Playing The Game

The common golf game formats

There are numerous golf game formats that add variety and excitement to rounds of golf, catering to players of all skill levels and preferences.

Here are the most common golf game formats:

Stroke Play: In stroke play, each player counts the total number of strokes taken to complete the entire round. The player with the lowest total score wins. Stroke play is the most common form of competition in golf.

Match Play: In match play, each hole is a separate contest, and the player (or team) with the lowest score on each hole wins that hole. The player (or team) that wins the most holes during the round wins the match. Match play is often used in head-to-head competitions or team events.

Scramble: In a scramble, players form teams and each player hits a tee shot. The team then chooses the best tee shot and all players hit their next shots from that location. This process continues until the ball is holed. Scramble is a fun and low-pressure game that encourages teamwork and is popular for friendly competitions and charity events.

Best Ball: Best ball, also known as four-ball, is similar to scramble but is played individually rather than in teams. Each player plays their own ball throughout the round, and the lowest score among the team members on each hole is recorded as the team score. Best ball allows players to focus on their own game while still enjoying the camaraderie of playing with others.