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
Odds & Evens
Also called Odd/Even, Odds and Evens, Odd-Even Alternate Shot
Team format where hole number decides whose ball or how many balls count.
- Players
- 4+ players
- Play as
- Partners (2 v 2)
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps optional
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
Version 1 (2-person teams): partners decide who tees off on odd-numbered holes and who on even, then alternate shots until holed; play stroke or match play against the other pair. Version 2 (4-person teams, own ball): on odd holes the single low score counts for the team; on even holes the two low scores are combined. Scores of 6, 5, 4, 7 give 4 on an odd hole and 9 on an even hole.
Scoring
Lowest team total (or match play) wins. Add a per-hole or per-match stake if playing for money; it is primarily a format rather than a betting game.
Variations
- Version 1 can be run within a foursome as 2v2 match play
- Version 2 scales to teams of 2 or 3
- Club rules vary, so confirm the details before play
Tips
- Put the better driver on the harder tee shots
- On even holes in version 2 everyone's score matters
- Agree which version before the round
Changes what counts every hole so the whole team stays engaged.
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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