Better ball · Stableford¶
What it is¶
Better ball is the friendliest pairs format in golf. Two partners each play their own ball all the way to the hole, and the side keeps the better of their two results on each hole — so one partner's disaster never sinks the side. This is the Stableford version: each partner scores points on every hole, the side keeps the higher of the two, and the highest total wins. It's the most popular pairs competition for exactly this reason — forgiving, sociable, and quick.
How scoring works¶
- Both partners play their own ball and record a gross score on every hole.
- Each partner scores Stableford points for the hole from their net result: 2 points for a net par, one more for each shot better, one fewer for each shot worse, never below zero (a net double bogey or worse scores nothing). Handicap strokes fall on the hardest holes by stroke index, and better ball is played off 85% of each partner's handicap by default.
- The side's score for the hole is the higher of the two partners' points.
- Add the side's points across the round; the highest total wins.
- Level sides are separated on countback — the better back nine, then the last six holes, then the last three, then the final hole.
Worked example¶
One side — Player A and Player B — over three holes, Stableford points shown:
| Hole | Par | Player A | Player B | Side (higher) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
The side scores 9 points. On the 2nd, Player B's blank (a net double bogey) was simply ignored — Player A's 3 points carried the hole.
When to use it¶
The default pairs comp for most clubs and societies. Because a wiped hole scores zero rather than wrecking the card, it keeps higher handicaps in the game and play moving. A group holds up to four players, so two pairs can play together. At home in a casual fourball or a league pairs round.
Variations¶
- Counting scores. By default the pair's better Stableford score counts each hole (better ball). A competition can instead count both balls; the handicap allowance tracks the choice per USGA Appendix C — better ball → 85%, both balls → 100%.
- Gross or net. Score the points off gross for a scratch result, or apply the handicap allowance (see Counting scores) and score off net.
- For the stroke version see Better ball · Stroke; for head-to-head see Better ball · Match play.
Last updated: 2026-05-07