Understanding Golf Formats: A Beginner’s Guide to Popular Playing Styles

Golf offers a number of formats to keep rounds fresh, fun, and competitive. Whether you’re playing solo or in a team, there’s a format suited for every level of golfer. Here’s an overview of some common golf formats, plus insights into scoring, handicaps, and how points are allocated.

Understanding the Golf Handicap and Scoring Points

A golf handicap allows players of all skill levels to compete fairly by adjusting scores based on ability. A handicap is a numerical value that represents the average number of strokes above par a golfer is expected to take. For example, a 10-handicap player typically shoots 10 over par, while a 5-handicap player shoots 5 over.

How a Handicap Affects Points Scoring

In formats like Stableford, points are awarded relative to par, with additional adjustments if you “stroke” on a hole (meaning your handicap grants you extra strokes there). Here’s how it works:

• Bogey (1 over par): 1 point
• Par: 2 points
• Birdie (1 under par): 3 points
• Eagle (2 under par): 4 points
• Albatross (3 under par): 5 points

If you have a stroke on a particular hole, you subtract one from your score. For instance, on a par-4 hole where you receive a stroke, shooting a 5 (bogey) would give you the points of a par (2 points) instead of a bogey (1 point).

This system allows players with different abilities to score points fairly, levelling the field in team and individual formats.

If you’re a 20-handicap player, certain holes will give you two strokes rather than one. On an 18-hole course, each hole is rated by difficulty. Your first 18 strokes are assigned across all holes; then, because you have two extra strokes, you’ll receive an additional stroke on the two most difficult holes.

Common Golf Formats

1. Individual Stroke Play (Medal)

Stroke play is the most common format in golf tournaments. Each player completes the round and counts the total number of strokes taken on each hole. The player with the lowest score wins. This format is straightforward and emphasises consistency over the entire round.

2. Individual Stableford

In Stableford, points are awarded based on a player’s performance relative to par on each hole. This format is popular because it can be forgiving; if you have a bad hole, you can move on without it impacting your overall score as much.

3. Betterball Stableford

Betterball Stableford is a team format, typically with two players per team. Both players play their own ball, and the best score on each hole is used as the team’s score. This format allows players to take risks knowing they have a teammate to back them up.

4. Foursomes

In Foursomes, two players form a team and alternate shots, using one ball between them. For example, Player A tees off, and Player B hits the next shot. This format requires strong teamwork and strategy, as each player needs to be ready to hit from their partner’s position.

5. Fourball

Fourball is another two-player team format where both players play their own ball, and the lowest score on each hole counts for the team. It combines individual play with teamwork, as players can strategize based on their individual strengths.

6. Alliance

In an Alliance, teams of four compete together, with each player completing the hole individually. Depending on the competition, one or more of the best scores from each hole will count toward the team’s score. Alliances are popular in large group games or charity tournaments, where players work together toward a collective team score.

7. Greensomes

Greensomes is similar to Foursomes, but both players hit a tee shot, then choose the best ball and play alternate shots from there. This variation on Foursomes introduces an extra layer of strategy, as teams can pick the more favourable tee shot to continue play.

8. Scramble

In a Scramble, all team members tee off, and the team selects the best shot. From that spot, all players hit again, and the process repeats until the hole is completed. Scrambles are ideal for casual play and social events, as they allow players of all levels to contribute.

9. Modified Stableford

A Modified Stableford format awards higher points for birdies and eagles while subtracting points for bogeys and worse. This high-risk, high-reward approach encourages aggressive play, as players can rack up points quickly but risk losing points for mistakes.

10. Match Play

In Match Play, players compete hole by hole. The player with the lower score wins the hole, and the player or team that wins the most holes wins the match. Match Play can be a quicker format, as a player can win before completing all 18 holes if they’re significantly ahead.

Choosing the Right Format

Each format has its unique appeal and can add variety to your round. If you’re new to golf, Stableford or Scramble might be ideal as they are forgiving and allow for quicker rounds. For more competitive or advanced players, Foursomes and Match Play offer strategic challenges that test skill and teamwork.

Final Thoughts

With so many formats available, there’s always a way to keep the game of golf interesting. Understanding the differences of each format allows golfers of all levels to enjoy the sport in different ways, whether for casual enjoyment or competitive play.