Formats

Scramble

The Scramble is one of the most popular formats for most golf tournaments. It usually involves a foursome and the best shot is picked after every stroke, then every player drops his or her ball from that shot, until the ball is holed, and the best score is recorded.

Best Ball

A best ball golf tournament is self explanatory and each player hits his or her own ball. At the finish of a hole the best score is recorded and used as a team score. This is another very popular format for golf tournaments.

Alternate Shot

Alternate Shot is a two-person team format. The two players on each individual team alternate hitting the same ball until the ball is holed and score is recorded.

Match Play

Match play is typically played hole by hole. The golfer who shoots the lowest score wins that hole, which gives that golfer a plus 1, and everyone else receives a minus 1. A tie is considered a draw and is omitted. Thus, the golfer who wins the most holes is declared a winner.

Stroke Play

Stroke play is the easiest and fundamental way to score a golf game. The winner is the golfer who scores the lowest of their total score.

Handicapped

This type of format adjusts a frequent golfer’s established rating with the USGA called a handicap and takes their average score over par minus 20%. This allows for a level playing field.
For example: If a golfer scores a 90 and par is 72, 18 over par minus 20% (3.6) equals 14.4.

Nassau

Nassau is actually three games in one. There is a winner declared at the end of nine holes, eighteen holes, and total.