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What is Best Ball Golf vs. Scramble?
By Nick Heyrman
Published on
Not everyone knows just what exactly a scramble or best ball golf format entails. We've put together a simple explanation as you decide which format you'd like to participate in. For the purpose of this article, both formats will be described with two-person teams.
Two-Person Best Ball
Best ball (also known as four-ball in the Ryder Cup) involves 2-person teams where each player on the team plays his or her own golf ball throughout the round.
After each hole the player with the lowest score on the hole (or “best ball”) out of the 2-person team serves as the team's score. The higher scoring player's score is thrown out for that particular hole.
For instance, if Player A records a 5 and Player B records a 6, the team would record a 5 as their best-ball score for the hole. Both players should record their individual score for each hole, and have a separate line on the scorecard for their best-ball score.
Best-ball format allows players to play their own game (since players keep track of their own scores), while also allowing them to take advantage of their partner playing especially well on holes. Scores tend to be a bit higher in best ball than in a scramble, simply because each player has to play their own shots. If you hit a bad drive, you have to play it out (and hope your partner is doing better). That doesn't mean there's not super low scores in a best ball though.
Two-Person Scramble
A scramble format involves 2-person teams where each player on the team hits a tee shot, and then the players decide which shot they like better. The two players then play from that spot. The person who's shot was not taken picks up their ball and moves it to within one club length of the selected spot. Once the spot is selected, both players then play a shot from that spot, and again pick which one they like better. This continues until the hole is finished.
A couple important rules to note:
- Players are allowed to place their ball within one club length of the selected spot (no closer to the hole).
- Players cannot change which cut of grass their ball is in (i.e. you cannot place your ball in the fairway if your marker is in the rough).
This format is more suited for beginners, as a bad driver can simply choose to play their partner's drive. Differing skill sets work best in a scramble, and also allows for more risk-taking. If you partner hits a short drive right down the middle, you can afford to take a risk and swing away. Worst-case you just play your partner's ball in the fairway. Best-case you hit a longer drive and are in a more advantageous position.
Best Ball vs. Scramble Golf: Comparison Table
Feature | Best Ball (Four-Ball) | Scramble |
|---|---|---|
How It's Played | Each player plays their own ball from tee to green for the entire hole. | All players tee off; the team chooses the best shot and everyone plays from that spot. |
Team Score | The lowest individual score among team members is recorded for the hole. | One collective team score is recorded based on the final ball in the hole. |
Individual Stats | Every player maintains an individual score/handicap throughout the round. | No individual score is kept; players do not finish their own "round." |
Skill Level | Best for mid-to-low handicappers who want to play their own game. | Best for beginners or charity events; reduces pressure on players. |
Pace of Play | Generally slower (everyone finishes the hole). | Faster (only the best shots are played; poor shots are abandoned). |
Strategy | Aggressive play is encouraged if a partner is already "safe" on the hole. | Collaborative; team chooses the shot that offers the best angle or distance. |
#Beginner
