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
Texas Scramble
Also called Scramble with minimum drives
Scramble where a set number of each player's tee shots must be used.
- Players
- 2+ players
- Play as
- Teams
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps optional
- Money
- No money involved
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
Played exactly like a standard scramble, but each team must use a minimum number of each player's drives over the round (typically 3 or 4 per player in a 4-person team over 18 holes). Teams track drives used on the card so the weakest driver's tee shots are still needed.
Scoring
One team score per hole. UK clubs commonly apply 1/10 of combined handicaps for a 4-person team, while the WHS recommendation for any 4-player scramble is 25/20/15/10%. Note: in the US, 'Texas Scramble' is frequently used simply as a synonym for a standard 4-person scramble.
Variations
- Drive quotas of 3, 4 or 5 per player
- 2-person Texas scramble
- Texas Shamble (best drive then own ball)
Tips
- Bank the weaker players' drives early on short par 4s and par 3s
- Do not leave a required drive for the 18th hole
Forces genuine teamwork and strategy rather than riding one bomber.
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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