Golf is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable sports on the planet, but even passionate golfers occasionally want to mix things up. Whether you're playing for bragging rights, a friendly wager, or simply trying to add some excitement to your regular foursome, these alternative formats can transform your typical round into something special.
Below you'll find ten different golf formats ranging from well-known classics to unique challenges that might be new to your group. Each provides a fresh way to experience the game we all love.
1. Stableford: Perfect for Keeping Everyone in the Game
Perhaps the most popular alternative scoring system, Stableford awards points based on your score relative to par rather than counting total strokes.
How to play:
Double bogey or worse: 0 points
Bogey: 1 point
Par: 2 points
Birdie: 3 points
Eagle: 4 points
Albatross: 5 points
Why it works: Unlike stroke play, Stableford's objective is to have the highest score. This keeps everyone engaged even after a bad hole because you're never more than one hole away from scoring points again. Pick up after you can no longer score, keeping pace of play moving.
2. Skins: Where Every Hole Matters
Skins creates drama on every hole and works beautifully for two or three players competing head-to-head.
How to play:
Win a hole outright to claim a "skin"
If a hole is tied, the skin "carries over" to the next hole
The value of each skin can be predetermined (e.g., $1, $5)
Why it works: The carryover feature means pressure builds throughout the round, creating exciting situations where later holes can become incredibly valuable. Even a struggling player can salvage their day by winning a crucial skin.
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3. Vegas: High Stakes Team Competition
This format isn't for the faint of heart—it creates potentially large point swings that keep matches interesting until the final putt.
How to play:
Form two teams of two players each
Pair the scores within each team (a 4 and 5 becomes 45)
Subtract the lower score from the higher score to determine points
The team with the lower combined score wins that many points
Why it works: The unique scoring system magnifies the importance of both players contributing, while optional rules like "Flipping the Bird" (allowing teams to reverse their opponents' digits after making a birdie) create dramatic momentum shifts.
4. Sixes: Partner Rotation Challenge
Also known as Round Robin or Hollywood, this format ensures everyone plays with—and against—each other throughout the round.
How to play:
Four golfers pair up for six holes
Partners switch after each six-hole segment
Winners of each six-hole match earn one point per player
The player with the most points at the end wins
Why it works: The constant partner rotation keeps things fresh and prevents any one player from getting stuck with an underperforming partner for the entire round.
5. Six-Six-Six: Format Change Challenge
This dynamic format involves playing three different games within a single round.
How to play:
Divide the 18 holes into three six-hole segments
Play a different format during each segment:
First six: Scramble
Second six: Better Ball
Final six: Alternate Shot
Why it works: The changing formats test different skills throughout your round, requiring strategy adjustments as you progress.
6. Scramble: The Ultimate Team Game
Perhaps the most accessible format for players of mixed abilities, scramble removes the pressure of playing every shot.
How to play:
Each player hits every shot
The team selects the best shot after each stroke
All players play their next shot from that location
Continue until the ball is holed
Why it works: This format allows everyone to contribute while masking individual weaknesses. For added challenge, require each player's drive to be used a minimum number of times.
7. Team Match Play (Four-Ball): Ryder Cup Style
Made famous by team competitions like the Ryder Cup, this format rewards consistency and clutch performances.
How to play:
Two teams of two golfers compete
Each player plays their own ball throughout
The lowest score from each team on each hole is compared
The team with the lower score wins the hole
Why it works: Since only one good score is needed per team, players can occasionally take risks knowing their partner has a solid score to fall back on.
8. Foursomes: The Ultimate Partnership Test
Also known as Alternate Shot, this challenging format demands teamwork and strategic planning.
How to play:
Two teams of two golfers compete
Teams play just one ball, alternating shots
Players also alternate tee shots (odd/even holes)
Why it works: Unlike other formats that allow individual brilliance, Foursomes creates a true partnership where communication and strategy become crucial.
10. Solo Two-Ball Worst Ball: The Ultimate Self-Challenge
Want a practice format that pros like Rory McIlroy swear by? This demanding solo game will sharpen your focus quickly.
How to play:
Play two balls throughout the entire hole
Always play your next shot from the worst position
Continue selecting your worst shot until both balls are holed
Count the higher score
Why it works: This format forces you to hit consecutive good shots under pressure. If you can break par playing worst ball, your game is in excellent shape.
Track Your Performance with Hole19
Whichever format you choose, the Hole19 app helps you keep score, track stats, and measure your performance. Simply set up your round in the app, select your format, and enjoy a hassle-free experience with precise GPS distances and digital scorekeeping.
