Stroke play is the most common way to play golf, and while this classic format can be engaging and challenging, there are many different ways to play golf. Trying out these formats and games enables you to expand and diversify your golf experience while having fun with others.
Doubling up with a partner — or playing against one — brings a fun new challenge to golf.
When playing alternate shot in golf, two players partner together and hit the same ball. One player tees off, and the next player hits the ball from wherever it landed. The players continue switching until the ball gets in the cup. You can also modify the game so both partners hit a drive and select the best shot. The players will then alternate shots for the rest of the round.
Alternate shot is ideal for groups of four, where twosomes play against each other. This format can help you develop skills such as communication, patience and strategizing as you work with your partner to get your ball to the hole.
In best ball, golfers play in teams of two, three or four. Each team member plays their own ball throughout the round. At the end of each hole, the team member with the best score accounts for the team score. With a game of best ball, you can enjoy healthy competition while keeping the pressure low for new players.
Scramble is similar, except instead of each team member playing their own ball, the group works together a little more. Each golfer tees off, and everyone decides which shot is best. All team members then hit from that location and pick the best shot again, repeating the process until they reach the hole.
Worst ball in golf is played one-on-one or independently. You will start by hitting two balls before deciding which was the worst shot and again hitting two balls from there. You’ll continue playing from the worst shot again and again until you make it to the hole. If you are playing against someone, they will pick the worst of your two shots, and you will pick theirs.
Worst ball motivates you to work on overcoming adversity, making your game more consistent and increasing your problem-solving ability. It gives you experience that can help you get out of tough situations quickly when in the middle of a competition or tournament. Worst ball can be challenging, especially because the worst ball may not always be the farthest away from the pin but the one you are most uncomfortable with. It is best to play worst ball when there aren’t people waiting behind you since it can take some time to work through suboptimal shots.
Match play is another popular format — it is even used in some professional golf tournaments, such as the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup. With match play, the golfer with the lowest score on a hole wins the hole. Scoring is counted by how many holes you win, so the player who wins the most holes wins the game. Match play can be played with two, three or four golfers.
If you would like to stick to a more traditional golf format but still want to spice up the round a bit, you can add a new layer of excitement or challenge with one of these golf games. Playing a game on top of the round can also be a great way for golfers with higher handicaps to work on their skills while having fun. Many of these games can be played for points or dollar amounts.
In a game of skins, each hole is worth one “skin” — usually, a certain sum of money. The golfer with the lowest score on a hole wins the amount. If two golfers tie, the pot carries over to the next hole, increasing the stakes. Skins can be played in groups of two or three, but it is the most enjoyable with four players.
Bingo bango bongo is a game of firsts that can be played in twosomes, threesomes or foursomes. Points are allotted as follows:
Wolf is typically played with four golfers. Three players will tee off. The fourth player, called the wolf, will decide if they want to partner with another golfer. If the wolf decides not to partner with any of the three golfers, they will continue as a lone wolf who will use their own ball to beat the other three players.
The wolf can also choose to be a blind wolf and declare before anyone tees off that they will be a lone wolf. Golfers will rotate tee-off order so everyone has the chance to be the wolf. You can distribute points or dollar amounts however you see fit for your group. A suggestion for a foursome could be:
Nassau is a well-known golf betting game. You can place points or dollar amounts on three matches — the front nine, the back nine and the overall 18 holes. The player with the lowest score for each match wins the pool. For example, each player may bet as low as $5 on each match. In this case, if you win all three matches against three players, you win $45. If you lose all three, however, you would only lose $15. Of course, you can bet more if you’d like.
A few other ways to make golf exciting include:
There are many ways to enjoy golf. Each format and game has distinct benefits and challenges to suit a range of skill levels and preferences. When you visit Colonial Golf & Tennis Club, you can test out some of these formats on our beautiful and historic golf course. Explore membership options today!