5 Fun and Unique Golf Formats to Play With Your Mates

Golf offers a plethora of formats to keep your rounds with friends exciting and competitive.

While stroke play, Stableford, Par and match play are well-known formats of golf played at Australian golf courses, there are several lesser-known variations that can add a new level of enjoyment to your days on the golf course with friends. So ditch the club competitions and play these next time you’re on the course with friends.

Greensomes

Greensomes is a team format that combines elements of alternate shot and best ball. Two players form a team, and both hit tee shots. They then choose the best tee shot and alternate shots until the ball is holed. Greensomes require teamwork and strategy, as players need to make strategic decisions about when to switch and which shots to take. It’s a format that encourages collaboration and can lead to some chat about tactics, followed by exciting shot-making.

Chapman

Also known as “Pinehurst,” the Chapman format is a blend of alternate shot and best ball formats. Each player on a team hits a tee shot, and then they switch partners and hit their second shots from their partner’s tee shot.

Following the second shots, the team selects the best ball and plays alternate shots until the ball is holed. Chapman demands effective communication and coordination between partners. It’s a format that challenges players to strategize and work together to achieve the best outcome.

Wolf

In Wolf, players take turns being the “wolf” on each hole. The wolf decides whether to play the hole alone against the other three players or to partner with one of them. The wolf makes their decision immediately after seeing the tee shots of the other players. If the wolf chooses to partner with another player, they form a team and compete against the other two players.

Points are awarded based on the outcome of each hole, with players earning more points for winning a hole when playing alone. Wolf is a format that adds an element of strategy and decision-making, making it a great game to play with friends.

Texas Scramble

Texas Scramble is a variation of the traditional scramble or ambrose format. In this format, all players tee off, and the team selects the best tee shot. However, the player who hit the chosen shot sits out for the next shot. The remaining players then take their shots from the selected spot, and the process repeats until the ball is holed.