Net best-ball team composition in golf

This paper proposes a simple method of forming two-player and four-player golf teams for the purposes of net best-ball tournaments in stroke play format. The proposal is based on the recognition that variability is an important consideration in team composition; highly variable players contribute greatly in a best-ball setting. A theoretical rationale is provided for the proposed team formation. In addition, simulation studies are carried out which compare the proposal against other common methods of team formation. In these studies, the proposed team composition leads to competitions that are more fair.