Golfers of all skill levels are familiar with the concept of handicaps, which allow players of different abilities to compete on an equal playing field. The World Handicap System (WHS) is designed to help golfers keep track of their individual performance and facilitate fair matches between opponents. One popular format for competition is the four-ball match, which involves two teams of two players each, with partners playing their own ball and using the lower score as the team score on each hole. Setting up this type of match using handicap indexes may seem complicated at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process, especially with the help of a score-posting app like GHIN.
To begin, you’ll need to gather each player’s handicap. If you don’t already have a handicap, you can sign up for one through the app. Once you have everyone’s handicap, the app will automatically calculate each player’s Course Handicap, which is adjusted based on the difficulty of the course and the tees you’ll be playing from. Next, adjust the player with the lowest handicap to zero (scratch) and determine the difference for the other three players. Then, apply a 90-percent handicap allowance to each of those three players, rounding off the differentials to determine how many strokes each player should receive.
The decision to use a 90-percent handicap allowance, as opposed to 100 percent, was made in 2024 after research conducted by the game’s governing bodies determined that it is more equitable to apply the handicap allowance relative to the players in the match, rather than relative to scratch. Once you have your handicap differentials calculated, you’re ready to book a tee time and start playing. If you still need to establish a handicap, you can do so through the same app that helped you calculate your Course Handicap for the four-ball match.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your four-ball matches are set up correctly and fairly using handicap indexes. Whether you’re playing with friends for fun or competing in a more formal setting, understanding how to apply handicaps in this type of match can enhance the overall experience for everyone involved. So, grab some partners, download a score-posting app, and get ready to tee it up in your next four-ball match with confidence that you’re playing on a level playing field with your fellow competitors.
