at all, even if it does take up to four hours, the time always seems to pass very quickly.

 

[stevo]

I think a 4 ball is the best number.It seems to give you a good game at a good pace.Most of the four balls i have had have taken about 3 1/2 hours which seems about right.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have no real preference. I like the quiet reflective solitude of a solo round (preferably very early or last thing in the evening). I like a good head to head match (especially if its with a mate and theres a drink on it).

We have drawn three balls for our medals and stablefords. Its good because every group is the same size so the whole field tends to move at a similar pace.

Four balls are probably the most social. Dependant on the format they shouldn't be particularly slow especially in better ball if those that aren't in contention pick up and allow the others to play.

 

[RGuk]

It depends. For a sociable, leisure round, 4 is great!

For a serious game (club comp) or a quick-ish round....NO WAY!

 

[MVP]

Its what you make of it. We all want to avoid slow play but in the end its not a race we should just be enjoying the game.

 

[Basher]

Amen to that MVP!

It's definitely what you make of it.

4 ball, good for socialising and having fun while you play.
3 ball, still good socially, a bit quicker but still contains the fun factor.
Pairs, excellent for comps, quick pace.
Solo, a very good practise type round, trying new stuff whilst analysing your game.

I've played them all and found they all have their own benefits.

 

[pjaz]

Think Basher sums it up quite nicely for all the options. Society days are great for 4 balls (if not for regulars) while I often plan a game alone, then usually end up pairing up with someone else who's out by themselves. Doesn't spoil the game, just take it as it happens.

 

[simplyme]

I find it depends on the cirumstances, the level of players and how busy the course is.

I reguarly play a 4 ball on a Saturday, all mid handicappers and we never hold anyone up, nor do we get held up unless we come across the high handicappers hacking around. In these instances, they let us through in good time and we are away again.

When I play on Sunday, I always play with a scratch golfer and a 5 handicapper. We fly round the course but are often held up due to how quick we are playing. I also find playing with these guys helps me no end. I play my best golf on a Sunday, due to concentrating that little extra plus the help and advice they give.

2 ball frustrates me! You always get held up. Often, we get stuck behind a 3 ball, they are not playing slow and do not have to let you through, hence a slower round. They are well within their rights to not let us play through, which is fair enough but if the boot was on the other foot, I would happily let them play through!

 

[GB72]

I think that this was the point I was trying to make. Was not commenting on the social aspect but more on the fact that as a 2 ball I always feel that I am either rushing the hole to try and get through the group in front or standing around on the tee because we were not quite there in time or because the group in front did not notice the quicker 2 ball behind them. I was making the point that I appreciate my golf more in a 4 ball because I am neither rushing to catch up or feeling held up, it just seemed to suit the temp at which I want to play the game.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have to say that once I'm out onthe course I'm pretty wrapped up in my own world. I'll always keep an eye on our position on the course relative to groups coming up behind but normally there is nowehere for us to go as the group in front is either slow or being held up themselves.

I factor in 4 hours for a round irrespective of the size of the group. I can already hear many of you saying 4 hours for a 2 ball is unacceptable and I agree but by allowing myself that time I'm sub-consciously not rushing. 9 times out of 10 I'll be round in 3 to 3 1/2 hours as most of our members are pretty good at letting 2 balls through (except for one particular regular clique who play the same time every week)

 

[rgs]

I personally dont mind which grouping i play in-once i am on the course i like Homer factor in 4 hour round and another hour for a shower and a coffee so i do not charge around the course i ensure i am behind the group in front and not ahead of the group behind. On the odd occassion i am in a two ball with my brother and there are a number of 3 balls ahead we dont feel the need to try and get past the a group because we will be still behind another 3 ball.