How to Play Best Ball

Best ball is a classic golf format that perfectly balances individual performance with team competition. Unlike scrambles where everyone plays from the same spot, best ball requires each player to complete the hole with their own ball—but your team score is only the best score(s) from the group. This format tests your individual skills while still providing the excitement and camaraderie of team play.

Whether you're preparing for a member-guest tournament, organizing a team event, or simply want to understand this popular format, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything about playing best ball golf.

What is Best Ball in Golf?

Best ball (also called "better ball" or "fourball") is a team format where each player plays their own ball throughout the entire round. On each hole, the team records only the lowest score (or multiple low scores depending on format) among team members.

Key principle: Everyone plays their own ball from tee to green, but only the best score(s) count for the team.

Basic Best Ball Rules

How It Works:

1. Individual Play: Each player plays their own ball for the entire hole
2. Complete Your Hole: Every player must hole out (finish the hole)
3. Record Best Score: The team records the lowest score from the group
4. Standard Rules Apply: Follow normal golf rules (stroke and distance, hazards, etc.)
5. Individual Accountability: Unlike scrambles, you can't rely on teammates for every shot

Team Sizes:

• 2-person best ball: One best score per hole (also called "better ball")
• 4-person best ball: Usually counts one or two best scores per hole
• 3-person best ball: Less common but works with adjusted scoring

Best Ball Scoring Formats

One Best Ball (1BB):

• Count only the single lowest score from your team
• Most common format
• Each hole, one score counts toward the team total

Two Best Balls (2BB):

• Count the two lowest scores from your team
• Common in 4-person team events
• More challenging as two players must perform well
• Sometimes used in alternate-shot combinations

Match Play Best Ball:

• Teams compete hole-by-hole against another team
• Lowest score wins the hole
• Used in Ryder Cup and President's Cup formats
• Can create dramatic team competitions

Stroke Play Best Ball:

• Total best ball scores over 18 holes
• Most common for tournament formats
• Net or gross scoring options available

Best Ball vs. Other Formats

Best Ball vs. Scramble:

• Scramble: Everyone plays from the same spot every shot
• Best Ball: Everyone plays their own ball throughout
• Key difference: Individual accountability in best ball

Best Ball vs. Shamble:

• Shamble: Scramble off the tee, then individual play
• Best Ball: Individual play from start to finish
• Key difference: Shamble gives better starting position

Best Ball vs. Foursome:

• Foursome: Alternate shot with partner (one ball per team)
• Best Ball: Each player plays own ball
• Key difference: Foursome requires alternating, best ball is independent

Best Ball Handicap Applications

Stroke Play Format:

For 2-person teams:

• Each player typically uses 90% of course handicap
• Adjust handicaps before calculating best ball score

For 4-person teams using 1 best ball:

• Players use 75-80% of course handicap
• Some events use full handicaps

For 4-person teams using 2 best balls:

• Often use 90% of course handicap
• Varies by tournament

Match Play Format:

• Calculate based on course handicap differences
• Lower handicap gives higher handicap strokes
• Strokes applied based on hole difficulty (handicap 1-18)

Example:Player A (10 handicap) vs. Player B (18 handicap) in best ball match:

• Player B receives 8 strokes on the #1-8 handicap holes
• These adjust the net scores for team comparison

Winning Best Ball Strategy

Know Your Role:

Anchor Player (Low Handicapper):

• Play steady, consistent golf
• Make pars your baseline
• Be the safety net for the team
• Attack when you're ahead in the hole

Aggressive Player (High Handicapper or Hot Player):

• Take calculated risks
• Go for pins when your partner is safe
• Don't worry about disasters—you have backup
• Focus on making birdies to win holes

Team Strategy by Hole:

Par 3s:

• One player aims for center of green (safety)
• Another can fire at the pin
• Both focus on getting one birdie look

Par 4s:

• If one player is in trouble off the tee, the other plays conservative
• Split fairway and rough duty if needed
• Get at least one GIR (green in regulation)

Par 5s:

• These are your birdie opportunities
• One player can go for the green in two if the other lays up safely
• Maximize aggressive play when you have insurance

Advanced Best Ball Tips

Communication:

• Share information about shots and lies
• Discuss strategy before important shots
• Be honest about your position (can I reach? Should I lay up?)
• Encourage without pressure

Course Management:

• If your partner is already on the green, you can be more aggressive
• Don't compound bad holes—take your medicine and move on
• Know when to pick up (in casual play, if you can't help the score)
• Think about team score, not personal score

Mental Game:

• Let go of bad shots quickly (they might not count!)
• Stay engaged even if you're struggling (one good hole helps)
• Don't feel guilty about poor play—that's why it's a team format
• Celebrate your partner's good shots

Best Ball Tournament Variations

Member-Guest Format:Clubs often use best ball for these prestigious events:

• Usually 36 holes of competition
• Multiple flights based on combined handicaps
• Combines stroke play and match play formats
• Often includes various side competitions

Net and Gross Divisions:

• Award prizes for both gross (actual) and net (with handicaps) scores
• Allows teams of different abilities to compete fairly
• Can have separate flights or overall competition

Chapman (Pinehurst) Format:

• Both players drive
• Switch balls for second shot
• Choose best ball after second shot
• Alternate from there
• Combines best ball with alternate shot elements

Four-Ball Match Play:

• Two-person teams compete against each other
• Each player plays own ball
• Best score on each hole wins the hole
• Used in Ryder Cup Sunday matches

Common Best Ball Mistakes

1. Playing Too Conservatively: When your partner is safe, you should be aggressive
2. Both Playing Safe: Someone needs to hunt birdies
3. Poor Course Management: Not adapting when partner is struggling
4. Giving Up: Staying in the hole even when behind—one birdie changes everything
5. Not Picking Up: In casual rounds, save time by picking up when you can't help
6. Lack of Communication: Not sharing crucial information about your position

Best Ball Etiquette

Pace of Play:

• Use ready golf
• Pick up when your score won't count (casual play)
• Don't search excessively for balls that won't matter
• Keep moving—you should play faster than regular foursomes

Supporting Your Partner:

• Watch their ball
• Help them read putts
• Encourage good shots
• Stay positive after bad shots
• Don't be a distraction

Scorekeeping:

• Clearly mark which score counts
• Double-check math regularly
• Attest properly in tournaments
• Be honest about all scores

Best Ball for Different Skill Levels

Mixed-Ability Teams:

• Format naturally levels the playing field with handicaps
• Higher handicappers can contribute by making occasional birdies
• Lower handicappers provide consistency
• Everyone has value to the team

Competitive Players:

• Tests individual skills while providing team dynamic
• Requires consistent play, not just occasional brilliance
• Rewards both steady players and aggressive talents

Beginner-Friendly Aspects:

• Can pick up after a disaster hole
• Pressure is reduced knowing partner can save par
• Learn by playing alongside better players
• More forgiving than individual stroke play

Organizing a Best Ball Event

Tournament Setup:

1. Choose Format: 1 or 2 best balls, stroke or match play
2. Establish Handicaps: Decide on percentage to use
3. Create Flights: Group teams by combined handicap
4. Set Tee Times: Best ball works for both tee time and shotgun starts
5. Rules Sheet: Clearly communicate handicap usage and format
6. Prizes: Consider net, gross, and side games

Making It Special:

• Include par 3 contests
• Offer prizes for low team score on specific holes
• Create a fun atmosphere with food and drinks
• Post live scores if possible
• Host an awards ceremony

Why Play Best Ball?

Benefits:

1. Individual Challenge: Must play your own ball well
2. Team Support: Still have partnership element
3. Strategic Depth: More decision-making than scrambles
4. Faster Than Singles: Each player can move independently
5. Teaches Course Management: Learn when to be aggressive/conservative
6. Handicap-Friendly: Works well for mixed-ability groups
7. Tournament Proven: Used in professional events like Ryder Cup

Best Ball in Professional Golf

Notable Events:

• Ryder Cup: Features four-ball (best ball) matches
• Presidents Cup: Uses similar four-ball format
• Zurich Classic: PGA Tour's two-man team event
• LPGA Team Events: Various best ball competitions

These showcase best ball at the highest level, demonstrating the format's legitimacy and excitement.

Conclusion

Best ball golf offers the perfect combination of individual accountability and team camaraderie. Unlike scrambles where weaker players can be carried, best ball requires everyone to play real golf—but with the support and strategy of a team format. This makes it ideal for competitive events, member-guest tournaments, and friendly matches where you want authentic golf with a team twist.

Whether you're a tournament organizer looking for the right format or a player wanting to understand team competition better, best ball provides a time-tested formula that's been producing great golf and lasting memories for generations.

Ready to organize your next best ball event? Partaake makes scoring, handicap management, and tournament administration simple and efficient for any team format.

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