We just saw the pros battle it out at the Solheim Cup, tackling something a ton of us weekend warriors try too: team golf. And let me tell you, it’s a completely different beast than typical stroke play or even those intense one-on-one match ups. These pros, just like us, usually play their own ball. But over in the Netherlands, they were deep in foursomes and four-ball formats, playing with a partner. That’s a huge shift from what they’re used to, and if you’ve ever felt like you’re struggling to make that mental switch, you’re not alone.
Forget Your Ego, Play For The Squad
We caught up with Megan Johnston, a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher from Big Cedar who even played on the Northern Ireland junior team with Solheim Cup star Leona Maguire. Her take on how average players can nail this transition? It’s all about mentality. Johnston says the biggest adjustment is realizing the goal isn’t your lowest individual score. Seriously! In formats like four-ball, foursomes, or a scramble, every decision you make has to be based on what your team needs. That changes everything: what club you grab, how much risk you’re willing to take, and when you should really go for it.
Mastering the Team Score
Let’s talk four-ball. Johnston explains that even though you and your partner are hitting separate balls on every hole, you are NOT playing your own round. Nope, it’s about the team score. If your partner just safely put one in play, that’s your cue to maybe get a little more aggressive. But if they’re in trouble? Your job flips. You need to hit that high-percentage shot and keep the team alive. It’s not just about your swing; you gotta be dialed into your partner’s game. Johnston is spot on when she talks about managing emotions. You gotta handle your own reactions to a bad shot, but also be supportive of your partner without piling on the pressure. That’s why personality and skill matches are so huge for captains at events like the Solheim Cup.
Foursomes: It’s All About Partnership
Then there’s foursomes, or alternate shot. This is probably the furthest you can get from typical stroke play. Johnston stresses this: you are no longer in charge of your own ball! You need to know your partner’s tendencies inside and out. Do they tend to miss right? Then you better be thinking about where you’re leaving that approach shot for them. You are building a strategy together. What looks good to your eye, like setting up for a draw shot, might completely mess up your partner’s game. Johnston’s advice is gold here: get out there with your partner before the event. Even just nine holes can get you both into that team golf mindset and help you figure out how to work together when the tournament starts.
Taking on a new format can feel intimidating, but Johnston puts it perfectly: you don’t need to transform your entire game. You just need to become a smarter decision-maker. Once you get what the format is asking from you, it gets way easier, and way more fun. So next time you’re hitting the course for a team event, remember these insights. Your team’s success might just depend on it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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