Four-Ball (Best Ball)
Also called Four-Ball (Two-Man Best Ball), Better Ball, Fourball
Partners play their own balls; the lower score on each hole counts.
4+ players · best with 4Team & Partner FormatsPartners (2 v 2)Easy to score
How to play →Team & Partner Formats · Betting Games
Best-to-Next
Also called Best Ball to Next
Best-ball match where the second balls break ties, so almost no holes are halved.
- Players
- 4 players only, best with 4
- Play as
- Partners (2 v 2)
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money game
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
Two teams of two play their own ball in match play. The low ball on each side is compared first; if those tie, the partners' other scores decide the hole (4-4 beats 4-5, 5-5 beats 5-7). Only a full tie of both balls halves the hole. If handicaps are used, apply a 90% four-ball allowance.
Scoring
Standard match play by holes with the tiebreak, paired with a Nassau or per-hole stake. All four scores count, so the better team (not just one hot player) wins.
Variations
- Points per hole instead of match play
- Gross play for even groups
- Net with 90% allowance
Tips
- Both partners must finish the hole; no picking up
- Play the second ball for a safe score once your partner is in good shape
- Great cure for push-heavy best-ball matches
Removes the halves that make ordinary best ball dull.
Works with
Each link opens every game that works for that number of players.
Related games
Scramble
Also called Captain's Choice, Fort Lauderdale, Four-Person Scramble
Everyone hits, team picks the best shot, everyone plays from there until holed.
2+ players · best with 4Team & Partner FormatsTeamsEasy to score
How to play →Sixes (Round Robin)
Also called 6-6-6, Hollywood, Triple Six
Change partners every six holes so everybody plays with everybody once.
4 players only · best with 4Team & Partner FormatsRotating partnersEasy to scoreMoney game
How to play →Chapman (Pinehurst)
Also called Chapman System, Pinehurst System, Pinehurst Foursomes
Both drive, swap balls for the second shot, pick one ball, then alternate.
4+ players · best with 4Team & Partner FormatsPartners (2 v 2)Medium to score
How to play →Sources
Rules reflect the version most groups play, cross-checked across these sources. House rules vary; agree yours on the first tee.
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