Golf trip games for 16 players
Sixteen golfers is four foursomes, which means a tee-time block to book and a scoreboard to run. Simple formats that score fast work best, and the side games have to be ones the whole group can follow.
A ready-to-use 4-round plan
| Round | Format | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Four-ball, 8 v 8 | Four foursomes, one 2 v 2 match each. 4 points. |
| Round 2 | Scramble, 8 v 8 | Each foursome is two 2-man scramble teams playing a match. Fast and social. |
| Round 3 | Foursomes or shamble | Four matches. Alternate shot is the purist pick; shamble is kinder to high handicaps. |
| Round 4 | Singles | Eight singles matches. Put the most points on the last day. |
Side games everyone can follow
- Four-team Stableford (teams of four) as a second competition
- Group-wide skins (net)
- Closest to the pin with a sidewinder pot
- Awards dinner: MVP, worst shot, best quote
Picking teams
Hold a draft night: two captains for the Ryder Cup, or four captains for a four-team format. Have someone other than the organizer run the scoring sheet.
Keep it fair
- Get every player's handicap index before the trip and play net.
- In team formats, use a handicap allowance (most groups use somewhere between 85% and 100% for four-ball, and less for alternate shot).
- Make the final day worth the most points so no team is out of it before Sunday.
More: Ryder Cup format guide · Games for 8 players · Games for 12 players
FAQ
What is the best golf trip format for 16 players?
A Ryder Cup-style team event (8 v 8) with a different format each round (four-ball, scramble, alternate shot) and singles to finish. Add an individual side game so everyone has something to play for every round.
How do you make teams fair with 16 golfers?
Use handicaps (GHIN index) for net scoring and a captain's draft to balance the teams. Rotate partners each round so no two players are stuck together.
What side games work for 16 golfers?
Four-team Stableford (teams of four) as a second competition; Group-wide skins (net); Closest to the pin with a sidewinder pot; Awards dinner: MVP, worst shot, best quote.