🏌️ Different Types of Golf: Formats Every Player Should Know
Golf is one of the most versatile sports in the world. While many people think of golf as just “playing 18 holes,” the truth is there are different types of golf formats—from traditional stroke play to fun, fast-paced alternatives that add excitement to the game.
Whether you’re a beginner wanting to explore the basics or an experienced golfer looking to try something new, here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of golf you’ll come across.
⛳ 1. Stroke Play (The Standard Format)
This is the most common type of golf you’ll see in professional tournaments like the Masters or the U.S. Open.
- How it Works: Each player counts the total number of strokes taken over 18 holes. The golfer with the fewest strokes wins.
- Why It’s Popular: It rewards consistency and precision.
- Where You’ll See It: Almost every major championship and casual weekend round.
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re playing for the first time, stroke play is the easiest way to track progress.
🏌️ 2. Match Play
Match play is all about head-to-head competition.
- How it Works: Each hole is its own contest. The player (or team) with the lowest score on a hole wins that hole.
- Scoring Example: If you win more holes than your opponent, you win the match—even if your total strokes are higher.
- Where You’ll See It: The Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup.
📌 Pro Tip: Match play is less stressful since one bad hole doesn’t ruin your entire round.
⛳ 3. Stableford Scoring
This scoring system rewards good play without punishing bad holes too much.
- How it Works: Points are given based on your score on each hole (e.g., par = 2 points, birdie = 3 points, eagle = 4 points). The player with the most points wins.
- Why It’s Fun: A bad hole doesn’t destroy your round—you just move on to the next one.
📌 Pro Tip: Perfect for casual games with friends who want to keep the round lively.
🏌️ 4. Scramble (Best for Group Play)
A scramble is one of the most fun and beginner-friendly types of golf.
- How it Works: Every player hits a shot, then the team chooses the best ball position. Everyone then plays from that spot.
- Why It’s Popular: Great for team bonding and charity events.
- Skill Level: Beginners love it because bad shots don’t hurt as much.
📌 Pro Tip: Focus on accuracy if you’re not the longest hitter—you can still help your team.
⛳ 5. Best Ball (or Four-Ball)
This is another team-based format, but less forgiving than a scramble.
- How it Works: Each player plays their own ball, but only the best score from the team counts for each hole.
- Where You’ll See It: Pro team events and club tournaments.
📌 Pro Tip: Consistency helps—you don’t always need birdies, just solid scores.
🏌️ 6. Alternate Shot (Foursomes)
A true test of teamwork.
- How it Works: Two players share one ball, alternating shots until the hole is completed.
- Why It’s Challenging: You rely heavily on your partner’s game.
- Where You’ll See It: Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup.
📌 Pro Tip: Communicate with your partner—strategy is key.
⛳ 7. Skins Game
Popular in casual and money games.
- How it Works: Each hole has a set value (a “skin”). The player who wins a hole outright claims that skin. If two players tie, the skin carries over to the next hole.
- Why It’s Fun: High tension builds as skins carry over.
📌 Pro Tip: Aggressive play can pay off in skins—it’s worth going for birdies.
🏌️ 8. Bingo Bango Bongo (Fun Scoring Game)
This format adds mini-competitions within each hole.
- Points Are Awarded For:
- First player on the green (Bingo)
- Closest to the pin once all players are on (Bango)
- First to hole out (Bongo)
- Why It’s Fun: Everyone has a chance to win points regardless of skill level.
📌 Pro Tip: Great for groups with mixed experience levels.
⛳ 9. Par or Bogey Competition
This format is similar to match play but against the course.
- How it Works: Each hole is played as a win, loss, or tie against par.
- Why It’s Useful: Helps beginners get comfortable with competition.
📌 Pro Tip: It’s a good way to track progress hole by hole.
🏌️ 10. Speed Golf (For Fitness Fans)
A modern twist where golf meets cardio.
- How it Works: Players jog between shots, completing the round as quickly as possible.
- Scoring: Your golf strokes plus your time equal your score.
- Why It’s Growing: Perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
📌 Pro Tip: Carry fewer clubs—it makes running easier!
⛳ 11. Mini-Golf (The Fun Alternative)
Yes, it counts! Mini-golf is a casual, family-friendly version of golf.
- How it Works: Players putt through creative obstacles on short courses.
- Why It’s Fun: Easy, colorful, and anyone can play.
📌 Pro Tip: Great for kids and beginners—it builds putting skills without pressure.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Golf isn’t just one game—it’s a collection of formats that make the sport enjoyable for all skill levels. From competitive formats like stroke play and match play to fun, social games like scrambles and skins, there’s a version of golf for everyone.
So next time you head to the course, why not mix things up? Try a new format, challenge yourself, and most importantly—enjoy the game
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