12 Fun Golf Formats to Play with Friends

Golf outings with friends are all about creating memorable moments and enjoying some friendly competition. If you're looking to add a bit of flair to your next round, why not try some alternative golf formats? These twelve games are not only fun and engaging but also great for groups with different skill levels. Whether you’re aiming for strategy, skill, or just some good laughs, these formats will ensure everyone has a fantastic time on the course.

1. Scramble

Perfect for outings with diverse skill levels, Scramble ensures everyone gets a chance to contribute.

How to Play Scramble

All team members tee off, and the team selects the best shot. From there, everyone plays their next shot from the chosen spot. This format continues until the ball is in the hole. Teamwork and strategy make this popular format a hit for all skill levels. The scramble format allows for a relaxed, social atmosphere where everybody has a chance to contribute to the group's score. Scramble is perfect for outings where the group has a wide range of abilities, as it keeps the pace moving smoothly.

Scramble Scoring Example

• Four players (A, B, C, D) tee off.
• Player B’s drive is selected as the best shot.
• All four players hit their second shot from Player B’s position.
• Player C’s second shot is chosen, and the process continues until the ball is holed.
• The team records the total strokes taken to complete the hole.

2. Best Ball

Combine individual play with a team dynamic in this engaging format.

How to Play Best Ball

In a best ball format, each player in the group plays their own ball throughout the round. After each hole, the best score among the players is recorded as the team score. Best Ball is a fantastic format that blends individual play with a team element, allowing golfers to enjoy a competitive day on the course. This format keeps everyone engaged and adds an exciting team dynamic to the game.

Best Ball Scoring Example

• Teams: Four players form two teams: Team 1 (Players A and B) and Team 2 (Players C and D).
• Hole 1:
  • Player A scores a 5, Player B scores a 4 for Team 1.
  • Player C scores a 6, Player D scores a 3 for Team 2.
  • Team 1 uses Player B's score of 4, Team 2 uses Player D's score of 3, so Team 2 wins the hole.
• Hole 2:
  • Player A scores a 4, Player B scores a 5 for Team 1.
  • Player C scores a 5, Player D scores a 4 for Team 2.
  • Both teams use the score of 4, so the hole is tied.

This format continues throughout the round, with each team using the best individual score from their players for each hole. This format is great for both match play (as in the example above) and stroke play.

3. Alternate Shot (Foursomes)

Experience the ultimate test of teamwork with this Ryder Cup staple.

How to Play Alternate Shot

One player tees off on odd-numbered holes, and the other tees off on even-numbered holes. The players alternate shots until the ball is holed. Alternate Shot, a beloved format in the Ryder Cup, highlights the essence of team golf. Ideal for pairs who thrive on cooperation and communication, Alternate Shot brings a unique and competitive edge to any round of golf.

Alternate Shot Scoring Example

• Teams: Four players form two teams: Team 1 (Players A and B) and Team 2 (Players C and D).
• Hole 1:
  • Player A tees off for Team 1, and Player B hits the second shot.
  • Player C tees off for Team 2, and Player D hits the second shot.
  • Both teams continue to alternate shots until the ball is holed.
  • Team 1 completes the hole in 4 strokes, while Team 2 completes it in 5 strokes.
  • Result: Team 1 wins the hole.
• Hole 2:
  • Player B tees off for Team 1, and Player A hits the second shot.
  • Player D tees off for Team 2, and Player C hits the second shot.
  • Both teams continue to alternate shots until the ball is holed.
  • Both teams complete the hole in 4 strokes.
  • Result: The hole is tied.

This format continues throughout the round, with each team alternating shots and the player who tees off rotating each hole. The team with the most holes won at the end of the round wins the match.

4. Snake

Snake keeps everyone on their toes, aiming to avoid the dreaded three-putt.

How to Play Snake

At the start of the round, all players agree on a penalty for the player who ends up with the 'snake' at the end. The first player to three-putt (or worse), receives the 'snake'. The 'snake' is passed to any other player who three-putts during the round. Snake can be played alongside most other formats, and is perfect for adding a bit of friendly pressure and excitement to the round.

Snake Scoring Example

• Player A three-putts on hole 3 and gets the ‘snake’.
• Player B three-putts on hole 7, and the ‘snake’ is passed to them.
• Player B holds the ‘snake’ until someone else three-putts or the round ends.
• The player with the ‘snake’ at the end faces the penalty.

5. Dots (Garbage)

Earn points for various achievements throughout the round.

How to Play Dots

Dots, also known as garbage, involves earning points for various predetermined accomplishments on each hole, such as hitting the fairway, making a sand save, or sinking a long putt. Dots is very open-ended, and groups can create their own criteria for what actions can earn points.

Dots Scoring Example

• Players agree on the points system before starting (e.g., 1 point for hitting the fairway, 2 points for a birdie).
• Player A hits the fairway (1 point) and makes a birdie (2 points) on hole 1.
• Player B also hits the fairway (1 point) and makes par (0 points).
• The points are tallied at the end of the round to determine the winner.

6. Bingo Bango Bongo

A points game rewarding three different achievements on each hole.

How to Play Bingo Bango Bongo

Bingo Bango Bongo is a point-based game that awards points for three achievements on each hole: being the first on the green (Bingo), being closest to the pin once everyone is on the green (Bango), and being the first to hole out (Bongo). The player with the most points at the end of the round wins. This format adds a fun twist to your round, ensuring everyone has multiple chances to score and stay involved.

Bingo Bango Bongo Scoring Example

• Player A is the first on the green on hole 1 (1 Bingo point).
• Player B is closest to the pin once everyone is on the green (1 Bango point).
• Player C is the first to hole out (1 Bongo point).
• Points are accumulated over the round, and the player with the most points wins.

7. Nassau

Perfect for adding stakes to each segment of your round, Nassau is an extremely popular format.

How to Play Nassau

Nassau divides the round into three matches: the front nine, the back nine, and the overall 18 holes. Bets can be placed on each segment, adding excitement and competition throughout the round. Players compete for the best score in each segment, making Nassau perfect for keeping the competition fresh and engaging from start to finish.

Nassau Scoring Example

• Players agree on the bet amounts for the front nine, back nine, and overall 18 holes.
• Player A wins the front nine with a lower score and collects the bet.
• Player B wins the back nine and collects the bet.
• Player C has the best overall score and wins the total bet for the 18 holes.

8. Stableford

Accumulate points for good play and compete for the highest score in this dynamic format.

How to Play Stableford

Stableford is a points-based scoring system that rewards players for achieving specific scores relative to par on each hole. The goal is to accumulate the most points. Stableford’s unique scoring keeps the game exciting, encouraging aggressive play and rewarding excellence.

Stableford Scoring Example

• Player A scores a birdie on hole 1 (3 points).
• Player B scores a par (2 point).
• Player C scores a bogey (1 points).
• The player with the most points at the end of the round wins.

9. Chapman (Pinehurst)

A strategic team game that combines elements of alternate shot and scramble.

How to Play Chapman

In Chapman (also known as Pinehurst), both players on a team hit their tee shots, then switch balls for their second shots. After both second shots, the team selects the better ball and plays alternate shots from there until the ball is holed. This format combines the strategy of alternate shot with the flexibility of a scramble, making it a challenging and enjoyable game for pairs who like to collaborate. The team with the lowest total score at the end of the round wins.

Chapman (Pinehurst) Scoring Example

• On hole 1:
  • Player A and Player B both hit tee shots.
  • Player A hits Player B’s ball for the second shot, and Player B hits Player A’s ball.
  • The team decides that Player A’s second shot is better.
  • From Player A’s ball, the team plays alternate shots until the ball is holed.
  • The team records their score for the hole.

10. Sixes (Round Robin)

Switch partners every six holes to keep the competition fresh and have the opportunity to team up with everybody in your group.

How to Play Sixes

Sixes, also known as Round Robin, is a team-based game where partners change every six holes. In a typical foursome, each player will partner with every other player at least once during the round. This format keeps the game engaging and fosters camaraderie, as players get to experience different team dynamics. The team with the best score for each six-hole segment wins that segment, and the individual that wins the most segments is declared the overall winner. The Sixes format can be combined with other formats such as Scramble and Best Ball.

Sixes Scoring Example

• Holes 1-6: Players A and B play against Players C and D
• Holes 7-12: Players A and C play against Players B and D
• Holes 13-18: Players A and D play against Players B and C
• Scores are tallied for each six-hole segment, and the team with the best score wins that segment.

11. Vegas

High stakes and big swings in score make this team game exciting.

How to Play Vegas

Vegas, typically played in a 2v2 format, is a thrilling team game where pairs combine their scores on each hole to form a double-digit number, with the lower score placed first. This unique scoring system can lead to dramatic shifts in the lead, keeping the competition intense. For example, if one player scores a 4 and their partner scores a 5, the team’s score for that hole is 45. The team with the lowest combined score at the end of the round wins.

Vegas Scoring Example

• Hole 1: Player A scores 4, Player B scores 5. Their team score is 45.
• Hole 2: Player A scores 3, Player B scores 6. Their team score is 36.
• The team with the lowest combined score at the end of the round wins.

12. Skins

A classic betting game that can lead to dramatic finishes and big payouts.

How to Play Skins

Skins is a classic betting game where each hole is worth a certain amount of money or points, known as a 'skin.' The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the skin. If two or more players tie, the skin carries over to the next hole, increasing its value. Skins keeps every hole competitive, with each one worth a valuable 'skin,' and can lead to suspenseful and exciting finishes.

Skins Scoring Example

• Hole 1: Player A scores 4, Player B scores 5, Player C scores 4. No skin is won, and the value carries over.
• Hole 2: Player A scores 3, Player B scores 4, Player C scores 5. Player A wins two skins (one for hole 1 and one for hole 2).
• The player with the most skins at the end of the round wins.

Adding variety to your golf game can make every round feel fresh and exciting. With these twelve fun formats, you can challenge your friends, test your skills, and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way. Next time you hit the course, try one of these games and see how it transforms your golfing experience.