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 · Outing & Tournament Formats
Team Best Ball (1 or 2 of 4)
Also called Team Best Ball (3-4 Players), Best 1 of 4, Best 2 of 4, Two Best of Three, Three-Man Best Ball, Fourball Alliance
Everyone plays their own ball; the team counts its best one, two or three net scores.
- Players
- 6+ players
- Play as
- Teams
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
Teams of three or four play individual stroke play. On each hole the organizer's stated number of lowest net scores is added to make the team score. Standard charity versions are 'best 1 of 4' or 'best 2 of 4'; three-person teams commonly count the best 2 of 3.
Scoring
WHS allowances for stroke play: best 1 of 4 = 75% of course handicap; best 2 of 4 = 85%; best 3 of 4 and all 4 of 4 = 100%. Score is the sum of the counting balls per hole. Bowmaker, 1-2-3 Best Ball, Fourball Alliance and Arizona Shuffle are all variations in which a set number of players' scores count.
Variations
- Best 2 of 4 (most common for pace and fairness)
- 1-2-3 Best Ball / Cha Cha Cha (number rotates)
- Bowmaker (UK, usually Stableford points)
- Arizona Shuffle
- Irish Four Ball (1-2-3-4 progression)
Tips
- Mix ability levels across teams when assigning groups
- Post which balls count on the card to avoid disputes
Everyone plays real golf yet the team cushions a blow-up hole.
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
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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.
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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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