Golf Tournament Formats Explained

Stroke Play

Stroke play is the most common format in golf. Every stroke counts, and the player with the lowest total after 18 holes wins. It's the format used in all four major championships and most amateur tournaments.

How it works: Each player completes every hole and records their score. All scores are totaled at the end of the round. The lowest total wins.

Best for: Competitive tournaments, handicap posting, and any event where you want a clear, objective winner.

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Match Play

In match play, two players compete hole by hole. The player with the lower score wins that hole. If scores are tied, the hole is halved. The match is won when one player leads by more holes than remain.

How it works: Each hole is a separate contest. Status is tracked as "1 UP", "2 UP", or "All Square." A match can end early (e.g., "3&2" means won 3 up with 2 to play).

Best for: Head-to-head competition, Ryder Cup style events, and bracket tournaments. One bad hole doesn't ruin your entire round.

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Stableford

Stableford is a points-based system where players earn points on each hole relative to par. It rewards good holes without punishing disaster holes as harshly as stroke play.

Best for: Casual groups, club competitions, and players of mixed skill levels. A 10 on a hole costs you nothing more than a 0.

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Scramble

The scramble is the most popular team format, especially for charity events and corporate outings. All team members hit from each position, the best shot is selected, and everyone plays from there.

How it works: All players tee off. The team picks the best drive. Everyone hits from that spot. Repeat until holed. The team records one score per hole.

Best for: Fun events, charity tournaments, mixed skill groups, and when pace of play matters. Scrambles produce low scores and everyone contributes.

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Best Ball (Four-Ball)

In best ball, each player plays their own ball for the entire hole. The lowest individual score on the team counts as the team score. It's a team format that preserves individual play.

How it works: Teams of 2 or 4. Everyone plays their own ball. After each hole, the lowest score among teammates is the team score.

Best for: Competitive team events, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup format, and leagues where you want both team and individual competition.

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Skins

In a skins game, each hole has a set value. The player with the lowest score wins that hole's "skin." If players tie, the value can carry over to the next hole, creating big payouts.

How it works: Assign a value per hole (e.g., $5). Lowest unique score wins. Ties can carry over or be voided. Carryover creates exciting late-round drama.

Best for: Side bets, casual groups, and any round where you want every hole to matter. Great with 3-8 players.

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Shamble

A shamble is a hybrid of scramble and stroke play. The team selects the best tee shot, then each player plays their own ball from that spot to the hole. The team uses the lowest (or combined) score.

How it works: All players tee off. Best drive is selected. From there, each player plays their own ball in. The best individual score counts.

Best for: Groups that want the safety of a good tee shot but the challenge of individual play from there. A nice middle ground between scramble and best ball.

Alternate Shot (Foursomes)

Alternate shot is a two-person team format where partners take turns hitting the same ball. One player tees off on odd holes, the other on even holes. It's the most strategic team format.

How it works: Partners alternate shots on the same ball. If Player A drives, Player B hits the second shot, Player A hits the third, etc. They also alternate tee shots by hole.

Best for: Ryder Cup style events and groups that enjoy strategic pairings. Pace of play is fast since only one ball is in play per team.

Which Format Should You Choose?

Many leagues rotate formats to keep things fresh. ClubUp supports all of these formats with automated scoring and leaderboards.