United Nations Golf Club

Fourball (Best Ball) Rules

1. Teams and Partners

   • Players are grouped in teams of two. Each team competes against other two-player teams.

2. Play Your Own Ball

   • Each player hits and plays their own ball throughout the hole, from tee to green.

3. Scoring the Team’s “Best Ball”

   • On each hole, the lower score between the two partners is the team’s score for that hole.

   • Example: If Partner A scores a 5 and Partner B scores a 4 on a hole, the team’s score is 4.

4. Match Play or Stroke Play

   • Match Play: Each hole is won by the team with the lower combined (best) score. The match is typically decided by the number of holes won.

   • Stroke Play: The combined team score for each hole is tallied for the entire round; the team with the lowest total “best ball” score wins.

5. Handicaps (If Applicable)

   • Handicaps may be applied based on local or club guidelines.

   • Often, each player’s handicap is adjusted for specific holes (stroke index). The gross scores are tracked, and net scores are calculated afterward based on each player’s handicap allowances.

6. Penalties

   • Standard golf rules and penalties apply individually to each player’s ball.

   • If one partner incurs a penalty, it does not necessarily affect the partner’s ball (unless a local or special rule states otherwise).

7. Pace of Play

   • Even though each player hits their own shots, maintain an efficient pace by being ready to play when it’s your turn.

   • Mark balls and move promptly between shots to keep the round enjoyable for everyone.

8. Teamwork Tips

   • While each player is responsible for their own ball, good communication and support can help you minimize mistakes.

   • Partners may offer advice to one another as permitted by the Rules of Golf.