Best Ball in Golf: Format, Rules and How to Play

If you belong to a golf club or league with some friendly competition, chances are you have played in a best ball format. Best Ball is one of amateur and recreational golf’s most popular team formats. However, it’s often misunderstood and referred to as a scramble. I’ll go through what the best ball tournament is, how to play it, and what the USGA has to say about playing in a best ball event.

What is best ball?

In a best ball format, each player on a team (typically 2–4 golfers) plays their own ball for the entire round. After each hole, only the lowest individual score among the teammates counts as the team score for that hole.

If all players on the team had a five but one had a four, then the team score for the hole is a four. Only one score is recorded per hole, and the team with the lowest total score after 18 holes wins.

Best ball tournaments can be played as gross or net.

How to play best ball

The great thing about the best ball format is that you play your golf ball. You’re still playing in a team format, but you get to complete your typical round of golf.

Each player plays their ball throughout the round. After each hole, record the lowest score among all team members. In net Best Ball, handicap strokes are applied based on each golfer’s index.

Best Ball is frequently used in charity tournaments and club events. It offers a blend of competition and fun. If someone has a bad hole, the teammates can still ensure the team has a strong score for that hole.

Why it’s a great format

In addition to a golf scramble, the best ball is one of the most popular formats you will find. Tournament committees often pick the best ball format because:

You’re not alone: one good score on each hole can save the team. Encourages aggressive and conservative play: if one teammate is safe, another can go for the hero shot. Keeps things fun: fewer blow-up holes affecting the team score. Great for mixed skill levels: lower handicaps can make birdies while higher handicaps contribute steady pars or net birdies.

What the USGA calls it: Four-Ball

The USGA officially refers to Best Ball as “Four-Ball.” However, this only applies to teams of two players.

According to Rule 23 of the USGA Rules of Golf, “Four-Ball is a form of play (either match play or stroke play) involving partners where two players compete together as a side, with each playing their own ball. The side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the two partners.”

Any format using 3- or 4-player teams is considered an unofficial or casual variation, common in local tournaments and outings and setup by tournament administrators.

So why do some people confuse best ball and scramble?

A lot of golfers confuse the best ball with a scramble. These are two completely different formats.

Players don’t play their ball from start to finish in a scramble. Everyone hits a tee shot, the team picks the best one, and all play their next shot from that spot. They repeat this shot until the hole is finished.

Yes, they are picking the best shot and playing from there, but it’s different than best ball, where the entire hole is played and then the best score for the hole is recorded. four

Final thoughts

When you sign up for a best ball event, the most important thing to remember is that you will play your own ball, post the best score you can, and support your team.

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