Introduction to the Different Formats of Golf (2024)

There are many different formats in which the game of golf can be played. These formats determine how the score is kept and how the winner is determined. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most common formats of golf, including stroke play, match play, and four-ball.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each of these formats, including their rules and examples of tournaments in which they are used.

Stroke Play

Stroke play is a format of golf in which the winner is determined by the lowest total number of strokes taken over the course of the game. In stroke play, each player plays their own ball and keeps track of their own score. At the end of the round, the scores are compared, and the player with the lowest score is declared the winner.

There are a few rules that are specific to stroke play. For example, players are not allowed to intentionally improve the position of their ball or remove obstructions from their line of play. They are also not allowed to ask for advice from their opponents or caddies, and they must play the course as it is laid out, with no shortcuts.

Some examples of tournaments that use stroke play include the PGA Tour, the European Tour, and the Masters Tournament. In these events, players compete over multiple rounds to try to achieve the lowest overall score.

Match Play

In match play, two players compete against each other in individual matches rather than trying to achieve the lowest overall score. The winner of each hole is determined by the player who has the lowest score on that hole, and the overall winner is determined by the number of holes won. If a player is leading by more holes than there are left to play, the match is considered to be over and the leading player is declared the winner.

There are a few rules that are specific to match play. For example, players are allowed to concede a hole to their opponent if they believe they cannot win that hole. They are also allowed to pick up their ball and end their round if they are so far behind that they cannot catch up.

Some examples of tournaments that use match play include the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup. In these events, players are divided into teams and compete in a series of match play matches against players from the other team.

Four-Ball

Four-ball is a format in which two players team up and play against two other players. The lowest score between the two teammates is used as the team score on each hole. The team with the lowest combined score on each hole wins that hole, and the overall winner is determined by the number of holes won.

There are a few rules that are specific to four-ball. For example, players are allowed to play their own ball or choose to use their teammate’s ball if it is in a better position. They are also allowed to give each other advice and help with club selection.

Some examples of tournaments that use four-ball include the World Cup of Golf and the Four-Ball Championship. In these events, teams of two players compete against each other in a series of four-ball matches.

Best Ball

Best ball is a golf format in which each player on a team plays their own ball, and the lowest score on each hole is used as the team score. This format is similar to four-ball, but each player plays their own ball rather than choosing to use their teammate’s ball.

In best ball, all players on the team tee off, and then the team selects the best shot. All players then play their next shots from that spot, and the process repeats until the hole is finished. The team with the lowest combined score on each hole wins that hole.

Best ball is a fun format to play because it allows players to compete individually while still being part of a team. It is also a good way to learn from your teammates and see how they approach different shots.

Scramble

Scramble is a golf format in which all players on a team tee off, and then the team chooses the best shot. All players then play their next shots from that spot, and the process repeats until the hole is finished. The team with the lowest combined score on each hole wins that hole.

It’s a fun format to play because it allows players to work together as a team and strategize about which shot is the best to use. It is also a good format for players of different skill levels because it allows for more leniency in terms of shot selection.

One thing to keep in mind when playing scramble is that players should communicate with each other and work together to select the best shot. It is also important to stay organized and keep track of whose turn it is to hit the next shot.

Scramble can be a fun and enjoyable way to play golf with a group of friends or colleagues, and it is a good way to mix things up if you are looking for something different to try on the course.

Alternate Shot

Alternate shot is a golf format in which two players team up and take turns hitting shots. One player hits the tee shot, and then the other player hits the second shot, and so on until the hole is finished. The team with the lowest combined score on each hole wins that hole.

It’s a challenging format to play because it requires players to work together and communicate well. It is also a good format for players of different skill levels because each player only hits half of the shots on each hole.

One thing to keep in mind when playing alternate shot is that players should choose their shots carefully and consider the strengths and weaknesses of their partner. It is also important to stay organized and keep track of whose turn it is to hit the next shot.

Alternate shot can be a fun and exciting way to play golf with a partner, and it is a good way to mix things up if you are looking for something different to try on the course. It is also a popular format for team golf tournaments.

Skins

Skins is a golf format that is played for money or other stakes. In skins, each hole has a set value, and the player who scores the lowest on that hole wins the value of the hole. If there is a tie on a hole, the value of that hole is carried over to the next hole until there is a winner.

It’s a fun and exciting format to play because it adds an element of competition and allows players to win money or other prizes on each hole. It is also a good format for players of different skill levels because it allows for more leniency in terms of shot selection.

One thing to keep in mind when playing skins is that players should pay attention to the value of each hole and try to make their best shots on the holes with higher values. It is also important to stay organized and keep track of the scores and values on each hole.

Skins can be a fun and enjoyable way to play golf with a group of friends or colleagues, and it is a good way to mix things up if you are looking for something different to try on the course. Just be sure to agree on the stakes and rules beforehand to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Other Golf Formats

In addition to the formats listed above, there are several other golf formats that are worth mentioning. These formats are not as common as the ones we have already covered, but they can be fun to play and can add variety to your golf games. Some of these formats include:

Stableford

In this format, players earn points based on their score on each hole, with higher scores earning more points. The player with the most points at the end of the round is the winner.

Bogey

In this format, players try to match or beat the “bogey” score on each hole, which is a predetermined score that is usually one stroke above par. Players earn a point for each hole they win, and the player with the most points at the end of the round is the winner.

Chapman

This format is similar to alternate shot, but each player hits two shots on each hole. The team then chooses which of the four shots to use, and the players alternate hitting shots from that spot until the hole is finished.

Greensomes

This format is similar to scramble, but each player hits a tee shot, and then the team chooses which shot to use. The players then alternate hitting shots from that spot until the hole is finished.

Modified Stableford

In this format, players earn points based on their score on each hole, with higher scores earning more points. However, there are different point values assigned to each score, and players can earn negative points for certain scores. The player with the most points at the end of the round is the winner.

Aggregate

In this format, players play multiple rounds and the total score for all rounds is used to determine the winner.

Las Vegas

In this format, players earn points based on their score on each hole, with higher scores earning more points. However, the points are doubled on the last three holes, which are known as the “Vegas holes.” The player with the most points at the end of the round is the winner.

Nassau

This format consists of three separate competitions within one round of golf: the front nine, the back nine, and the overall score. The player with the lowest score on each of the three sections wins a prize.

Pinehurst

In this format, players play multiple rounds and the total score for all rounds is used to determine the winner. However, the scores on the odd-numbered holes are combined separately from the scores on the even-numbered holes. The player with the lowest combined score on the odd-numbered holes and the player with the lowest combined score on the even-numbered holes both win prizes.

Peoria

This format is similar to the Pinehurst format, but the scores on the odd-numbered holes are combined separately from the scores on the even-numbered holes, and the player with the lowest combined score on each set of holes wins a prize. Additionally, the player with the lowest overall score wins a prize.

Chicago

In this format, players earn points based on their score on each hole, with higher scores earning more points. The player with the most points at the end of the round is the winner, but the player with the lowest score on the final hole (the “Chicago hole”) also wins a prize.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have introduced you to some of the different formats of golf, including stroke play, match play, and four-ball. We have also mentioned a few other formats that are less common but can be fun to try. No matter which format you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game.