 |
| Changing
up the format can often level the playing field for higher
handicappers. Instead of trying to compete stroke for stroke,
suggest a hole by hole game and account for handicapped holes
accordingly.
If you are a
30 handicap playing a 20 handicap, the 20 handicap needs to give
you 10 strokes. Starting with the number one hardest ranked hole
on the course down to the 10th hardest, you would be able to
subtract one stroke from your score on each of those holes. For
the other eight holes, you are evenly matched. |
|
Games People
Play
Golf Formats |
Just when you thought
you had a handle on how golf is played, think again. While
most of us are content with teeing it up for 18 holes and
counting what happens in between, there are a number of
variations to standard practice that might interest you once
you've got your swing down. Try one of these popular formats
the next time you tee it up with friends:
|
MEDAL PLAY
Most common method of play. Total number of strokes taken to
complete your round of golf. Sometimes referred to as
“stroke play.”
Most tournaments are medal play.
MATCH PLAY
Hole-by-hole competition against a specific opponent. For
example, the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup are international
match play competitions where each match is scored hole by
hole instead of total strokes.
SCRAMBLE
Frequently used in corporate and charity tournaments. In a
typical scramble, all players tee off, then each player in
the group hits from
the location of the best shot. Continue in this fashion
until the ball is holed. The recorded score is that of the
team's.
BEST BALL
Often confused with a scramble, in a best ball format each
player plays their own ball throughout the round. The player
with the best score of the group on each hole is recorded as
the team score.
SKINS
Hole-by-hole competition. Hole must be won outright by the
lowest score. Ties result in carrying the contest into
subsequent hole(s) until won outright.
NASSAU
Nassau is actually 3 matches. The front 9, the back 9 and
the 18 hole total. All 3 matches are equal. Whoever earns
the most matches out of the three wins. |
|
 |
|
Change things up a
little when playing with friends - try an alternative format
to stroke play! |
 |
|
When you play a
scramble, everyone's strengths come out! |
|
| |
|
|
