The Most Popular Golf Games to Play on the Course
Golf isn’t just about getting the ball in the hole with the fewest strokes; it’s also a fantastic opportunity for fun, camaraderie, and a bit of friendly competition. While traditional stroke play is the foundation of the sport, there are numerous other games and formats that can make your time on the course more engaging and enjoyable. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular golf games to play on the course, whether you’re looking to spice up your round or just have a bit of fun with friends.
1. Match Play
Match play is a classic format where players or teams compete to win individual holes rather than focusing on the total number of strokes. The player or team that wins the most holes wins the match. If you’re 3 up with 2 to play, you’ve won the match. This format emphasizes strategic play and can lead to thrilling finishes. It’s particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more dynamic, head-to-head challenge.
2. Stableford
In Stableford, golfers earn points based on the number of strokes it takes to complete each hole relative to par. Typically, you receive 0 points for a score of double par or more, 1 point for a bogey, 2 points for par, 3 points for a birdie, and 4 points for an eagle. This game encourages aggressive play since there's less penalty for a poor hole and more reward for good ones. It’s a great way to keep the game enjoyable, especially for players who might be struggling with their form.
3. Scramble
A scramble is a team format where each player hits a tee shot, and then the team selects the best shot and all players hit their next shots from that spot. This process continues until the ball is holed. Scrambles are fun because they let players of varying skill levels contribute and ensure that everyone is involved in the game. They’re perfect for social outings or charity events and often lead to some low scores and lots of laughs.
4. Best Ball
In a Best Ball (or Four-Ball) format, each player on a team plays their own ball throughout the round, and the best score among the team members on each hole is used for the team’s score. This format balances individual play with team strategy and allows players to rely on their teammates’ strengths while still showcasing their own skills. It’s ideal for a group of friends or mixed ability levels.
5. Stroke Play
Traditional stroke play involves counting the total number of strokes taken over the entire round. It’s the most common format for tournaments and is straightforward. While it might seem basic, the simplicity of stroke play provides a clear measure of performance and is a great way to gauge your improvement over time.
6. Wolf
Wolf is a fun, strategic game that can be played with three or four players. One player is designated the “Wolf” each hole and has the option to select one of the other players as their partner after all tee shots are hit or go alone and play by himself against the other players. The goal is to win the hole as a team or as the Wolf alone. If the Wolf chooses to play alone, they can earn double the points.
7. Skins
In Skins, each hole is worth a set amount of money or points, and the player who wins the hole outright claims the skin. If no one wins a hole outright, the skin carries over to the next hole, increasing its value. This format can lead to dramatic swings and high stakes, adding a layer of excitement to each hole. It’s a great way to keep all players engaged throughout the round.
8. Nassau
A combination of match play and stroke play, Nassau splits the round into three parts: the front nine, the back nine, and the overall 18 holes. Players can win each segment individually, which keeps interest high and provides multiple opportunities for victory.
‘Presses’ can be introduced which starts a new match from the point of the press. For example, if team A presses on hole 7, a new, additional match is created for 2 holes (until the end of the first 9-hole match). ‘Automatic presses’ can also be incorporated which means a team is forced to press if the match ever goes to 2 down.
9. Vegas
In this format, players' scores on each hole are used to create a combined team score by combining the digits. For example, a score of 4 and 5 is combined to form a score of 45. The twist is that when a birdie is made, your opponent’s numbers are reversed, so a 45 becomes a 54. After each hole the difference between the two team scores is subtracted to determine the number of points that the winning (lowest score) team gets.
10. 6-6-6
This format is similar in scoring to Best Ball or Nassau but instead of keeping the same teams for the entire round, the round is split up into 3, 6-hole matches with each player playing with a different partner for 6 holes. This allows all players a chance to play with each other and prevents matches that become lopsided.
11. 2-Up
This game starts with a traditional 2v2 best ball with teams picked randomly. If any team ever goes 2-up, the match ends and new teams are picked. It’s a fun way to switch up the teams throughout the round while preventing lopsided matches. To add a fun twist, double the bet when a player wins a hole with a birdie and/or every time the match goes from 1-up back to even. So even if you stay in the same match for the whole round, there will be plenty of action.
12. Bingo, Bango, Bongo
Bingo, Bango, Bongo is a fun and engaging golf game that rewards players for achieving specific accomplishments on each hole. The game assigns points for three different achievements: “Bingo” for being the first player to reach the green, “Bango” for being the closest to the pin once all players are on the green, and “Bongo” for holing out the ball. Players earn a point for each achievement they claim on a hole. For example, if you are the first to hit the green, you get a point for Bingo; if your ball is closest to the pin among those on the green, you get a point for Bango; and if you make the putt first, you get a point for Bongo. At the end of the round, the player with the most points wins. This format encourages various aspects of play and keeps the round competitive and fun for all skill levels.
13. Hi/Lo
Hi/Lo is a four-person game where players are split into two teams of two with two points available to win each hole. On each hole, the lowest score from each team is compared for one point and the highest score is compared for another point. In case of ties no points are awarded.
14. Fore! Cards
Ok we had to plug our own game. Fore! Cards is an on-course golf card game you can bring to your next round to spice things up. Cards are picked on each hole and determine how the hole will be played. Fore Cards incorporates a variety of popular golf formats and challenges with non-golf elements such as kicking and throwing the ball. Some cards can even be played against your opponents.
Fore! Cards is designed to be played as a foursome. Many of the Fore-Mat cards are played as 2 vs 2 so 4 players are optimal. Since ONE player will select cards on each hole, you will need to determine the order in which cards will be picked before starting the round.
Before each hole, one player will select both a green Fore-Mat and a blue Fore-Keeps card. The Fore-Keeps card is kept by the player and can be used anytime throughout the round.
If playing a 9 hole match, 5 Fore-Keeps cards can be dealt to each player before the round starts with the remaining cards picked on each hole!
The Fore-Mat card will determine how the current hole will be played for all players. It also determines the number of points that can be earned on the hole.
At the end of each hole, points are awarded to the winning player or players. At the end of the round, tally up the points for each player and the players with the most points wins!
Conclusion
Golf is a game rich with tradition, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix things up to keep it fresh and exciting. Whether you’re playing a serious round or just out for a bit of fun, these popular golf games can enhance your experience on the course. So gather your friends, choose a format that suits your group, and enjoy a memorable round of golf filled with friendly competition and lots of laughs.