Skip to content

Rule 23

Four-ball

Also searched as: fourball, four ball, better ball, best ball, better-ball pairs

Two partners form a side and each plays their own ball. On each hole the better score of the two counts.

Four-ball can be played as stroke play, as match play or as Stableford. At club competitions it is popular as better-ball pairs, often with net scoring, where each player receives their handicap strokes.

Do not confuse it with foursomes, where both partners take turns playing one ball.

Step by step

  1. 1Both play their ball. Each partner plays the hole with their own ball, just as in individual play.
  2. 2Choose your order. Within the side you may play in the order you consider best.
  3. 3The better score counts. If your partner's score is better anyway, you may stop and need not hole out.