Written by: Darin Green, Senior Director of Rules & Competitions
Four-ball, commonly referred to as “best ball” or “better ball”, is one of the most common forms of play that is played. Four-ball is when two players are partners, they play their own ball during the round, and the lowest score between the of the two of them count on each hole. It is called "four-ball" because you normally play with another group of partners and there is four balls in play during each hole.
When playing this format, most penalties incurred by a player only are applied to the player that either took penalty relief or breached a rule; however, there a few breaches of the rules that both players earn the penalty. Below are the few times that both players earn the penalty.
Maximum Clubs: Since partners are allowed to share clubs, provided the total amount of clubs between the two of them are no more than 14, if one player breaches the 14 club rule, both players earn the penalty.
Breach Helps Partner: When a player breaches a rule that also helps their partner, both the player and their partner earn the penalty. For instance, Player A breaks a branch off a tree that improves their area of intended swing, and it also improves their partner’s line of play, both players receive the general penalty.
Rules Tip: A player playing a wrong ball never helps their opponent even if it was their partner’s ball. For instance, a player chips their partner’s ball towards the hole (wrong ball) and the partner gets to see how the ball rolls on the green, the partner is never penalized in this situation.
When Breach Hurts Opponent: When a player breaches a rule that hurts their opponent, their partner also receives the penalty. For instance, Player A worsens their opponents line of play, both Player A and their partner receive the penalty.
Besides the few situations listed above, all other penalties only apply to the specific player involved.
There are many situations when a disqualification penalty applies to the side (player and partner) and they are:
Rule 1.2 Standards of Player Conduct – misconduct
Rule 1.3 Playing by the Rules – basically cheating
Rule 4.1a Club Allowed In Making a Stroke – making a stroke with a non-conforming club
Rule 4.1c Procedure for Taking Club Out of Play – having too many clubs and not taking them out of play properly
Rule 4.2a Balls Allowed in Play of Round – using a nonconforming ball
Rule 4.3 Use of Equipment – using equipment that is not allowed (rangefinder measuring slope for example)
Rule 5.6a Unreasonable Delay – pace of play and delaying play
Rule 5.7b What Players Must Do When Committee Suspends Play – not stopping play when required to do so for example
Rule 6.2b Teeing Area Rules
Match Play Only – Rule 3.2c Applying Handicaps in Handicap Match
Stroke Play Only – Signing Incorrect Scorecard (lower than actual or no signature), Wrong Handicap (higher than actual), and Practicing on Course Before or Between Round
Pick a good partner because sometimes a partner breach will hurt the whole side.
