Few golf formats mix teamwork, fun, and fair competition as well as the better ball golf format. You play your own ball, your partner plays theirs, and the team takes the lower score on every hole. A bad hole does not sink you, and a great hole can lift your whole side.
This guide explains the better ball golf format in plain language. You will learn the rules, how scoring works, how handicaps are applied, and how better ball Stableford differs from stroke play. We also answer one of the most common handicap questions: what is the handicap allowance for 4 ball better ball Stableford?
What Is the Better Ball Golf Format?
In the better ball format, two players form a team (a “side”). Each partner plays their own ball for the whole round. On each hole, the team’s score is the better (lower) of the two partner scores. The other score is simply ignored.
The format is also called four-ball or fourball, because four balls are in play when two teams of two compete together. Players love it because it is relaxed, forgiving, and easy to follow.
Here is a quick example. On a par 4, you make a 6 and your partner makes a 4. The team scores 4 for that hole. Your 6 does not count against you.
What Is the Best Ball Format for Golf? Better Ball vs Best Ball
People often ask, “What is the best ball format for golf?” The answer depends on the words used, because better ball and best ball are closely related.
- Better ball: usually means two partners, with the better of two scores counting. It is the classic four-ball format.
- Best ball: usually means the best score from a team that may have two, three, or four players.
Both formats follow the same idea: everyone plays their own ball, and the lowest score on the team counts. The main difference is team size. Many golfers use the two terms interchangeably, and local clubs may define them slightly differently, so always check your event rules.
For a wider look at team and individual styles, read our guide to the different types of golf tournament formats and our overview of golf league formats.
How Does Better Ball Work? Step by Step
- Form teams of two. Partners can be chosen by the players or drawn at random.
- Everyone tees off. All four players in the group hit from the tee.
- Each player plays their own ball. There is no switching or choosing balls.
- Record both scores. Each partner writes down their own score on every hole.
- Take the better score. The lower of the two scores is the team score for that hole.
- Add it up. Total the team scores for the round, or compare hole by hole in match play.
Better Ball Golf Rules You Should Know
Four-ball is covered by Rule 23 of the Rules of Golf. These are the key points for everyday players:
- Each partner plays their own ball and is responsible for following the normal Rules of Golf.
- Partners may play in any order. This makes ready golf easy and helps pace of play.
- Partners can help each other. They may share advice, clubs, and a caddie, and one partner can tend the flagstick for the other.
- A pick-up is allowed. If your partner has already scored better, you can pick up to speed play, as long as your score is not needed.
- Scorecards need care. The team’s score for each hole is the lower of the two scores, and each partner is responsible for the accuracy of their own score.
- Penalties usually apply to the player who breached the rule, not the partner, although some serious situations can affect the whole side. If you are unsure, ask a rules official.
These points are a simple summary. For a competition that counts for official handicaps or prizes, read the full rule and the local rules sheet.
Three Ways to Score Better Ball
Better Ball Stroke Play
Add up the team’s better score on every hole. The team with the lowest total wins. Handicaps can be used to make the contest fair, which gives you a team net score.
Better Ball Match Play
Two sides play hole by hole. The side with the lower better ball wins the hole. The side that wins more holes wins the match. Match play is dramatic because one bad hole costs you just one hole, not the whole round.
Better Ball Stableford
Instead of counting strokes, you count points. Each partner earns points based on their net score for the hole, and the team takes the higher points total. It is the most beginner-friendly way to play four-ball, and it keeps pace of play fast.
To brush up on general scoring ideas, see how golf scoring works and how to score a golf tournament.
Better Ball Stableford Explained
In Stableford, points are awarded against the player’s net score on each hole. A standard point table looks like this:
| Net Score on the Hole | Stableford Points |
|---|---|
| Net double bogey or worse | 0 |
| Net bogey | 1 |
| Net par | 2 |
| Net birdie | 3 |
| Net eagle | 4 |
| Net albatross | 5 |
In better ball Stableford, both partners score their own points, and the team counts the higher number on each hole.
Simple Better Ball Stableford Example
Imagine a par 4 that is stroke index 5. Player A receives one stroke on this hole and makes a gross 5, so the net score is 4 (a net par) for 2 points. Player B receives no stroke and makes a gross 6, which is a net double bogey for 0 points. The team scores 2 points for the hole, since the better score counts.
Because a bad hole earns zero and does not hurt the team, you can play more aggressively. If you cannot score any points, simply pick up your ball and move on.
Better Ball Golf Handicap: How It Works
Handicaps let golfers of different skill levels compete fairly. The idea is simple: a stronger player gives strokes, and a weaker player receives strokes. In better ball events, the process follows three steps.
Step 1: Find Each Player’s Course Handicap
Each player has a Handicap Index. It is converted to a Course Handicap for the course and tees being played, using the Slope Rating, Course Rating, and par. If this is new to you, read what the golf handicap index is and how course handicap and playing handicap differ.
Step 2: Apply the Handicap Allowance
A handicap allowance is a percentage of the Course Handicap. It turns the Course Handicap into a Playing Handicap for a specific format. Team formats use lower percentages because two players working together have an advantage over a lone golfer. For more background, see what a handicap allowance in golf is.
Step 3: Give Strokes on the Right Holes
Strokes are given on the hardest holes first, following the stroke index printed on the scorecard. A player with a Playing Handicap of 10 receives one stroke on the holes ranked 1 to 10. A player with 20 receives one stroke on every hole and a second stroke on the ten hardest holes. For a deeper look, read how to keep score in golf with handicap.
What Is the Handicap Allowance for 4 Ball Better Ball Stableford?
The recommended handicap allowance for four-ball better ball Stableford is 85% of each player’s Course Handicap. This follows Appendix C of the Rules of Handicapping, published by the USGA and The R&A under the World Handicap System.
Here is how to do it:
- Take the player’s Course Handicap.
- Multiply it by 0.85.
- Round to the nearest whole number. A result ending in .5 rounds up.
Example: A player has a Course Handicap of 12. Multiply 12 by 0.85 to get 10.2, which rounds to a Playing Handicap of 10. Their partner has a Course Handicap of 24. Multiply 24 by 0.85 to get 20.4, which rounds to a Playing Handicap of 20.
In four-ball stroke play and Stableford, each player normally receives their full Playing Handicap after the percentage is applied. They do not play off the lowest handicap in the field.
Quick Handicap Allowance Table
| Format | Recommended Allowance |
|---|---|
| Four-ball Stableford | 85% |
| Four-ball stroke play | 85% |
| Four-ball par/bogey | 90% |
| Four-ball match play | 90% |
| Individual Stableford | 95% |
| Individual match play | 100% |
Important note: These are recommended allowances. Some golf associations and clubs now allow a different percentage for certain competitions, so confirm the figure with your event organizer or local golf association before you play.
Four-Ball Match Play Allowance Example
In four-ball match play, the recommended allowance is 90%, and strokes are given off the player with the lowest handicap. Say the four Course Handicaps are 8 (A), 14 (B), 20 (C), and 28 (D). Player A plays off zero. The others receive 90% of their difference from A:
- Player B: 90% of 6 is 5.4, which rounds to 5 strokes.
- Player C: 90% of 12 is 10.8, which rounds to 11 strokes.
- Player D: 90% of 20 is 18 strokes.
4 Man Best Ball Golf Rules and Variations
Many events and weekly leagues use 4 man best ball, where a team of four plays together. There is no single official rulebook for every 4 man best ball event, so rules can vary by organizer. Here are the most common versions:
- Best 1 of 4: each player plays their own ball and only the single lowest score on the hole counts. This is the simplest version and can produce very low team totals.
- Best 2 of 4: the two lowest scores are added together on each hole. This rewards consistency and is popular in competitive events.
- Best 3 of 4: the three lowest scores count, so more players contribute.
- All 4 count: every score is added. It becomes a team stroke play event.
Organizers should explain clearly:
- How many scores count on each hole
- Whether handicaps are used, and what percentage
- How to break ties, such as best back nine or a scorecard playoff
- The maximum score allowed per hole, if any
- Whether the format is stroke play or Stableford points
A team of four also needs a clear scoring system. If you are planning an event, our guides on how to organize a golf tournament and how to make a golf leaderboard can help you stay organized.
Better Ball Strategy Tips
Better ball rewards smart teamwork. These simple tactics can help you win more often:
- Let one partner play safe. If your partner is in a good position, you can take a calculated risk on a tough shot.
- Choose your order wisely. Often the steadier player goes first to put a ball in play, which frees the other to attack.
- Use the stroke holes. Know which holes each partner receives strokes on, and aim for a net birdie or par there.
- Communicate on every hole. Share green speeds, wind, and yardages.
- Do not give up on a hole. Even a modest score from one partner can win a hole in match play.
- Pick up when it helps. If you cannot score points in Stableford, speed up play and focus on the next tee.
- Pick a partner with a complementary game. One long hitter and one steady putter often make a great pair.
Pros and Cons of the Better Ball Format
Advantages
- Takes pressure off weaker players
- Keeps rounds moving at a good pace
- Works for mixed ability levels with handicaps
- Easy to explain to new golfers
- Encourages teamwork and conversation
Drawbacks
- A weaker partner may feel they did not contribute
- Scoring can be confusing for beginners at first
- Low scores are common, so ties are possible without clear tie-break rules
- Handicap percentages need to be applied correctly or results may be unfair
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the allowance. Playing off full Course Handicap when the event uses 85% can give unfair advantages.
- Giving strokes on the wrong holes. Always follow the stroke index on the scorecard.
- Not recording both scores. Even if only one score counts, writing both helps with verification and handicap records.
- Mixing up the format. Confirm whether the day is stroke play, match play, or Stableford.
- Ignoring pace of play. Pick up when your hole is lost, and play ready golf.
Tips for Organizers Running a Better Ball Event
If you are running a better ball competition, a little preparation prevents most problems:
- Announce the format, scoring method, and handicap allowance in the entry details.
- Print scorecards with both players’ names and handicap strokes clearly marked.
- Appoint a scoring lead to check every card before results are posted.
- Publish tie-break rules in advance.
- Use a live leaderboard if possible. It adds excitement and transparency.
- Pair teams of similar combined handicaps when you can.
For more event-planning help, see our guide on how to run a golf tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Better Ball Golf Format
What is the better ball format in golf?
Better ball is a two-person team format where each partner plays their own ball and the lower score on each hole is the team score. It is also known as four-ball.
What is the difference between best ball and better ball?
Better ball usually refers to two players, with the better of two scores counting. Best ball can involve teams of two to four players. The scoring idea is the same, so some golfers use the terms interchangeably.
Is better ball the same as a scramble?
No. In a scramble, the team picks the best shot and everyone plays from that spot. In better ball, each player plays their own ball from tee to green, and only the scores are compared.
What is the handicap allowance for four-ball better ball Stableford?
The recommended allowance is 85% of each player’s Course Handicap, rounded to the nearest whole number. Check your local association or event rules in case a different percentage is used.
What is the handicap allowance for four-ball match play?
It is 90% of the Course Handicap difference from the lowest-handicap player, who plays off zero strokes.
Can both partners’ scores count in better ball?
In standard better ball, only the lower score counts on each hole. Some 4 man best ball events use best 2 of 4 or best 3 of 4, where multiple scores are added. Always follow the event’s published rules.
Do partners have to hit in a set order?
No. In four-ball, partners may play in whatever order suits them, which helps speed up play.
Is better ball good for beginners?
Yes. It reduces pressure, speeds up the round, and lets newer players enjoy the day while still contributing. Stableford scoring makes it even friendlier because bad holes cost very little.
How do you break a tie in a better ball tournament?
Common tie-breakers include a countback on the last nine, last six, last three, and last hole, or a scorecard playoff. Whatever you choose, announce it before the event starts.
Can better ball scores count for a handicap?
Often yes, if the competition is played under the Rules of Handicapping and allows scores to be submitted. Each player’s own score is adjusted using their own handicap, so check your club’s policy before you post a score.
Final Thoughts
The better ball golf format is a smart choice for friendly rounds, club days, and competitive leagues. Players share the load, rounds move faster, and handicaps keep the contest fair. Remember the essentials: each partner plays their own ball, the lower score counts, and in four-ball Stableford the recommended allowance is 85% of Course Handicap.
Pick a partner, check the rules, and enjoy a format that proves two heads are often better than one.