Types of Golf Games Explained for Fun and Friendly Play

Golf isn’t just one game—it’s a bunch of different golf games that fit all kinds of players and groups.

Maybe you’re out there solo, maybe with friends, or maybe you’re eyeing a club tournament.

Each format shakes things up with new challenges and strategies, so golf never gets boring.

If you get to know these golf games, you’ll probably enjoy the sport more and find the right vibe for your next round.

Most people know the classics—stroke play and match play.

But there are also quirky formats like scramble, alternate shot, and best ball.

These games blend teamwork and competition, which makes golf feel a lot more social (and honestly, a lot more fun at times).

If you’re tired of the same old round, trying new golf games can really change things up.

You’ll find fresh strategies and friendly rivalries that fit anyone, no matter the group or skill level.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Golf has tons of game types for different players and groups.
Each format brings its own challenges and strategies.
Mixing up your games keeps golf fun and interesting.

Classic Types of Golf Games

Golf gives you a bunch of ways to play, and each one changes how you score and compete.

Some games focus on your total strokes, while others use points or pit you head-to-head.

Every type changes your approach on the course and how you interact with others.

Stroke Play

Stroke play is what you’ll see most often in golf tournaments and club competitions.

You count every shot from the first tee to the last green.

Whoever finishes with the fewest strokes wins.

Every single shot matters—fairway, rough, bunkers, putts, all of it.

Add up your score after each hole and see where you stand.

This scoring method really rewards players who stay steady.

Birdies and eagles are great, but dodging bogeys is just as important.

Stroke play puts your whole skill set to the test, all 18 holes, and that’s why it sticks around as the main challenge for golfers.

Match Play

Match play works differently.

You go head-to-head against another player or team, one hole at a time.

Win the hole with fewer strokes, you get the point.

If you tie, you split the point.

The match ends when one side is ahead by more holes than there are left to play.

Match play lets you get bold or play it safe, since one bad hole won’t wreck your round.

Clubs and even the PGA Tour use this for some events.

Here, you’re trying to beat your opponent, not just post a low score.

Stableford

Stableford flips the script and uses points instead of counting every shot.

You get points on each hole based on how you do against par.

For example:

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

You total up your points, and the highest wins.

Stableford is forgiving—a bad hole just costs you a point or two, not a blowup score.

It’s great for groups with mixed skill levels or if you want to use handicaps.

This keeps things fair and the mood light.

Skins

Skins is a hole-by-hole game, usually played for a bit of cash or maybe a prize.

Each hole has a “skin” worth something.

If you win a hole outright, you grab that skin.

Tie? The skin rolls over and stacks up for the next hole.

Skins adds a bunch of drama, especially late in the round when skins pile up.

Players might take big risks chasing a single hole instead of worrying about the whole round.

People love skins games for friendly competition—it’s a nice mix of skill, luck, and maybe a little trash talk.

Fun and Innovative Golf Formats

Switching up how you play golf adds a lot of spice to your rounds.

You can team up, compete, or just mess around with formats that test your driving, putting, and strategy.

These games keep things fresh, especially if your group has a mix of skill levels.

Best Ball

Best Ball—sometimes called Four-Ball—is a team game.

Each player in a pair or group plays their own ball.

After each hole, the lowest score among teammates counts as the team score.

You get to play your own shots, but you’re also rooting for your partner.

Strategy comes into play—maybe you go for it if your teammate’s in a safe spot.

Best Ball fits groups with different skill levels.

Stronger players can help the team, but everyone gets a chance to shine.

It’s a good way to practice your own game while still working together.

Scramble

Scramble formats are all about teamwork.

Everyone tees off, then you pick the best shot and all play from there.

Keep repeating this until you finish the hole.

Texas Scramble is the most common version.

Scrambles speed up play and take away some of the pain from bunkers or hazards.

Since you always play from the best spot, it’s perfect for groups with mixed abilities.

You’ll need to talk things over and decide which shot to use.

Scrambles also push you to try creative shots, and sometimes you’ll pull off something crazy as a group.

Alternate Shot and Foursomes

Alternate Shot (or Foursomes) is a true team challenge.

Teammates take turns hitting the same ball.

One tees off on odd holes, the other on even holes.

You keep alternating until you finish the hole.

You have to trust your partner and work together.

This format really tests your teamwork and strategy, especially when you’re in a tough spot.

Related games like Greensomes or Chapman let both players tee off, then you pick one ball and alternate from there.

Unique Side Games

Side games add some fun without changing the basics too much.

One favorite is Bingo, Bango, Bongo—players get points for being first on the green, closest to the hole, and first to finish.

It keeps everyone paying attention, not just the best scorers.

Other cool options? Stringball lets you use a piece of string to move your ball without penalty, and Wolf mixes up partners and strategy with a bit of betting.

These games are great for keeping everyone engaged, especially if you’re just out there for fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Golf works for groups, solo rounds, or teams.

The different formats help everyone have fun, no matter their skill level.

What are some popular golf formats for group play?

You’ll see stroke play and match play a lot in group settings.

Best Ball is also popular—everyone plays their own ball, and the team takes the best score.

Can you suggest fun golf game variations for team competitions?

Give Bingo-Bango-Bongo a shot.

It rewards different achievements on each hole.

Bridge is another one, mixing in a bit of strategy with your golf skills.

How can players with varying handicaps enjoy a game of golf together?

Handicaps help even things out.

Scrambles also let everyone contribute and combine their best shots, so no one feels left out.

Could you list some enjoyable golf games suitable for ladies’ leagues?

Best Ball, Scramble, and Wolf all work well.

They let everyone support each other and play at whatever pace feels right.

What are the rules for a scramble golf tournament?