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
Reverse Scramble
Also called Worst-Ball Scramble, Opposite Scramble, Bizarro Scramble, Worse Ball Scramble
A scramble where the team must play from the worst shot every time.
- Players
- 4+ players
- Play as
- Teams
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps optional
- Money
- No money involved
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
All team members hit, then the team must play its next shot from the position of the WORST ball, including putts. Repeat until holed. Teams of 2-4; often used as a practice game or as one segment of a 6-6-6.
Scoring
One team score per hole, typically 20+ over par for a group that would shoot 10 under in a normal scramble. Two-person sides can play it as match play.
Variations
- Worst drive only, then best-ball scramble
- Solo worst ball (two balls)
- Stableford scoring to soften blow-ups
Tips
- Conservative, center-of-green golf wins
- Do not play it on a busy course
Hilariously humbling and a fantastic lesson in avoiding the big miss.
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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