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
3 vs 2 (High-Low Split)
Also called Three vs. Two (High-Low Split), 3 v 2, High vs. Low, Two-Man Against Three
The two lowest handicaps take on the three highest in best ball.
- Players
- 5 players only, best with 5
- Play as
- Teams
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Team & Partner Formats
How to play
Split the five by handicap: the two best players form one team, the three others form the second. Play best ball (one score per team per hole) in match play, net or gross. The bigger team's extra ball offsets the skill gap; if it is still lopsided, give the trio a stroke or two or switch teams at the turn. A rotation variant moves the trio's highest scorer over to the pair after every hole.
Scoring
1 point per hole won; ties halve. Settle per point or per nine like a Nassau. Rotating version: each player's points follow the team they were on that hole.
Variations
- Rotate one player after every hole
- Swap sides after nine
- Scramble instead of best ball
Tips
- Use net best ball or the pros will lose every hole
- The trio should play aggressively; two others can bail them out
- Simplest fivesome game to explain
Instant rivalry between the 'good players' and the 'lucky three'.
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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