Golf tournament formats explained
There is no single right format. Pick the one that matches your group's skill range, how long you have on the course, and how serious the scoring needs to be.
Written by the Go Golf Leagues team. Last reviewed June 2026.
Team formats
Scramble
Best for: Mixed-skill outings and charities. Fast, social, beginner friendly.
How it works: Every player tees off, team picks the best shot, everyone plays from there. Repeat. One team score per hole.
Best ball (four-ball)
Best for: More competitive outings where players want to play their own ball.
How it works: Every player plays their own ball start to finish. The team records the lowest score on each hole.
Shamble
Best for: Groups that want a scramble feel off the tee but a real ball-striking test after.
How it works: Scramble off the tee, then each player plays their own ball to the hole. Score the best one, two, or all.
Alternate shot (foursomes)
Best for: Pairs events and ryder-cup style days. Pace and pressure both go up.
How it works: Two players, one ball. They alternate shots, and alternate who tees off on odd and even holes.
Chapman / Pinehurst
Best for: A pairs format that softens alternate shot.
How it works: Both players tee off, hit each other's second shot, then pick one ball and play alternate shot to the hole.
Individual formats
Stroke play
Best for: Championships and serious players. The format used on tour.
How it works: Count every stroke. Lowest total over the round wins. Slowest format, hardest on newer players.
Match play
Best for: Head-to-heads, brackets, and ongoing leagues.
How it works: Win, lose, or tie each hole. The player ahead by more holes than remain wins the match.
Stableford
Best for: Casual rounds and leagues where pace matters.
How it works: Points per hole on a sliding scale (bogey 1, par 2, birdie 3, eagle 4). Highest total wins. Pick up on bad holes.
Side games to layer on top
- Skins: lowest score on a hole wins the skin. Ties carry over to the next hole.
- Nassau: three bets in one (front 9, back 9, full 18). Match play or stroke.
- Wolf: a rotating captain picks a partner after watching tee shots, or plays the hole alone for more points.
- Closest to the pin, longest drive:simple, popular, easy to sponsor.
Picking the right one
- Mixed skill, one day, want everyone to have fun: scramble.
- Solid players who want a real test in a team setting: best ball.
- Ongoing league with weekly matchups: match play or Stableford.
- Crowning a champion: stroke play, often with a cut.
FAQ
What is the easiest golf tournament format?
A scramble. Teams play one ball, hide weak shots, and finish in around 4.5 hours. It is the default for mixed-skill outings.
What is the difference between best ball and scramble?
In a scramble, every player hits, then the team picks one ball and plays from there. In best ball, every player plays their own ball all the way to the hole, and the team records the lowest score per hole.
What is a shamble in golf?
A shamble is a hybrid. The team plays a scramble off the tee, then each player plays their own ball into the hole. You can score the best one, the best two, or all four.
What is the Stableford format?
Stableford awards points per hole instead of counting strokes. A common scale is bogey 1, par 2, birdie 3, eagle 4. High score wins. It keeps a bad hole from ruining a round and speeds up play because you can pick up.
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