A golf trip is more fun when every round has a little structure. The right format keeps a mixed-ability group engaged, speeds up play and gives everyone something to talk about at dinner. Here are the formats groups use most, how they work and when to use each.
Scramble
How it works: every player in the team hits a tee shot. The team picks the best one, and everyone plays their next shot from that spot. Repeat until the ball is holed. The team records one score per hole.
Why groups like it: it's fast, social and forgiving. Higher handicappers contribute without feeling the pressure of every shot counting. Scores are low, which makes for a good first-day round.
Things to agree on: many groups require each player's drive to be used a minimum number of times, so the longest hitter doesn't carry the team. If you're competing against other teams, use handicap allowances so teams of different strength are on equal footing. The World Handicap System publishes recommended allowances for team formats.
Best ball (four-ball)
How it works: each player plays their own ball the whole hole. The team's score on each hole is the lowest individual score among its players. In a foursome this is usually played as two-person teams, two against two.
Why groups like it: everyone plays a real round of golf, but a blow-up hole doesn't hurt the team as long as a partner makes a good score. It works well with net scoring, using each player's handicap strokes on the holes where they get them.
Alternate shot (foursomes)
How it works: two-person teams play one ball, taking turns hitting shots. Partners usually alternate tee shots, one teeing off on odd holes and the other on even holes.
Why groups like it: it's a true team game that rewards strategy and communication. It's also one of the fastest formats, because there's only one ball per team. It can be stressful for newer golfers, so use it with groups that enjoy a challenge.
Skins
How it works: each hole is worth a "skin." The player with the lowest score on a hole, outright, wins it. If two or more players tie for the lowest score, nobody wins the skin and it usually carries over to the next hole, so the next skin is worth more.
Why groups like it: every hole matters, even for someone having a rough day. Carryovers create tension late in the round. It works with gross or net scores; net skins give higher handicappers a real chance.
Tip: agree before you start whether carryovers are on and how a tie on the 18th hole is handled.
Stableford
How it works: players earn points on each hole based on their score relative to par, usually net of handicap strokes. A common scale is 1 point for a bogey, 2 for a par, 3 for a birdie and 4 for an eagle, with 0 for a double bogey or worse. The highest total wins.
Why groups like it: a disaster hole costs at most a couple of points instead of ruining a whole round. Players can pick up once they can no longer score, which speeds up play considerably. It's an excellent format for a trip-long individual competition.
Nassau
How it works: a Nassau is three matches in one: the front nine, the back nine and the full 18. It can be played individually or in teams, match play or stroke play.
Why groups like it: a bad front nine doesn't end the competition, because the back nine and overall match are still live. Some groups add "presses," new side matches started by the player who is behind. If you use presses, agree on the rules before the first tee.
Shamble
How it works: like a scramble off the tee, everyone hits a drive and the team picks the best one. From there, each player plays their own ball into the hole. The team score can be the best one or two individual scores on each hole.
Why groups like it: it gives players the benefit of a good drive while still making them play their own approach shots and putts. It's a good middle ground between a scramble and best ball.
How to choose formats for a multi-day trip
Mixing formats keeps the trip fresh and gives different players a chance to shine. A plan that works for many groups:
- Day one, scramble. Low pressure, fast, social. A good way to shake off the travel.
- Day two, best ball in rotating pairs. Everyone plays their own ball, and partners change so the group mixes.
- Day three, Stableford. Individual competition with net scoring, so the whole group has a chance.
- Skins every round. A small side game that keeps every hole interesting.
Keep score in one place
Whatever you play, choose one scorekeeper per group or a shared scorecard so results don't depend on memory. Decide in advance how ties are broken, whether scores are gross or net, and how handicaps are applied. If the group plays for stakes, total everything at the end of the trip and settle once, rather than passing money around every hole. Our guide on splitting costs on a group trip covers settling up cleanly.
Formats are there to make the round more fun. If the group isn't enjoying one, switch to another the next day.