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 →Team & Partner Formats · Outing & Tournament Formats
Four-Ball (Best Ball)
Also called Four-Ball (Two-Man Best Ball), Better Ball, Fourball, Fourball Alliance (team version), 2-Person Best Ball
Partners play their own balls; the lower score on each hole counts.
- Players
- 4+ players, best with 4
- Play as
- Partners (2 v 2)
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
Two partners each play their own ball for the whole hole. The better of the two scores is the side's score for that hole. Played as match play against another pair (Ryder Cup four-balls) or as stroke play against a field. A partner can pick up once the other has the better score.
Scoring
WHS/USGA allowances: four-ball stroke play 85% of course handicap; four-ball match play 90% (strokes taken relative to the lowest handicap in the match); four-ball par/bogey 90%. Team side records one number per hole.
Variations
- Four-ball match play vs stroke play
- Four-Ball Aggregate (both scores count)
- Best ball with 3-4 players (see Team Best Ball)
- Low Ball-High Ball betting version
Tips
- Play the hole in different ways: one partner attacks once the other is safely on
- Weaker partner plays first on risky shots to free up the stronger player
The classic pairs format where a bad hole is instantly erased by your partner.
Works with
Each link opens every game that works for that number of players.
Related games
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 →Foursomes (Alternate Shot)
Also called Scotch Foursomes, St Andrews Foursomes, Canadian Foursomes
Two partners share one ball and alternate every stroke.
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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