Best Ball Golf Coming Soon

Best Ball, or Four-Ball as it's also called, stands as the top team format for golfers who want to play their own ball the whole round. Unlike a Scramble, it hinges on personal shots but offers the backup of a partner. Whether for casual fun or big tournaments like the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, Best Ball lets one player's stellar hole lift the whole team.

What is Best Ball in Golf?

Best Ball is a team format (typically 2/4 players) where each player plays their own ball throughout the entire round. The team's score for the hole is the lowest score recorded by any individual player of that team. Most commonly played with two-person teams, this golf format allows every golfer to complete their own round while contributing only their best individual performance to the team total.

  • Play Your Own Ball

    Play Your Own Ball

    Each golfer plays every hole independently.

  • Best Score Counts

    Best Score Counts

    Only the lowest score per hole on the team counts for the team score.

  • Fair for All Skill Levels

    Fair for All Skill Levels

    Handicaps can be used to level the competition.

  • Team Focused

    Team Focused

    Great for partnerships and team events.

Key Highlights

  • Everyone plays their own ball.
  • Team’s best score counts for each hole.
  • Encourages risk-taking for some, safety for others.
  • Handicaps make it enjoyable for mixed-ability groups.

How to Play Best Ball in Golf?How to Play Best Ball in Golf?

  • Each player plays their own ball on every hole.

  • After the hole is finished, compare all teammates' scores.

  • The lowest score on the hole becomes the team's score for that hole (this is the "Best Ball").

  • The process repeats on every hole.

  • At the end of the round, add up only the best ball scores per hole for the team’s final score.

shotBestball Scoring System

  • Only one score per hole counts for the team—the lowest score (the “Best Ball”).

  • Every player plays every shot on every hole.

  • A great individual hole can save the team’s score, even if teammates struggle.

  • If played as Stroke Play: The team with the lowest total strokes at the end wins.

  • If played as Match Play: The team's Best Ball score on each hole is compared against the opponent’s Best Ball for that hole. The team with the most holes won the match.

Scorecard Example

Example Scorecard of a 2v2 round of best ball in golf

Winner: Player C & Player D

Best Ball Golf Format​ VariationsBest Ball Golf Format​ Variations

  • 4-Person Best Ball

    Team of 4, best single score counts.

  • 2-Ball Aggregate

    Both scores count; the lowest team total wins.

  • Rotating Best Ball

    The best score rotates between team members per hole.

Why Play Best Ball in Golf? Why Play Best Ball in Golf?

  • Team Strategy

    One player can play aggressively while the other plays safe.

  • Partnership Focused

    Works great for pairs who want to compete together.

  • More Birdie Chances

    Having two scores boosts opportunities for low numbers.