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Popular Golf Scoring Formats

By West Valentine

RIDGEDALE, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 21: An aerial drone view of the fifth tee box and fourth green prior to the Payne's Valley Cup on September 21, 2020 at the Payne’s Valley course at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for Payne’s Valley Cup)
RIDGEDALE, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 21: An aerial drone view of the fifth tee box and fourth green prior to the Payne's Valley Cup on September 21, 2020 at the Payne’s Valley course at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for Payne’s Valley Cup) /
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Do you find you’re often frustrated after a bad round because your handicap is going to go up? How about a new golf format?

Here are some ideas to play golf, enjoy yourself more, and take a break from posting a score once in a while.

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Let’s get this straight. When you play a round of golf, you need to turn in the score – good, bad, or otherwise. If you are not doing this, you are cheating yourself, friends, and fellow competitors.

However, there are a number of games you can play with friends that don’t require you to post a score. These formats are fun, allow you to hit every shot in your bag, and might give you insights that improve your regular game.

Scramble

This can be a twosome or foursome game. You know the deal. Everyone hits a drive, you pick the best one, everyone hits an approach from there, etc., until the ball is in the hole.

This is a popular format for charity events and is always a lot of fun. You and your partner(s) will shoot a lower score than you ever would by yourself. That’s fun. Everyone feels good, and you share in the glow of a low round.

Shamble

If you want to play your own ball more, a shamble is perfect. Everyone drives, you pick the best one, and everyone plays their own ball in from there. This can be a twosome or foursome game. It’s a little more like a normal round, but you get the benefit of a better drive on each hole.

Alternate Shot

It’s exactly what it sounds like. You and your partner play the same ball and alternate turns hitting it. It’s a team game that requires strategizing and partnership. This format is very popular in Scotland and is the choice format at clubs like Muirfield.

Pinehurst or Chapman Scoring

This is a little more complicated but makes for some interesting competition. It goes like this: Both players in a two-person team tee off. Then, player A has to play his partner’s ball and vice versa. They then choose the best ball after the second shot. The player whose ball was NOT chosen then plays the third and the twosome plays alternate shot in from there.

Mini Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup is composed of three formats: Fourball, Alternate Shot, and Match Play. Play six holes with each format and have your own little Ryder Cup. It’s simple to score, keeps everyone involved, and serves as a little sampler for playing different formats.

None of these formats requires you to turn in a score. The benefit is that you might see the game in a different way and it could very well help you when you play a normal round.

As team games, these formats require you to strategize with a partner. This can provide insights into how other players see the game and help you see the course in a new way. Best of all, if you aren’t playing well, you still have a partner to lean on and stay involved in every hole.

Do yourself a favor and try one of these formats out with your favorite foursome. You might find that you end up having a great time.

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