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Most of the time, I play golf how it was intended to be played, but now and then, there are circumstances where different types of golf games are offered for fun and challenge.
The five types of golf games listed below are my personal favorites. For seasoned golfers, this information is old hat, but for some newbies, this may be of some help.
I am writing this article as a short series explaining some popular types of golf games as I have experienced them. My next article is on the best golf betting games.
5 Top Favorite Types of Golf Games
1. Scramble
This is your typical go-to game when you have a group of assorted players. To begin, Scramble can be played as a two, three or four-man team.
The Scramble has many variations from Florida style, which is a step-a-side, Texas, Las Vegas, Shamble, etc. But in my opinion, the basic Scramble is the best.
The game is simple to follow: all team players tee off, and the best drive is chosen.
Players then hit from that spot (usually a golf club length, no farther from the chosen ball), then proceed in that pattern until the ball is putted out. One score is placed on the score card, and you move to the next hole.
It is a straightforward game; everyone contributes to get the lowest score possible ideally.
PROS
- High handicappers sometimes get to play better shots than they usually play.
- Scramble golf usually plays somewhat faster than your typical golf game.
- Team building and camaraderie
CONS
- You won’t get to play your own ball
- It doesn’t fully test individual skills, as one golfer can carry a team
2. Best Ball
This game is the most frequently played at my country club. It is easy, and scorekeeping is a breeze. The game can be varied by being a one, two, three or four best ball game. I would say the most common is the two best balls for a foursome.
The rules are simple: everyone plays their own ball throughout the hole. The team decides after each hole the two players which had the best balls (score); then those two scores are added together for the total.
This is repeated for 18 holes, and a final score is determined. This type of golf game can be played using gross or net scores from the players depending upon the game.
PROS
- Four people all have a chance at being the “best ball” player of the hole.
- With luck, not all four people will have a bad hole simultaneously.
CONS
- No individual score
- Everyone can have a bad hole at the same time.
3. Match Play
This is an exciting game played frequently in Club Championships and professional play. This is a direct two-person game using strategy to win.
Match play is a hole-by-hole game. You win the hole by having the lowest amount of strokes over your opponent and in most cases handicaps are applied. Each hole played is like beginning the game all over again.
Sounds confusing, well it’s not. Say for instance, Jane and Sue were playing match play. Both girls play the first hole and they tie, ok no blood is shed and they move to the next hole. The next hole, Sue wins the hole with a par, so Sue is now one up on the game. On the scorecard Sue is keeping, she writes a “+”, meaning she is one up on Jane in the match. Jane on her scorecard writes a “-“as she is down one on the match. (You can use different ways of keeping track of your score; this is just the way I have done it in the past.)
This format continues until one person wins more holes than the other. This may take the entire 18 holes or longer (playoff) or may end sooner if the opponent is shut out (the other person has won more holes and mathematically you run out of holes.)
If you have a blowup hole and lose the hole to your partner it doesn’t affect your entire game, just that one hole. Also, players can concede a hole or give putts to each other.
For instance, if Jane chipped her ball to an inch from the cup, Sue could give her the putt as no doubt Jane would make that putt easily. Or another example, if Jane played terribly on a hole and Sue was playing “lights out,” Jane could concede the hole to Sue.
There aren’t any cons unless you consider taking risks a con, and match play can be risky.
PROS
- It can often be more exciting and intense than stroke play, as each hole becomes a competition in itself.
- Faster pace
- It offers a change of pace and can be refreshing for players used to stroke play.
CONS
- Match play can have added pressure
- Golfers may not get to play all 18 holes.
4. Stroke Play
No list of golf games would be complete without mentioning good old Stroke Play. This is plain old golf.
Play a hole and mark down your score; at the end of your round, total it all up, done. For beginners and purists alike, Stroke Play offers the quintessential golfing experience..
PROS
- Everyone knows how to do stroke play
- The easiest form of golf
- You get your own score
CONS
- There is no one else to blame when you have a bad round!
5. Six-Six-Six or Round Robin
Lastly, let me introduce you to a game that’s particularly great for foursomes: Six-Six-Six, also known as Round Robin.
The round of golf is divided into three-six hole matches allowing you to play with everyone in your group. After you play six holes with one person, you rotate to the next person, and so forth.
You can play any format (best ball, scramble) using the six-six-six format, and you can settle up payment after each round of six holes or wait until you play the entire eighteen.
PROS
- Six-six-six is ideal for getting people to intermingle
- Keeps things interesting
- It allows all players of various skill levels to compete together
- Good learning experience especially for beginner golfers.
CONS
- The pace of play tends to be slower, especially with players unfamiliar with the rules of 6-6-6
- Those that like consistency may find it confusing at first.
Final Thoughts on Types of Golf Games
In conclusion, golf is a diverse game that can cater to a range of skill levels, preferences, and social settings. While traditional stroke play has its merits, venturing into the realm of Scramble, Best Ball, Match Play, and Six-Six-Six games, among others, can add a fresh layer of excitement and camaraderie to your time on the golf course.
For the veterans, these types of golf games might provide a refreshing change of pace. For the beginner golfer, they offer an engaging way to get to know the sport.
So, why not shake up your golf routine and try one of these games on your next outing? You might just discover a new favorite way to play golf.
Remember, in the end, whether you’re sinking birdies or battling bunkers, the ultimate aim is to enjoy the game and have fun out there on the beautiful greens.
Well, there you have it: my top five favorite golf games. The next series will continue with my favorite types of golf betting games.
Go out and give them a try, I think you will all enjoy them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play six six six in golf?
The round of golf is divided into three, 6 hole matches allowing you to play with everyone in your golf group. After you play six holes with one person, you move onto the next person, and so forth.
You can play any format (i.e., best ball) using the six-six-six format, and you can settle up payment after each round of six holes or wait until you play the entire eighteen. Six six six is a fantastic game for getting people to intermingle as you play with everyone in your foursome.
How do you play scramble in golf?
This is your typical go-to game when you have a group of assorted players. To begin, Scramble can be played as a two, three or four-man team.
The game is simple to follow: all team players tee off, and the best drive is chosen.
Golfers then hit from that spot (usually a golf length no farther from the chosen ball), then proceed in that pattern until the ball is putted out. One score is placed on the golf card and you then move to the next hole. It is a straightforward game; everyone contributes to ideally get the lowest score possible.
Scramble also has many variations from Florida style, which is a step-a-side, Texas, Las Vegas, Shamble, etc. if you like to mix it up.
