Best Ball Golf Rules

Jason Kane

Jason Kane

Jason Kane is a lifelong golf enthusiast who has turned his passion into a lifestyle. He spends his days traveling to golf courses around the world, honing his skills and experiencing new challenges. When he's not on the links, he's writing about his adventures on his popular blog, Golf Article.

About Me

Table of Contents


As a passionate golfer, I’m always looking for the best ball golf rules to take my game to the next level. According to ‘Golf Digest’:

‘Best ball golf is a strategic approach that combines the skills of an entire team, emphasizing safety, while rewarding excellence. It involves carefully selected tee shots, a scoring system that awards points for excellence, and a well-thought-out playing order.’

I’m excited to explore the rules and strategies of best ball golf and see the heights it can take my game to!

Team Formation

I have found that when selecting a team for best ball golf, it’s important to consider both skill level and compatibility with my playing style. I’ve experienced firsthand how crucial team selection is for achieving a harmonious and effective gameplay.

As a result, I always take into account the handicaps of everyone I’m considering for the team. By carefully assessing the abilities of potential teammates and factoring in their handicaps, I can create a balanced team that maximizes our chances of success while prioritizing safety on the course.

I’ve seen firsthand how this strategy can lead to a fair and competitive match.

Scoring System

As a golfer who’s experienced different scoring systems in best ball golf, I understand how important it’s to understand how they work.

I’ve used both stroke play and match play, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. With stroke play, the total number of strokes is counted and with match play, each hole is won, lost, or halved.

In my experience, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each system to ensure a fair and enjoyable game. For example, stroke play is great for tracking team performance accurately, but match play can be more exciting because of the competitive element.

Tee Shot Selection

My experience with best ball golf has taught me that tee shot selection is a key factor in achieving success. I always take into account the distance, wind conditions, and potential hazards when selecting a club.

I then focus on maintaining a smooth swing and hitting the ball with precision. This combination of factors has enabled me to hit safe and strategic tee shots.

In my opinion, this is an important part of playing successful golf. As golfing great Arnold Palmer once said, “The more I practice, the luckier I get.”

Playing Order

After carefully selecting my tee shot, my playing order in best ball golf is determined by my team’s strategy and my individual performance. To ensure fairness, we often use an alternate playing order for each hole.

This allows me to have an equal opportunity to contribute, and my handicap is taken into consideration for an even playing field. Following these guidelines ensures safety and a strategic approach to the game, making the game more enjoyable for everyone.

I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of using an alternate playing order, and I believe it helps to create a level playing field and an enjoyable experience for all.

Strategies for Success

I have found that my individual success in best ball golf is largely dependent on my ability to strategically place shots and select the right clubs.
I’ve personally experienced the effectiveness of this approach, as I’ve noticed a drastic improvement in my overall performance.
By carefully analyzing the course layout and taking into account potential obstacles and hazards, I’m able to plan and execute shots with greater accuracy and safety.
I also make sure to factor in the wind direction, which helps me to avoid risks and increase my chances of success.
With this calculated approach, I’ve been able to maximize my individual performance as well as our team’s success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Player Change Their Tee Shot Selection During the Course of a Round in Best Ball Golf?

Yes, a player can change their tee shot selection during a round of best ball golf. This strategic decision allows us to adapt our game plan and maximize our chances of success.

Is There a Limit to the Number of Players That Can Be on a Team in Best Ball Golf?

There isn’t a limit to the number of players on a team in best ball golf. You can have as many teammates as you want, which allows for diverse team compositions and strategies.

What Happens if One Player on a Team Does Not Finish a Hole in Best Ball Golf?

If I can’t finish a hole in best ball golf, it can impact our team score. However, there are options available. We can either have the remaining players finish the hole or take the highest score on that hole.

Are There Any Penalties for Hitting a Provisional Ball in Best Ball Golf?

When hitting a provisional ball in best ball golf, there are no penalties. It’s a strategic move to ensure the team’s safety. By changing tee shot selection, we increase our chances of success.

Can a Team Substitute a Player During a Round of Best Ball Golf if Someone Is Unable to Continue Playing?

Yes, a team can substitute a player during a round of best ball golf if someone is unable to continue playing. This allows the team to maintain their tee shot selection and continue the game.


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