best-ball match: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. In a best-ball (or fourball), each player plays their own ball from tee to hole. In a scramble, all players hit, then choose the best shot, and all play from that spot for the next shot.

No, by definition it is a team format. You must have at least two players forming a team, though teams can be of two, three, or four players.

In practice, they are often used synonymously. However, 'fourball' is the official term in the Rules of Golf for a match between two teams of two players, each playing their own ball. 'Best-ball' is a more general descriptive term for the scoring format, which can apply to teams of various sizes.

When used as a noun phrase ('a game of best ball'), it's often open. When used as a compound modifier before a noun ('a best-ball match', 'the best-ball format'), it is hyphenated. 'Bestball' as one word is non-standard.

A golf competition format where each player plays their own ball throughout, but only the best score among teammates on each hole counts for the team's total.

Best-ball match is usually specialist / sports in register.

Best-ball match: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbest ˈbɔːl ˌmætʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbest ˈbɔːl ˌmætʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.