You might say that team golf is on the rise. The two- year old USGA Four-Ball, for example, has been wildly successfully. In the tournament’s inaugural year (2015) there were 2,234 team entries received for the men’s championship. That number increased to 2,432 teams for 2016 and will likely grow in the future. How cool is it to watch a mix of junior, collegiate, and mid-am players mix it up in four-ball match play at courses like Olympic Club and Winged Foot?

The only problem is how difficult it is to qualify for the USGA Four-Ball – at most locations scores in the low 60’s at tough courses are required to grab a spot. What you might not know is the number of top quality regional and national level four-ball events you may be able to play in around the country, at historic courses you’ve heard of like Oak Hill in New York, or relative newcomers like Secession in South Carolina or Mayfield Sand Ridge in Ohio. Gain entry to their four-ball events, and your team can even secure on-site lodging.

Following is a just a small list of the country's top four- ball events. For a complete list, click here».

Secession Golf Club

THE DEVLIN
Sept 9-11, 2016
There aren't many events with the charm the Devlin carries. Played at beautiful -- walking-only -- Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, S.C., the Devlin is run by the Devlin Family and calls famed Australian golfer, broadcaster and course designer Bruce Devlin chairman. Players can stay in the Secession clubhouse, or nearby town homes. Two non-golf highlights? The cannon firing from the front porch (it's loud) and the chip-off from the back deck off of a regular welcome mat to the 18th green in front of everyone in the field. (It's a hoot.)

Oak Hill CC

JOHN R. WILLIAMS FOUR-BALL
Sept. 15-17, 2016
Another four-ball at one of golf's premier locations, the J.R. Williams Four-Ball is played at Oak Hill, the only club to have hosted three PGA Championships, the Ryder Cup, the United States Open, the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Senior Open and the Senior PGA. The J.R. Williams has two divisions. Mid- Amateur and Senior. Both fields fill quickly -- applications for the 2016 event are due June 30. If you think you've got what it takes to tackle Oak Hill, visit www.jrwilliams.org to apply online.

Mayfield Sand Ridge

THE EGG INVITATIONAL
Sept. 26-27, 2016
The Egg Invitational is a two-day 54 hole scratch Four- Ball event played at the amazing Mayfield Sand Ridge Club in Ohio. The event aims to bring together players from the nation’s finest facilities. A limited number of on-site rooms are available. The Fazio design at Mayfield Sand Ridge has been ranked as high as No. 52 by Golf Digest, and has hosted the NCAA Division I Central Region Championship as well as the 2015 MAC Championship. As of press time, there was still room in the field -- we suggest you grab a spot while you can.

Castle Pines

THE CHARLIE COE INVITATIONAL
Oct. 4-7, 2016
Played annually to honor one of the greatest amateurs ever. Coe is remembered for winning the U.S. Amateur twice, and for captaining the Walker Cup and Americas Cup teams. He played in 19- straight Masters tournaments, finishing low amateur six times. As for the host course, it plays 7500 yards at 6400 feet in elevation. You might remember it from hosting "The International." Out-of- towners who visit for the first time can't stop talking about the club's famous milkshakes.

-- 2017 EVENTS --

Bandon Dunes

AMATEURGOLF.COM TWO MAN LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr 13-16, 2017
There's a reason we keep going back...This year will mark the 16th playing of our annual links championship with three divisions played over three days at Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails and Bandon Dunes. Competing against teams from across the U.S. and Canada is a wonderful way to experience our favorite golf resort. New flight options are making it easier to get there, as well.

Champions Golf Club

CHAMPIONS CUP INVITATIONAL
Apr 27-30, 2017
Classic event at the Houston club founded 1957 by Jack Burke, Jr. and Jimmy Demaret. Bring your A game to compete against the best players from Texas and across the U.S. Apply early, and with a strong track record. The average handicap index of players in 2016 was a plus-2.1.

We will, of course, provide dates for all of the major four-ball events in 2017 as they become available. Events like the Anderson at Winged Foot, and many others allow invited players to live like members. At least for the week.

To view a complete list of major four-ball events, click here».

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