In four-ball golf, also known as best ball, two pairs of golfers compete against each other. Each player plays his own ball so that four balls remain in play on each hole. Each pair chooses the lower score, or “best ball,” at the end of each hole. The four-ball format appeals to advanced golfers because it allows them to play their own ball to finish each hole. In other popular golf tournament formats, such as alternate shot and scramble, players often play from the position of another teammate’s shot.
Step 1
Flip a coin to determine which team tees off first on the first hole. Each team can decide which player on the team will tee off first and second.
Step 2
Play your ball whenever you are “away.” In other words, when your ball is the farthest from the hole, it is your turn to play. Players always play their own ball and must finish each hole.
Step 3
Record the lower of you or your partner's score on the scorecard after each hole. The higher of the two scores does not count toward your score.
Step 4
Tee off first if your team had the lower score on the previous hole. If you and the opposing team tied on the previous hole, the team that most recently scored lower on a hole gets to tee off first.
Step 5
Continue playing until both teams have finished the stipulated round or rounds. The team with the lowest cumulative score wins.
Tips and Warnings
- Best ball partners should pay attention to each other’s progress on a hole. If your partner hits the ball out of bounds, for example, you might want to play more conservatively to ensure that your team will have a chance to record a par. If your partner hits the green easily, on the other hand, you might feel comfortable taking more risks in an attempt to make a birdie or eagle.
Things You'll Need
- Golf clubs
- Golf balls
- Scorecard
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