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
Hi-Lo
Also called High-Low, Low Ball High Ball, Hi-Lo Match
2v2 with two points a hole: best balls compete and worst balls compete.
- 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 fixed teams of two, own ball, usually net. On each hole the lower ball of Team A plays the lower ball of Team B for one point, and the higher ball of Team A plays the higher ball of Team B for the second point. A team can sweep both, split, or lose both. Ties in a stream are halved with no payout.
Scoring
Example: scores of 6 and 5 vs 4 and 3 give the second team both points. Some groups structure it as a Nassau on each stream (front, back, 18 for low and for high = six pots); at $5/$5/$5 the maximum swing is $30 per player, and presses work as in any Nassau.
Variations
- Points per hole with a per-point value instead of match segments
- Off-the-low handicapping vs full net vs gross
- Skins as a parallel side bet
Tips
- The weaker partner matters as much as the stronger one
- Strokes on the high ball are where handicaps decide it
- Agree tie handling up front
Both partners are accountable on every hole; nobody can hide.
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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