4BBB Handicap
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4BBB (four-ball better ball) is the most popular team matchplay format in club golf. Under the WHS, each player receives 85% of their Course Handicap as their Playing Handicap. Here's how to calculate it correctly.
What is 4BBB?
4BBB (four-ball better ball) is a matchplay format where two pairs compete. Each player plays their own ball throughout the round. On each hole, the lower net score from each pair counts — that score is compared hole-by-hole against the other pair's best score. The pair that wins the most holes wins the match.
The WHS formula
Course Handicap = HI × (Slope ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par)
Playing Handicap = Course Handicap × 0.85, rounded
Shots received = player's PH − lowest PH in the match (or 0 if lowest)
Use each player's Handicap Index with the Slope Rating, Course Rating, and Par for the tees being played.
Multiply by 0.85 and round to the nearest whole number. This gives each player their Playing Handicap for the 4BBB match. The 15% reduction reflects the benefit of having a partner cover for bad holes.
The player with the lowest PH plays off scratch (zero shots). All other players receive the difference between their Playing Handicap and the lowest.
Each player's shots fall on the holes with the lowest Stroke Index numbers on their card. On each hole, each player subtracts any shots they receive from their gross score to get their net score. The lower net score from each pair counts for that hole.
Worked example
| Player | HI | Course HCP | × 85% | Playing HCP | Shots received |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A (Team 1) | 5.0 | 6 | 5.1 | 5 | 0 (baseline) |
| B (Team 1) | 14.2 | 16 | 13.6 | 14 | 9 shots |
| C (Team 2) | 9.8 | 11 | 9.35 | 9 | 4 shots |
| D (Team 2) | 20.5 | 23 | 19.55 | 20 | 15 shots |
Why 85% and not 100%?
In singles matchplay, both players use 100% of their Course Handicap because there's no benefit of a partner. In four-ball, having a partner means bad holes are covered — your partner may win the hole even when you can't. The 15% reduction reflects this structural advantage.
Without the reduction, higher-handicappers in four-ball would receive significantly more shots than they need to stay competitive, because their partner acts as insurance on bad holes.
Common questions
What does 4BBB stand for?
4BBB stands for Four-Ball Better Ball. "Four-ball" means all four players play their own ball on every hole (as opposed to foursomes where partners share one ball). "Better ball" means only the lower score from each pair counts on each hole. It's sometimes also called "better ball matchplay" or simply "four-ball."
Is 4BBB the same as four-ball in the Ryder Cup?
Yes — the Ryder Cup morning sessions alternate between foursomes and four-ball. The four-ball format in the Ryder Cup is exactly 4BBB: two players per team, each playing their own ball, best score on each hole counts. In the Ryder Cup there are no handicaps (professionals play scratch), but club 4BBB uses the 85% Playing Handicap method.
Can a player with a better handicap than the baseline pick up on a hole?
Yes — if both players in a pair have already lost the hole, either player can pick up without affecting the match result. Only the lower net score from each pair matters per hole, so if one player is already out of contention, they can pick up to keep pace of play. The partner's score still counts for the hole.
What's the difference between 4BBB and a Texas Scramble?
In 4BBB, each player plays their own ball from their own position throughout the hole — you don't combine shots with your partner. In a Texas Scramble, the team plays from the best position after every shot. 4BBB is a true matchplay format scored hole by hole; scramble is typically a stroke play format scored against the team's gross total.
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