Best Ball Golf

Best Ball Golf is a team-based format where each player plays their own ball, and the best score on each hole counts. It’s popular in tournaments, casual rounds, and events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.

What is Best Ball in Golf?

Best Ball Golf is a popular team-based format where each golfer plays their own ball throughout the round, but only the lowest score per hole (the Best Ball) counts for the team score. It's fun and competitive and perfect for balancing strong and weaker players within a team.

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    Play Your Own Ball

    Each golfer plays every hole independently.

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    Best Score Counts

    Only the lowest score per hole on the team counts for the team score.

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    Fair for All Skill Levels

    Handicaps can be used to level the competition.

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    Team Focused

    Great for partnerships and team events.

Key Highlights

  • Everyone plays their own ball.
  • Team’s best score counts for each hole.
  • Encourages risk-taking for some, safety for others.
  • Handicaps make it enjoyable for mixed-ability groups.

shotHow to Play Bestball?

  • Each player plays their own ball on every hole.

  • After the hole is finished, compare all teammates' scores.

  • The lowest score on the hole becomes the team's score for that hole (this is the "Best Ball").

  • The process repeats on every hole.

  • At the end of the round, add up only the best ball scores per hole for the team’s final score.

shotBestball Scoring System

  • Only one score per hole counts for the team—the lowest score (the “Best Ball”).

  • Every player plays every shot on every hole.

  • A great individual hole can save the team’s score, even if teammates struggle.

  • If played as stroke play: The team with the lowest total strokes at the end wins.

  • If played as Match Play: The team's Best Ball score on each hole is compared against the opponent’s Best Ball for that hole. The team with the most holes won the match.

Scorecard Example

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Winner: Player A

shotBest Ball Variations

  • 4-Person Best Ball

    Team of 4, best single score counts.

  • 2-Ball Aggregate

    Both scores count; the lowest team total wins.

  • Rotating Best Ball

    The best score rotates between team members per hole.

shot Why Play Best Ball?

  • Team Strategy

    One player can play aggressively while the other plays safe.

  • Partnership Focused

    Works great for pairs who want to compete together.

  • More Birdie Chances

    Having two scores boosts opportunities for low numbers.