Best ball, better ball, and Four-Ball are the same format — mostly. All describe the same team scoring idea where each player plays their own ball and only the lowest score on the team counts per hole.
The confusion comes from the naming, not the rules. “Better ball” typically refers to a 2-person team version (what the USGA calls Four-Ball), while “best ball” can mean the same thing or a 3- to 4-person team version. Four-Ball is what the Ryder Cup calls it, too. Same concept, three names, endless arguments at the first tee.
If you are looking for a full how-to guide on this golf format, check out our Four-Ball Guide. This post is dedicated to clearing up the difference in these three formats.
Let’s sort it out once and for all.
The Quick Version
Better ball (or best ball, or fourball) is a team format where every player plays their own ball from tee to hole. After each hole, the team takes the lowest score among all partners — that’s the team score for that hole. Add up all 18 and whoever has the lowest total wins.
That’s it. Every player gets to play a full round of golf, bad holes can get erased by a teammate, and it’s one of the most social, low-pressure formats you can put in front of a group.
The Actual Difference Between Best Ball, Better Ball and Four-Ball
Here’s the terminology breakdown that nobody explains clearly:
| Term | Team Size | Typical Format |
|---|---|---|
| Better Ball | 2 players | Stroke play or match play |
| Best Ball | 2, 3, or 4 players | Stroke play or match play |
| Fourball (4BBB) | 2 players | Usually match play (Ryder Cup, etc.) |
In practice, most weekend golfers use “best ball” and “better ball” interchangeably. They’re not wrong — the underlying game is identical. The distinction matters more in tournament settings where the format name signals team size or stroke vs. match play. When someone says “we’re playing better ball,” they almost always mean 2-person teams. “Best ball” could mean 2, 3, or 4 to a hole.
The ruling bodies confirm this. The USGA’s Rule 23 covers the format under “Four-Ball,” defining it as partners competing as a side with each playing their own ball, the lower score counting per hole.
Better Ball and Four-Ball point to the same rule: Rule 23 (two-person sides). Best Ball borrows the same scoring but isn’t capped at two players, so the bigger-team versions sit outside Rule 23.
Variations
Among the trio of Best Ball, Better Ball, and Four-Ball there are a few different format variations taht come along. Here are a handful of them to consider.
3- or 4-Person Best Ball: Same rules, more teammates. With 4 players to a hole, your team score is the lowest of four. This dramatically lowers scores and is great for charity tournaments or groups with beginners.
Net Best Ball: Each player uses their handicap strokes, and the best net score per hole counts. Most recommended for mixed-ability groups.
Stableford Best Ball: Instead of tracking raw scores, each player earns Stableford points per hole. The partner with the higher points total on each hole contributes their score. Great format if you want to play Stableford with the safety net of a partner.
Best Ball with a Nassau Overlay: The team plays best ball format, but the match is tracked across three bets — front nine, back nine, and overall. Adds serious stakes without overcomplicating the game. Full breakdown in the Nassau guide.
Yellow Ball: A fun variation where one team member per hole is designated the “money player,” and their score must count — even if it’s not the best one. Adds a psychological twist to standard best ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between best ball and better ball in golf?
They describe the same format. “Better ball” usually refers to 2-person teams; “best ball” can mean 2, 3, or 4 to a hole. The ruling bodies call it “Four-Ball” in the official Rules of Golf. In casual play, the terms are interchangeable.
Is Four-Ball the same as better ball?
Yes. Four-Ball is the official USGA/R&A term for the format. When played as match play it’s called “Fourball” or “4BBB.” When played as stroke play in tournaments it’s often called “better ball.” Same rules, different names depending on context.
How do handicaps work in best ball?
In stroke play, each player uses 85% of their course handicap. In match play, the recommended allowance is 90%. Strokes are applied on the hardest holes per the course’s stroke index. Confused about handicaps? Our handicaps explainer post clears all of this up.
Can one player win a hole for the team in best ball?
Absolutely — that’s the whole point. Only one partner needs to post a good score for the team to win or halve a hole. The other partner can have a total disaster and it won’t show up on the card as long as the other one got the job done.
Does best ball count for handicap purposes?
Yes, as long as the round meets WHS conditions — played on a rated course with acceptable format. Individual scores from best ball rounds can be posted for handicap purposes.
Can you play best ball with 3 players?
Yes. With 3 players, the lowest score of the three counts on each hole. With only one team, the format works well as a group golf game where the team tries to beat a set target (like course par or a set number of points in a Stableford variant).
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been calling it “best ball” your whole life and someone at the club insists it’s “better ball,” they’re both right — and both slightly wrong. What matters is how you actually play the thing, and it’s one of the best formats in golf. It rewards birdies, forgives disasters, and gives everyone a reason to care about every single hole.
Try it this weekend as match play with a Nassau overlay. You’ll never want to go back to straight stroke play with your regular group.
