1. Format Overview

Fourball Match Play:

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• Teams: Two teams of two players each.
   

• Scoring: Each player plays their own ball, and the best score from each team on each hole is used for that hole. However, instead of keeping a cumulative score, you would focus on head-to-head match play between the two teams.
   

• Match Play Format: On each hole, the best player score from each team is compared, and the team with the lower player score wins the hole. If both teams have the same score, the hole is halved.
   

• Handicaps: Due to varying skill level between players, each matchup will be assigned a "Line" pre-round, similar to betting odds. For example a matchup could look like the following:
  
  Player A & Player B [-2] vs. Player C & Player D [+2] 
  
  This indicates that Players A & B are a stronger pairing and to keep matches competitive, will have to win by 3 holes to win the matchup. If Player C & D "cover", which means finishing better than or equal to 2 points behind at the completion of the round, they will be awarded points for a win/tie. In the event Players C & D lose by exactly 2 holes, they will tie the round.
   

• Team Scoring: Points are accumulated over the course of the 9-holes. The winner is determined by who has earned more points (won the most holes) by the end of the round. After the round concludes, points will be awarded to the the players as follows:

  • Win = 3 Points

  • Tie = 1.5 Points

  • Loss = 0 Points​
     

This creates a head-to-head battle between the two teams, with each hole serving as its own mini-match where players compete to win the hole rather than simply adding up strokes for the entire round. This adds a strategic element where players may alter their approach based on the match situation, such as playing more aggressively when behind or playing more conservatively when ahead.

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2. Teams

• Players will be paired into teams of two (pairings will be randomly selected pre-season).

• Groupings will also be randomized in creation of the schedule. Match-ups will then be balanced to the best of league ability however there may be several weeks of playing with or against repeat players. 

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3. Rules of Play

• Local course rules will apply, and players must familiarize themselves with any specific rules before playing.

• Out of Bounds and Lost Balls: If a ball is out of bounds or lost, the player must take a one-stroke penalty and play the ball from the nearest entry point of the OB area. 

• Rough and Hazards: If a ball lands in the tall rough area within a club length, players may pull their ball out and hit from the rough.

  • If a ball lands in the tall rough area and the players feel it is within a club length but cannot be found, the player may drop a ball penalty free from the agreed upon entry point of the tall rough.

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4. Substitutes

• If a player is unable to play, the team can substitute with another golfer, as long as the substitute player is at a similar skill level to the original player, to the best of their ability. Teams should inform the league commissioner of substitutions before the match. If unable to play, the absent league player will not be awarded any points in the event of a team win or tie.
   

5. Weather Delays or Cancellations

• In the event of inclement weather, matches may be rescheduled or postponed based on the decision of the commissioner.

• If play is suspended during a match, players must wait for the official signal to resume or end the round.

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