What is Best Ball?
Best ball (also called "better ball" or "fourball") is a team format where every player plays their own ball from tee to green. On each hole, the team records only the lowest score among its members.
Unlike a scramble, you can't rely on your teammates for every shot. You're playing your own game—but only the best score counts.
How Best Ball Scoring Works
One Best Ball (1BB): Only the single lowest score counts per hole. Most common in 2-person teams.
Two Best Balls (2BB): The two lowest scores count per hole. Common in 4-person events.
Match Play: Teams compete hole-by-hole. Lowest score wins the hole. Used in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
Stroke Play: Total best ball scores over 18 holes. Most common for tournaments.
Best Ball vs. Scramble (and Other Formats)
Scramble: Everyone hits, then the team plays from the best shot. Repeat until the ball is holed.
Best Ball: Everyone plays their own ball the entire hole. Only the best score counts.
Shamble: Scramble off the tee, then everyone plays their own ball in.
Foursome (Alternate Shot): Partners share one ball and alternate shots.
The key difference with best ball is individual accountability—you're playing real golf, just with a safety net.
Handicaps in Best Ball
For stroke play, most tournaments reduce handicaps slightly:
- 2-person teams: 90% of course handicap
- 4-person teams (1BB): 75–80% of course handicap
- 4-person teams (2BB): 90% of course handicap
For match play, strokes are given based on the difference between handicaps and applied on the hardest holes.
Strategy Tips
Know your role. The steadier player should play conservative and make pars. The other can take risks when there's a safety net.
Par 5s are your opportunity. One player can go for the green in two while the other lays up.
Communicate. Share where you stand so your partner knows whether to attack or play safe.
Stay in it. One birdie can save a bad hole. Don't mentally check out.
Common Mistakes
- Both players playing it safe (someone needs to hunt birdies)
- Not adjusting when your partner is in trouble
- Giving up on a hole too early
- Poor communication about lies and strategy
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Kismet handles registration, live scoring, and handicaps—so you can focus on the tournament, not the logistics.
