What Is Best Ball in Golf?
Best Ball: A team format where each player plays their own ball and the best score on each hole counts.
Best Ball — full definition
A team format (also called four-ball) where each player plays their own ball and the team’s score on each hole is the lowest individual score among the team members. In a two-person best ball, both players complete the hole and the better score counts. Often confused with scramble, but in best ball every player finishes every hole.
Best Ball — frequently asked
Best Ball — how does it work?
- Also called four-ball
- Every player plays their own ball through the hole
- Team’s score = the lowest individual score on each hole
What is the difference between best ball and a scramble?
- Best Ball: every player finishes every hole independently
- Scramble: team picks the best shot, everyone plays from that spot
More on Best Ball
Best ball is the team format most club events actually run, and the one most often confused with a scramble.
- ScrambleThe format best ball gets mixed up with — the difference matters.
- Charity event directoryTeam events across the country, with formats listed.
- Find a groupFour-ball needs four players.
Other game formats
Stroke Play
The most common competitive format — count every stroke, lowest total wins.
Match Play
A hole-by-hole format — win the most holes, not the lowest total score.
Stableford
A points-based scoring system where the highest point total wins.
Scramble
The most popular team format — pick the best shot each time, everyone plays from there.
Alternate Shot
A two-person format where partners take turns hitting the same ball.
Skins
A gambling format where each hole has a set value — win the hole outright, win the money.
Nassau
The most common betting format — three bets in one: front nine, back nine, and overall.