Golf game modes explained
Plain-English rules for the games golfers play with their mates, with handicaps explained. Pick one, then score it live on everyone’s phone.
- Stroke play2+ playersEvery stroke counts. Lowest score wins.Read the rules ›
- Stableford2+ playersPoints on every hole. Most points wins.Read the rules ›
- 4BBB StablefordExactly 4 playersPairs: the better Stableford score of the two counts on each hole.Read the rules ›
- Match play2 or 4 playersHead to head, one hole at a time.Read the rules ›
- WolfExactly 4 playersPick a partner each hole, or go it alone.Read the rules ›
- Skins2+ playersWin a hole outright to win its skin.Read the rules ›
- Split Sixes3 or 4 playersSix points on every hole: 4 for the best score, 2 for the next.Read the rules ›
- Bingo Bango Bongo2+ playersThree points up for grabs on every hole.Read the rules ›
- Nassau2 or 4 playersThree match play bets: front 9, back 9, overall.Read the rules ›
- VegasExactly 4 playersPairs join their scores into one number: 4 and 5 make 45.Read the rules ›
- Sixes (Hollywood)Exactly 4 playersPartners rotate every 6 holes.Read the rules ›
Which game should we play?
- A proper test of everyone’s golf
- Stroke play
- Mixed abilities, relaxed round
- Stableford, or Bingo Bango Bongo
- Four players in pairs
- 4BBB Stableford, or Vegas for more action
- Head to head, or two against two
- Match play, or a Nassau
- Three players (or four)
- Split Sixes
- Four players who like decisions
- Wolf
- Four players, mix up the teams
- Sixes (Hollywood)
- Every hole worth something
- Skins