Page type: Regional rules guide
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Regional conventions and their limits
In the United States, Four-Ball has two partners per side, each playing their own ball; the side records its lower score on each hole under Rule 23. It can be match play or stroke play, with gross or net scoring. In a handicap match, the lower side net score wins the hole. USGA Appendix C recommends 90% for four-ball match play. Apply the adopted allowance to each player's unrounded Course Handicap to calculate Playing Handicap, using the prescribed rounding procedure. Under Appendix C's general match-play procedure, the lowest Playing Handicap then plays from zero and the others receive the differences from that figure. Do not substitute an allowance on the initial handicap difference without checking the authorised calculation method. Partners can choose their order of play and share clubs if their combined total does not exceed 14. Competition terms should specify handicaps and other permitted event conditions; these recommendations do not establish a universal casual betting agreement.
Table
| Item | Regional reference |
|---|---|
| Format | four-ball |
| Region | USA |
| Local name | Four-Ball; commonly called better ball in US usage, while best ball can be used loosely for the same lower-score-per-hole idea |
| Rules context | Rules of Golf Rule 23; Rule 3.2c; WHS Appendix C |
Worked example
Illustrative only: Alex and Ben play Chris and Dana without handicap strokes on the 7th hole. Their scores are 4, 5, 5 and 6, so Alex and Ben win the hole 4 to 5. Separately, unrounded Course Handicaps of 10 and 16 become Playing Handicaps of 9 and 14 after an adopted 90% allowance and nearest-integer rounding; the resulting stroke difference is 5.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 23; Rule 3.2c; WHS Appendix C
Sources: www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is four-ball the same as better ball in the US?
The USGA describes Four-Ball as commonly referred to as better ball. Four-Ball is the formal Rules of Golf format; best ball is sometimes used loosely, so confirm the event's stated meaning.
How many golfers play a four-ball match?
A head-to-head four-ball match has two sides of two partners, so four golfers are involved. The Rules define each pair as a side, with every player playing their own ball.
What handicap allowance is recommended for US four-ball match play?
USGA Appendix C recommends 90% for four-ball match play. Apply the adopted allowance to each player's unrounded Course Handicap to calculate Playing Handicap. Under its general match-play procedure, give strokes relative to the lowest Playing Handicap. Follow the authorised rounding method and competition terms.