Golf isn’t just one game. It’s a collection of formats that bring variety, challenge, and fun to the course. Whether you’re playing in a serious competition, teaming up with friends, or enjoying a lighthearted round, the format shapes the entire experience. Some formats test individual skill and consistency, while others reward teamwork, strategy, or creativity.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the most common event categories, from traditional stroke and match play to social and fun games that keep things fresh. Each format offers its own unique twist on the game, so whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro, or just out for a good time, there’s a style of play that will suit your group.

Event Categories

  • Stroke Play Events: Individual and Four-Ball Stroke Play, Stableford.
  • Match Play Events: Singles, Four-Ball Match Play, Alternate Shot, Skins.
  • Team Events: Scramble, Shamble, Pinehurst/Chapman, Best Ball.
  • Fun/Social Games: Ringers, Bingle-Bangle-Bungle, Closest to Every Pin, Fewest Putts.
  • Pro-Am: Professionals paired with amateurs; team score usually combines the pro’s and amateur’s play. A popular format for charity and tour events.

Stroke play is the foundation of golf competition. Each player counts every stroke taken on each hole, and the total across 18 holes (or more, for multi-round events) determines the winner. It’s a true test of consistency because every shot matters, from tee to green. Professional tournaments like the Masters and U.S. Open use stroke play, making it the most recognized format worldwide.

Best For: Competitive players and tournaments where accuracy and stamina are key.

In match play, the focus shifts from total strokes to winning individual holes. A player or team earns one point for a hole if their score is lower than the opponent’s. Tied holes are “halved.” The match ends when one side is ahead by more holes than remain to play (e.g., 3&2 means 3 up with 2 to play).

This format adds psychological strategy—sometimes conceding a short putt makes sense to keep pressure later. The Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup famously use match play.

Best For: Head-to-head rivalries or team events where momentum swings can turn the tide.

Played in pairs, each golfer plays their own ball, but only the lower score of the two counts for the team. For example, if one player scores a par and the other makes a birdie, the birdie is recorded as the team’s score. Four-ball allows partners to balance risk and safety—if one is in trouble, the other can play more aggressively.

Best For: Social rounds and club competitions where teamwork shines.

Two players share one ball. One tees off, the partner hits the next shot, and they continue alternating until the hole is complete. Penalties do not affect the order of play. A common variation assigns one partner to tee off on odd-numbered holes, the other on evens.

This is often considered one of the toughest formats because every shot affects your teammate.

Best For: Skilled partners who trust each other and want a challenging game.

A hybrid of alternate shot and four-ball. Both teammates tee off, then switch balls for the second shot. After that, they select the best ball and play alternate shots into the hole. It mixes strategy, variety, and collaboration, as players weigh risk with each decision.

Best For: Teams who want variety and a unique challenge.

Four players form a team, and only the lowest score among the four on each hole counts. Some variations require two low scores to count per hole. This keeps all players involved but ensures the team’s score reflects its best performers.

Best For: Larger social groups, club outings, and charity events.

Each golfer tees off, the best drive is selected, and then everyone plays their own ball from that spot until holing out. The team score is determined by the best result (sometimes two). It combines the forgiving nature of scramble off the tee with the individual challenge of stroke play.

Best For: Groups with mixed skill levels who want fun but still want to keep individual play intact.

Perhaps the most popular casual format. All players tee off, the team selects the best shot, and everyone plays from that spot. Repeat until the hole is completed. Variations may require using each player’s drive at least three times to keep all participants engaged.

Best For: Charity events, company outings, and casual fun rounds.

Instead of counting strokes, players earn points: bogey = 1, par = 2, birdie = 3, eagle = 4, double eagle = 5. The highest point total wins. Since extremely high hole scores don’t count (once you can’t earn points, you simply pick up), play is faster and less stressful.

Best For: Fast-paced games where golfers of all levels can compete fairly.

Each hole is worth a “skin” (points, cash, or bragging rights). The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the skin. If two or more tie, the skin carries over to the next hole, making some holes more valuable. Skins games keep every hole meaningful—even if you’ve had a bad round.

Best For: Small groups looking for excitement and high stakes on every hole.

A long-term format where players aim to post their best score for each hole over multiple rounds on the same course. Over time, they build a “dream scorecard.” It rewards persistence and steady improvement.

Best For: Season-long competitions among regular players.

A points-based game where three things are rewarded on each hole:

  1. First player to reach the green.
  2. Player closest to the hole once all are on the green.
  3. First to sink the putt.

Points can be tallied individually or for small wagers, and it keeps every hole engaging.

Best For: Fun social rounds with light competition.

Instead of being a single “par-3 competition,” this variation applies to every hole. The player who ends up closest to the pin (once everyone is on the green) earns a point. It encourages accuracy and short-game focus.

Best For: Groups with varying skill levels who enjoy friendly rivalry.

This game rewards putting skill. At the end of the round, the golfer with the lowest total putts wins—regardless of their total strokes. A great equalizer between big hitters and short-game masters.

Best For: Players who want to highlight (or improve) their putting ability.

A scramble variation where each player’s drive must be used at least three times during the round. This keeps weaker players involved and prevents stronger players from carrying the team entirely.

Best For: Casual outings where inclusivity and fairness are valued.

Players record separate totals for the front nine and the back nine. Prizes can be given for the “best nine” score, the “worst nine,” or both. This ensures that one bad half-round doesn’t ruin the whole game.

Best For: Club events with mixed-ability golfers.

Players rotate being the “Wolf” on each hole. The Wolf tees off first and decides whether to team up with another player (forming a two vs. two match) or go alone against the group. Points are awarded based on wins. It’s a highly strategic game requiring quick decisions.

Best For: Four-player groups looking for strategy, variety, and some lighthearted competition.

A classic betting format divided into three parts: front nine, back nine, and overall 18. Each segment is a separate game, so a bad start doesn’t end your chances. Side bets are common, making this a staple among seasoned golfers.

Best For: Traditionalists and groups that enjoy a competitive wager.