Better ball · Stroke¶
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 simply keeps the better of their two scores on each hole. A blow-up by one partner costs nothing as long as the other holds it together, so it's relaxed, sociable, and forgiving — ideal when partners are of different standards. This is the stroke-play version: the side's better net on each hole adds up, and the lowest total wins.
How scoring works¶
- Both partners play their own ball and record a gross score on every hole.
- Each partner's net is their gross adjusted for the handicap strokes they receive, which fall on the hardest holes by stroke index. Better ball is played off 85% of each partner's handicap by default.
- The side's score for the hole is the lower of the two partners' net scores.
- Add the side's hole scores across the round; the lowest 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, net scores shown:
| Hole | Par | Player A | Player B | Side (lower) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 3 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 12 |
The side scores 12 for the three holes. Player A's 6 on the 3rd never hurt the card — Player B's 5 counted instead, exactly what better ball is for.
When to use it¶
A pairs event of any standard, and especially when the two partners' handicaps differ — the weaker player can have an off hole without sinking the side. A group holds up to four players, so two pairs can play and score alongside each other. Equally suited to a casual fourball or a league pairs round.
Variations¶
- Counting scores. By default the pair's lower net 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. Keep the lower gross of the pair for a scratch result, or apply the handicap allowance (see Counting scores) and keep the lower net.
- For the points-based version see Better ball · Stableford; for head-to-head see Better ball · Match play.
Last updated: 2026-05-07