Golf is a game of skill, but it's also a game of fun. And what's more fun than a little friendly competition? Golf games add an extra layer of excitement to your round, whether you're playing for bragging rights or a few dollars. From classic formats like match play and stroke play to more creative games like skins and Stableford, there's a game for every group and every skill level.
The two most common formats in golf are match play and stroke play. In match play, you're competing against your opponent on a hole-by-hole basis. The player with the lower score on a hole wins that hole. The player who wins the most holes wins the match. In stroke play, you're competing against the entire field, and the player with the lowest total score for the round wins.
Match play is a great format for head-to-head competition, as it creates a sense of drama on every hole. Stroke play is a more traditional format that rewards consistency over the course of a round.
If you're looking to add a little financial incentive to your round, there are plenty of fun betting games to choose from. Skins is a popular game where each hole is worth a certain amount of money. The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the skin. If there's a tie, the skin carries over to the next hole.
Nassau is another classic betting game. It's a three-part bet: one for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall 18-hole match. Best ball is a team game where each player plays their own ball, and the team's score for each hole is the lowest score of the two players. And if you're feeling really adventurous, you can try a game like Wolf, which involves changing partners on every hole.
Point-based games are a great way to level the playing field and make the game fun for players of all skill levels. The Stableford system is a popular point-based game where you get points for your score on each hole. A bogey is worth one point, a par is worth two, a birdie is worth three, an eagle is worth four, and a double eagle is worth five. The player with the most points at the end of the round wins.
The Chicago system is another point-based game that's great for groups with a wide range of handicaps. In this game, you get points for your net score on each hole, with more points awarded for better scores. This allows higher handicap players to compete with lower handicap players on a more even footing.
Team games are a great way to add some camaraderie to your round. A scramble is a popular team format where all players hit a tee shot, and the team chooses the best shot. All players then hit their second shot from that spot, and so on. This is a fun, low-pressure format that's great for players of all skill levels.
A shamble is a variation of a scramble where all players hit a tee shot, and the team chooses the best shot. From there, each player plays their own ball into the hole. This format combines the fun of a scramble with the challenge of playing your own ball.
The right game for your group will depend on the skill level of the players, the amount of money you're playing for, and your personal preferences. If you're looking for a serious competition, match play or stroke play might be the way to go. If you're looking for a fun, social game, a scramble or a Stableford might be a better choice.
No matter what game you choose, the most important thing is to have fun. Golf is a game, after all. So get out there, enjoy the competition, and may the best golfer win!
For more information on how to compete, check out our guides to the handicap system and tournament formats. And be sure to brush up on the rules of golf and golf etiquette before you play.