Best Ball

Setup

Handicaps

Full handicaps apply. Each player uses their strokes on applicable holes.

Points

Per-hole or match play format. Typical: 1 point per hole won.

How to play Best Ball

1. Teams of 2 players compete against each other
2. Each player plays their own ball throughout the round
3. On each hole, the team's score is the BEST (lowest) score of the two partners
4. Compare team best balls to determine the hole winner
5. Can be played as match play (holes won) or stroke play (total score)

Standard golf order within teams. Team with honors tees off first.

Scoring

Ties: Tied best balls halve the hole - no points awarded

Team with most holes won (or lowest total best ball score)

Strategy

• Play aggressively when your partner is safe - you have backup
• If your partner hits a great shot, take risks for birdie
• Great format for mixed skill levels - better player can carry tough holes
• Communicate with your partner about strategy each hole

Example

• Mike8 HCPTeam A
• Dave18 HCPTeam A
• Tom10 HCPTeam B
• Sarah14 HCPTeam B

Par 4, hole 7. Both teams on the green in regulation.

What happens

1. Mike (Team A): 2-putt for par (4)
2. Dave (Team A): 3-putt for bogey (5). Team A best ball = 4
3. Tom (Team B): Makes 15-footer for birdie (3)
4. Sarah (Team B): 2-putt for par (4). Team B best ball = 3
5. Team B wins the hole with Tom's birdie

Team A best ball: 4. Team B best ball: 3. Team B wins the hole, goes 1 Up.

Tom's birdie secured the hole for Team B despite Mike's solid par.