How to Play Best Ball in Golf
Two vs two. Everyone plays their own ball. Best score counts.
Players4
Teams2 of 2
Allowance90% (common)
How it works
- Split into two teams of two.
- Everyone plays their own ball the whole hole.
- Each team’s lowest score is its team score.
- Match play: lower team score wins the hole. Stroke play: add them up.
Example
Team A makes 4 and 6. Team B makes 5 and 5.
Team A’s 4 beats Team B’s 5. Team A wins the hole.
Tips
- Your partner covers your bad holes, so swing free.
- Play off the lowest of all four handicaps.
- Also called four-ball.
FAQ
Is best ball the same as a scramble?
No. In a scramble everyone hits from the best shot. In best ball everyone plays their own ball.
What handicap allowance is used?
The usual recommendation for four-ball match play is 90% of course handicap.