Page type: Group-size game guide
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Best first choice
Four-ball match play is the best starting point because four players divide naturally into two sides while every golfer still plays their own ball. It also has a specific 90% WHS-recommended allowance for the four-ball match-play format, so the organiser can publish a clear handicap method before play.
What to agree before play
Do not use the 85% four-ball stroke-play allowance for a four-ball match: WHS Appendix C lists 90% for four-ball match play and 85% for four-ball stroke play. Do not assume a casual scramble has one universal handicap formula: the four-player 25%/20%/15%/10% recommendation and any local variations should be written into the Terms of the Competition. In foursomes, partners share one ball and alternate strokes, so pairing players by handicap alone does not remove the need to agree who tees off on each hole and how the match is administered.
Table
| Game or arrangement | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Four-ball match play | Two teams of two play their own balls, with the lower score on each hole counting and a WHS-recommended 90% allowance for the match-play side. |
| Four-ball stroke play | Two teams of two each play their own ball, with the lower score for each side counting and an 85% recommended allowance. |
| Foursomes match play | Two teams of two alternate shots with one ball per side, using 50% of each side's combined handicap as the recommended allowance. |
| Four-player scramble | All four contribute shots and the team selects the best position each time; the recommended allowance is 25% low, 20%, 15% and 10% high handicap. |
| Individual Stableford | Four players compete separately for points against the Committee's fixed target score, with a 95% recommended individual allowance. |
| Two singles matches | Split the four players into two head-to-head matches and apply the 100% individual match-play recommendation, with each match comparing handicaps relatively. |
Worked example
Illustrative four-player scramble: Alex, Ben, Chris and Dana have Course Handicaps of 8, 14, 20 and 30. Applying the recommended 25%/20%/15%/10% order gives 2.0 + 2.8 + 3.0 + 3.0 = 10.8, which rounds to an 11-shot team Playing Handicap; if the team shoots 82 gross, its illustrative net score is 71. This is an example for explanation, not real player data, and the Committee should state its rounding and format terms.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping Appendix C; Rules of Golf 2023 Rules 21, 22 and 23
Sources: www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What is the fairest handicap game for four golfers?
Four-ball match play is a practical default: two teams of two play separate balls, and the WHS-recommended allowance is 90% for that match-play format. The Committee must still publish the allowance and any local terms before play.
Can four players play a handicap scramble?
Yes. The USGA Appendix C recommendation for a four-player scramble is 25% of the lowest Course Handicap, then 20%, 15% and 10% of the next three in ascending order. The team handicap is deducted from the team's gross score, subject to the competition's stated terms.
How do handicaps work in foursomes for four players?
Make two sides of two. Each side uses one ball and partners alternate strokes; the recommended foursomes allowance is 50% of the combined team handicap, then in match play the lower side Playing Handicap is normally set to zero and the difference is given to the other side.
Is Stableford a team game for four players?
Not necessarily. Ordinary Stableford is an individual form of stroke play in which points are awarded against a fixed target score; four players can compete in one group as four individual entries. A team version needs its own stated competition terms and should not be assumed from ordinary Stableford.
Are these handicap percentages compulsory?
No. WHS Appendix C describes recommended allowances, and the Committee or authorised national, regional or club body sets the allowance for an organised competition. Put the selected percentage, calculation basis and rounding in the Terms of the Competition.
How should a four-player group split for singles match play?
Run two separate one-versus-one matches, rather than describing four players as one four-ball side. For each match, the lower Playing Handicap normally plays from zero and the opponent receives the difference, using the 100% individual match-play recommendation.