Four Ball Better Ball: How to Play and How Handicap Works
Four Ball Better Ball is a partner format where each player plays their own ball and the team counts the better net score on every hole (Rule 23). Handicap allowance is 85% of each player's Course Handicap, with strokes allocated by Stroke Index against the lowest Playing Handicap in the group.
What is Four Ball Better Ball?
Four Ball Better Ball is the most popular partner format in amateur golf. Two teams of two players compete against each other. The key rule: each player plays their own ball on every hole, and on each hole only the better net score of the two partners counts for the team.
If one player makes a net bogey and their partner makes a net par on the same hole, the team records net par. The partner's bogey is discarded for that hole. That individual safety net is precisely what makes Four Ball so different from foursomes (alternate shot), where both partners share one ball and must play out each other's mistakes, shot by shot.
It is governed by Rule 23 of the Rules of Golf (2019 edition).
How handicap works in Four Ball
In Four Ball, the handicap allowance is 85% of each player's Course Handicap (official WHS allowances table, USGA/R&A 2024).
Each player calculates their own Playing Handicap independently:
Playing Handicap = round(Course Handicap × 0.85)
How strokes are allocated among the four players
Once all four Playing Handicaps are calculated:
- Identify the player with the lowest Playing Handicap among the four. That player receives 0 strokes.
- The other three receive the difference between their Playing Handicap and the lowest.
- Strokes are assigned by hole according to Stroke Index (S.I. 1 through 18, hardest to easiest).
Example:
| Player | Course HC | Playing HC (×85%) | Strokes received (vs. P1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | 8 | 7 | 0 (reference) |
| P2 | 14 | 12 | 5 |
| P3 | 20 | 17 | 10 |
| P4 | 26 | 22 | 15 |
P2 receives 5 strokes on holes with S.I. 1–5. P3 receives 10 strokes on S.I. 1–10. P4 receives 15 strokes on S.I. 1–15.
Four Ball as match play vs. stroke play
Four Ball Match Play
The two teams compete hole by hole. On each hole the team with the better net score wins it. If both teams tie, the hole is halved. The team winning the most holes wins the match.
Four Ball Stroke Play
Each team accumulates the better net score of their two balls on every hole. After 18 holes, the team with the fewest total net strokes wins.
Important Four Ball rules
Either player can pick up at any time without penalising their partner. If a player can no longer improve on their partner's score, they can lift their ball and move to the next hole.
One player's mistake doesn't affect the partner: if a player plays the wrong ball or incurs a penalty, only they are penalised — the partner continues unaffected.
The partner can complete the hole alone: in match play Four Ball, if a player has already secured the hole for the team, their partner may choose not to finish that hole.
Strategy in Four Ball
Four Ball enables a more aggressive strategy than individual play:
- The attacker and the anchor: when one partner already has a good score on a hole, the other can take more risk — if they fail, the partner's good result stands as a safety net.
- Coordinate on handicap stroke holes: if P4 receives a stroke on hole 5 (S.I. 5) and P1 doesn't, P4 can play more aggressively there since their net par is already one shot better.
- Divide roles by hole type: on short par 3s, the better putter should attack the pin. On long par 5s, the longer hitter can go for the green in two while the other plays safe.
- Never both go for the same risky shot: at least one partner should always play the conservative option. You only need one good score per hole.
Partnerships looking for a tighter, shared-ball challenge can also explore greensomes — where both players drive every hole but then alternate a single ball to the hole, raising the stakes of every shot decision.
FAQ
What is the handicap allowance for Four Ball Better Ball?
The handicap allowance is 85% of each player's Course Handicap (WHS 2024). Each player calculates their Playing Handicap as round(Course Handicap × 0.85), then strokes are allocated by Stroke Index against the lowest Playing Handicap in the group.
Can one player pick up in Four Ball without penalty?
Yes. Either player can pick up at any time without penalising their partner. If a player can no longer improve on their partner's score, they may lift their ball and move to the next hole.
Does a penalty to one player affect their partner in Four Ball?
No. If a player plays the wrong ball or incurs a penalty, only that player is penalised — the partner continues unaffected and their score still counts for the team.
What is the difference between Four Ball and Foursomes?
In Four Ball, each player plays their own ball and the team takes the better net score. In Foursomes (alternate shot), partners share one ball and alternate strokes. Four Ball is more forgiving; Foursomes demands total coordination.
Is Four Ball played as match play or stroke play?
Both. In match play, the team with the better net score wins each hole. In stroke play, the team accumulates the better net score on every hole and the lowest total after 18 holes wins.