Golf trip formats & games
The format is what turns four rounds into a trip people talk about for a year.
Most popularRyder Cup format for golf trips →
Two teams, a point per match, and singles to decide it. Includes schedules for 8, 12 and 16 golfers.
Formats & side games
| Format | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Four-ball (best ball) | Two-person teams, everyone plays their own ball, and the best score on each hole counts. | Any |
| Scramble | Everyone hits, the team picks the best shot, and everyone plays from there. The great equalizer for mixed abilities. | Big or mixed groups |
| Foursomes (alternate shot) | Partners alternate shots with one ball. Pressure-packed and fast. | Low-handicap groups |
| Shamble | Pick the best drive, then everyone plays their own ball in. | Mixed abilities |
| Stableford | Points per hole relative to net par. A blow-up hole won't ruin your round. | 12+ golfers |
| Skins | Each hole is worth a skin. Ties carry over. | Side game |
| Nassau | Three bets: front 9, back 9 and overall. | Side game, foursomes |
| Wolf | A rotating "wolf" picks a partner (or goes alone) after each tee shot. | Exactly 4 |
Make it fair
- Require a handicap (GHIN) from everyone before the trip.
- Use full net strokes in singles and a team allowance in team formats.
- Make the last day worth more points so no team is dead before Sunday.