Picking the right golf format can transform a regular round into an unforgettable day on the course, and Best Ball is a go-to choice for golfers everywhere. It masterfully balances individual play with team camaraderie, making it perfect for a huge range of events. This guide will walk you through exactly what Best Ball is, how it compares to other formats, and actionable strategies to help your team come out on top.
At its core, "Best Ball" is a team format that takes the pressure off any single player. The most common version is Two-Person Best Ball, which you'll also hear called "Four-Ball," especially in more formal settings like the Ryder Cup. The name "Four-Ball" comes from the fact that there are four balls in play within the group of four golfers (two on each team).
The rules are elegantly simple and that’s a big part of its appeal:
Let's imagine you and your partner are on a par-4. You push your drive into the right rough and end up making a bogey (a score of 5). Meanwhile, your partner hits a beautiful drive, finds the green with their approach, and two-putts for a par (a score of 4). When it's time to write down the team score, you only write down a "4." Your bogey is completely erased, thanks to your partner's solid play.
As you can see, the format is incredibly forgiving. It allows you to have a bad hole - or even a few - without tanking your team’s chances. This frees you up to play with more confidence and less stress. If you hit a bad shot, you can often just shake it off, knowing your partner has your back.
While the two-person game is classic, the fun scales up easily for groups of four. In a four-person team format, the principles are the same, but with a slight twist on how the final score is calculated. Once again, every player on the team plays their own ball from tee to green.
The variation comes from how many scores are used to create the team score on each hole. Here are the most common styles:
This is the most direct extension of the two-person format. All four teammates play the hole. At the end of the hole, you look at all four scores, and simply take the single lowest score. If your team's scores are a 4, 5, 6, and another 6, your team score for the hole is a 4. It’s a very beginner-friendly format because it only takes one great performance on any given hole to carry the team.
This is a popular choice for club championships and fundraisers because it requires more consistent team play. The rules are the same, but instead of taking just one low score, you take the two lowest scores and add them together for the team's hole score.
Let’s use the same example scores: a 4, 5, 6, and another 6.
In this format, if one player has a tough hole, it's not the end of the world, but it places more emphasis on having at least two players post a decent number. You can’t rely on just one person to go low, you need a more balanced contribution.
This is one of the most common points of confusion in recreational golf. Many people use the terms "Best Ball" and "Scramble" interchangeably, but they are two completely different games. Understanding the distinction is vital for picking the right format for your outing.
Let's break it down:
In a scramble, the whole team works together on every single shot.
Who it's for: A scramble is perfect for corporate outings, family gatherings, or groups with brand-new golfers. Since everyone is hitting from the best spot, a weaker player's bad shot doesn't penalize the team at all. It's low-pressure, fast-paced, and generally leads to very low scores.
As we've covered, every golfer in a Best Ball format plays their own ball throughout the entire hole. Your score is your score. It’s just that only the best one (or two) scores might count toward the team total.
Who it's for: Best Ball is better suited for golfers who want to experience their own round while still enjoying a team element. It's great for member-guest tournaments, league play, and any group of golfers who enjoy the challenge of posting their own number. It's a true test of golf, but with a safety net.
The "Best Ball" family is large and diverse, offering different flavors based on how you want to keep score. Here are a few notable variations to spice things up.
The context of your game dramatically changes the strategy. Most formats can be played as either stroke play or match play.
You can also combine Best Ball rules with a Stableford scoring system. Instead of counting strokes, players earn points based on their score relative to par.
A typical point schedule might look like this:
In a Best Ball Stableford, each teammate plays the hole, calculates their own points, and the team takes the highest individual point total on that hole. It’s a fantastic system because it encourages aggressive play - a birdie is worth far more than a bogey hurts you - and you can't get a negative score!
Stepping onto the first tee in a Best Ball tournament with a smart game plan gives you a massive advantage. It’s not just about hitting great shots, it’s about playing as a cohesive unit. Here are some pro tips from a coach's perspective.
Before the round starts, decide on a general strategy. A classic and effective tactic is to designate one player to play a "safer" role and the other to be more aggressive.
This dynamic constantly shifts depending on the situation. If Player 1 (the aggressive player) tees off first and finds trouble, Player 2 immediately switches to the "safe" role, adjusting their plan to ensure one ball is in play.
Generally, the player who is further from the hole should putt first. This offers two huge advantages. First, if they happen to make their long putt, the pressure is completely off their partner. Second, and more commonly, their putt will give their partner a valuable read on the line and speed of the green.
If your partner has an 8-footer and you have a 30-footer on the same line, your putt is a priceless practice stroke for them. Encourage them to watch it closely all the way to the hole.
The best teams talk constantly. Announce your intentions on the tee box. "I'm going to play a safe hybrid down the left side," or "My partner is down the middle, so I'm taking driver over those trees." This ensures you're working together.
On the green, discuss your reads. "It looks like a cup out to the right to me, what do you see?" That collaboration builds confidence and helps you avoid missed opportunities.
Lastly, remember the Golden Rule of Best Ball: never apologize for a bad hole! The format is designed for one player to bail out the other. If you hit one out of bounds, your only responsibility is to cheer your partner on. A positive, supportive atmosphere is much more powerful than two players grinding with a negative mindset. Laugh off the bad shots and celebrate the good ones together.
Best Ball truly is one of the premier formats in golf, offering a perfect blend of team camaraderie and individual accountability. Whether you're playing a casual weekend round, a competitive match play event, or a Four-Person club tournament, its strategic depth and forgiving nature make for a more enjoyable and less stressful experience on the course.
On-course strategy is a huge part of being a successful Best Ball partner, from picking the right targets to managing risk. Technology like Caddie AI can be valuable here, giving you instant strategic advice for any hole by analyzing risks and rewards. I provide a data-driven second opinion that helps you decide when to play safe and when to be aggressive, allowing you to be a smarter, more confident teammate.
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