Best Ball (Four-Ball) Rules
Players: Teams of 2 to 4
In best ball, every player plays their own ball for the whole hole, and the team's score is the best individual score on that hole. Unlike a scramble, you always play your own ball — only the scorecard is shared.
How it plays
Each golfer holes out (or picks up once out of it) on every hole. The team records the lowest score among its players. With two players this is often called four-ball.
Net best ball applies each player's handicap strokes, which keeps mixed teams competitive and is the standard for most member events.
Common questions
What is the difference between best ball and a scramble?
In best ball everyone plays their own ball all the way and the team takes the lowest score; in a scramble everyone plays from the single best shot each time.
What is four-ball?
Best ball played with two-player teams — four balls in play, each side counting its lower score per hole.
Keep reading
In the app
Skins Golf keeps score for you
Set it up once and Skins Golf scores it live, applies handicap allowances, and keeps the leaderboard honest every hole. We keep score, you keep your word.