What Is Best Ball Golf and How Does It Work?

[chriskarkota]

If you’ve ever played a casual round with friends and thought, “There has to be a way to make this more fun and less stressful,” then you’re going to love this format.

Best Ball Golf is one of those game styles that strikes the perfect balance between competition and teamwork. It’s competitive enough to keep things interesting, but forgiving enough that one bad hole won’t ruin your entire round. And honestly, that’s why so many weekend golfers (myself included) keep coming back to it.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense on the course.

What Is Best Ball Golf?​

At its core, Best Ball Golf is a team-based format where each player plays their own ball throughout the round. After each hole, the team records the lowest score among its players as the team score.

Simple, right?

Imagine you and a buddy are playing together. You make a 5, and your partner sinks a clean 3. The team score for that hole? That beautiful 3.

It’s called “best ball” because well you’re literally using the best score from the group on each hole.

How Does Best Ball Golf Work?​

Here’s how a typical round flows:

• Each player tees off and plays their own ball
• Everyone finishes the hole individually
• The lowest score among teammates becomes the team score
• Repeat for all 18 holes

That’s it. No complicated rules, no confusing calculations mid-round.

A Quick Example​

Let’s say a 2-player team scores like this on a hole:

• Player A: 4
• Player B: 6

The team score = 4

Now on the next hole:

• Player A: 5
• Player B: 3

The team score = 3

You can already see the beauty here there’s always a chance for redemption.

Why Golfers Love This Format?​

There’s something refreshing about knowing you’re not carrying the entire burden on your shoulders.

Ever had that one hole where everything goes wrong? Slice off the tee, chunk the approach, three-putt… yeah, we’ve all been there. In Best Ball, your teammate can save the hole, and suddenly it doesn’t feel like the end of the world.

1. It Reduces Pressure​

You can play aggressively without fear. If your risky shot doesn’t work out, your partner might still play it safe and secure a decent score.

2. It Encourages Teamwork​

You’re not just playing your own game you’re supporting each other. It changes the vibe completely.

3. It Speeds Up Play (Sometimes!)​

Since everyone plays their own ball, there’s no waiting for decisions like in scramble formats. And if you’re using a golf scoring app, tracking scores becomes even smoother and quicker.

Best Ball vs Scramble: Don’t Confuse Them​

A lot of golfers mix these two up, especially beginners.

Here’s the key difference:

• Best Ball: Everyone plays their own ball the entire time
• Scramble: Everyone hits, then the team chooses the best shot and plays from there

In Best Ball, your individual performance matters. In a scramble, it’s more about collective shot selection.

If you enjoy playing your own game but still want team benefits, this format is the better pick.

Team Sizes and Variations​

While 2-player teams are the most common, you can easily scale it up:

2-Person Best Ball​

• Most popular format
• Great for friendly matches or small tournaments

3 or 4-Person Teams​

• Only one best score usually counts
• Sometimes tournaments use “1 best ball on par 4s, 2 on par 5s” variations

These variations add a layer of strategy. Suddenly, every player’s score might matter depending on the hole.

Scoring Tips (That Actually Help)​

Even though this format is forgiving, smart play still makes a big difference.

Play Your Role​

If your partner hits a safe shot and lands in the fairway, that’s your green light to go aggressive.

But if they’re in trouble? You might want to play it safe.

This kind of decision-making is what separates a decent team from a winning one.

Don’t Chase Every Shot​

It’s tempting to always go for the hero shot but you don’t need to.

Sometimes, the smartest move is just getting a solid par and letting your teammate take the risk.

Use a Golf Scoring App​

Keeping track of multiple players’ scores can get messy fast especially in larger groups.

A good golf scoring app helps you:

• Track individual and team scores
• Avoid calculation errors
• Stay focused on the game instead of the math

Trust me, once you start using one, you won’t go back to paper scorecards.

Strategy: How to Win in Best Ball?​

Winning isn’t just about playing well individually it’s about playing smart together.

1. Pair Opposite Play Styles​

One aggressive player + one consistent player = a strong team.

If both players take huge risks, it can backfire. If both play too safe, you might miss scoring opportunities.

Balance is everything.

2. Communicate Constantly​

Before each shot, talk it through.

• Who’s playing safe?
• Who’s taking the risk?

This kind of coordination makes a huge difference over 18 holes.

3. Focus on Consistency​

Birdies are great, but consistent pars win matches.

If your team can avoid big numbers, you’ll quietly climb ahead while others make mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid​

Even experienced golfers slip up in this format.

Trying to Be the Hero Every Time​

You don’t need to win every hole single-handedly.

Ignoring Your Teammate’s Position​

Your shot choice should depend on where your partner is.

Poor Score Tracking​

One wrong entry can throw off the entire match another reason to rely on a golf scoring app.

When Should You Play Best Ball?​

This format works great for:

• Friendly weekend rounds
• Club tournaments
• Corporate golf events
• Ryder Cup-style matches

It’s competitive without being overly intense, which makes it perfect for mixed skill levels.

Final Thoughts​

Best Ball Golf is one of those formats that just feels right once you play it.

You still get the satisfaction of playing your own ball, but without the pressure of carrying the entire scorecard. It keeps things competitive, fun, and surprisingly strategic.

And honestly, once you experience that moment where your partner saves the hole after your disaste you’ll get why so many golfers swear by it.

FAQ:​

1.What is the difference between Best Ball and Fourball?​

They’re essentially the same thing. “Fourball” is just another name often used in tournaments, especially in match play formats.

2.Do all players play their own ball in Best Ball?​

Yes, every player plays their own ball from tee to hole. Only the lowest score counts for the team.

3.Can beginners play Best Ball Golf?​

Absolutely. It’s actually one of the best formats for beginners because it reduces pressure and keeps the game enjoyable.

4.How many players can be on a team?​

Typically 2, but you can play with 3 or 4 players depending on the format and rules.

5.Is Best Ball Golf faster than other formats?​

It can be, especially if players are ready and organized. Using a golf scoring app also helps keep things moving smoothly.