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 · Twists & Challenges
Bloodsomes (Gruesomes)
Also called Bloodsome Scramble, Yellowsomes
Greensomes where your opponents choose which of your drives you must play.
- Players
- 4+ players, best with 4
- Play as
- Partners (2 v 2)
- Scorekeeping
- Medium
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
Two-person teams play against each other. Both partners on each side tee off, then the opposing team selects which drive that side must use, naturally the worse one. The side then plays alternate shot with that ball until holed. Usually played as match play.
Scoring
Hole-by-hole match play is standard; stroke play is possible. Most groups have the player who hit the selected (worse) drive also play the second shot; some instead continue as in greensomes, with the other partner hitting second. Agree which rule applies before the first tee. Handicaps, if used, follow greensomes allowances (60/40).
Variations
- Yellowsomes (same game)
- Bloodsome Scramble for 4-person teams (opponents pick the drive, then scramble)
- Stroke-play version
Tips
- Club down off the tee: two solid 3-woods beat one bomb and one in the trees
- If both partners are confident, fire away because the second-best shot will still be fine
Sadistic, hilarious, and guarantees a drive-off-the-tee mentality all day.
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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