Best Ball vs. Worst Ball: Golf’s Top Team Formats

Date Published: 10/06/2025

Golf offers a fantastic array of formats beyond stroke play, and some of the most popular for group play are Best Ball and its less forgiving counterpart, Worst Ball.

Both games are excellent ways to foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and a lot of friendly competition. But what are they, and how do you play them effectively? Let’s dive into both!

What is Best Ball in Golf?

Best Ball golf (also known as “Fourball Best Ball” if playing in teams of two, or simply “Best Ball” for teams of three or four) is a team format where each player on a team plays their own ball throughout the hole.

However, only the best score among the team members on that hole counts as the team’s score. It’s a hugely popular game for its encouraging nature, as a bad hole from one player can often be saved by a great hole from a teammate.

How to Play Best Ball

1. Form Teams: Divide your group into teams of two, three, or four players. The most common is two teams of two (foursome divided into two pairs).
2. Play Your Own Ball: On each hole, every player in the group plays their own ball from tee to green.
3. Determine Team Score: After everyone has holed out, compare the scores of all players on the same team. The lowest score among your teammates becomes the team’s score for that hole.
   • Example: On a par 4, if Team A (Player X and Player Y) plays the hole, and Player X scores a 5 while Player Y scores a 4, their team score for that hole is 4.
4. Handicaps (Recommended): Use handicaps for a fairer game. Typically, handicaps are applied per player, and the net best score is used for the team.
5. Winning: At the end of the round, the team with the lowest cumulative score wins.

Why Play Best Ball? It’s forgiving, builds confidence, and fosters camaraderie. It keeps everyone engaged, as even if you have a disastrous hole, your teammate might save it.

What is Worst Ball in Golf?

If Best Ball is golf’s comforting hug, Worst Ball is its mischievous cousin. In this format, teams play each hole, but instead of taking the best score, they are forced to take the worst score from one of their teammates on each hole.

It’s a true test of consistency and can be incredibly frustrating, but also hilariously challenging.

How to Play Worst Ball

1. Form Teams: Like Best Ball, you’ll divide your group into teams (usually pairs or foursomes playing as two teams of two).
2. Play Your Own Ball: Each player plays their own ball on every shot.
3. Determine Team Score: After everyone has holed out, the highest score among your teammates becomes the team’s score for that hole.
   • Example: On a par 4, if Team A (Player X and Player Y) plays the hole, and Player X scores a 5 while Player Y scores a 4, their team score for that hole is 5.
4. Handicaps (Recommended): Handicaps are crucial in Worst Ball to level the playing field, as higher scores are penalized. Players typically use their full handicaps, and the net worst score is taken.
5. Winning: The team with the lowest cumulative score at the end of the round wins.

Why Play Worst Ball? It ruthlessly exposes inconsistencies and forces everyone to focus on minimizing mistakes. It’s a high-pressure, high-fun format that often leads to unforgettable (and sometimes painful) moments.

It’s a great choice for groups who enjoy a tougher challenge and a lot of laughs at each other’s expense.

Which Format is For You?

Both Best Ball and Worst Ball offer unique ways to enjoy your round. Best Ball is fantastic for more relaxed, confidence-building play, while Worst Ball is perfect for groups seeking a greater challenge and don’t mind a bit of good-natured frustration.

Either way, these team formats are guaranteed to add an exciting new dimension to your next golf game!