Best ball golf rules
In golf, different types of formats are designed for golf tournaments. Best ball golf is one such interesting format of the game where two teams compete with each other in a match. Apart from the general rules of the best ball format, in particular, all other rules are the rules of golf. So, all the rules of golf are to be followed by the individual players but for the team as a whole, there are the rules of best ball. All categories of golfers like this format of golf but the best ball is most popular among senior golfers. As such, best for seniors are frequently arranged by the golf clubs and organizers across the country.
Significance of the term “best ball”
In a best-ball golf competition, the term “best ball” is used to refer to the score of a team. In a normal best ball golf match, 4 players make a team. Each team member gets their turn to play a hole. After a round of playing a hole, the team members compare their scores and register the least score no matter who did that. This is called “best ball”. While a golfer of a team gets their turn, they need to follow all rules of golf. One who holes the ball in a minimum number of strokes wins in a normal golf match. In best ball golf one who holes the ball in a minimum number of strokes makes the best ball on behalf of the team.
Scoring in a best ball golf tournament
Here again, the system is slightly different from a normal golf tournament. In the best ball tournament, a team wins based on the lowest team score whereas in a normal golf tournament a player wins by winning the most holes. It may happen that one team has won more holes but the opponent has used a lesser number of strokes to complete all holes during the match. In the best ball golf, the team who has used a lesser number of strokes to complete all the holes is the winner of the match. Suppose there are 18 holes in a match, team X wins 11 holes while team Y wins 7 holes; but the scorecard shows that team Y has used 45 strokes while team X has used 48 strokes throughout the match. In the best ball, team Y is the winner. Instead of team X and Y, if we consider player X and Y, then, in a golf tournament player X is the winner.
Sudden death in case of a tie
If it is a tie, a sudden-death playoff is arranged to get the winner. However, the tournament organizer may not keep sudden death in their rule. In that case, both teams are announced as the winner and both first and second prize are distributed between the teams.
Best ball golf strategy
Some mind games continue throughout a tournament of best ball even in the best for seniors. Each team tries to use its key players in the best possible way to establish their dominance over the game. Sometimes, the key player comes last. Teams generally keep two aggressive players in the team and two conservatives. The team strategy in a match depends on how the team wants to play and how they have performed so far.
