Golf scoring systems
Popular Golf Formats for Groups and Events
A plain-English guide to scoring systems with the course details that make it useful.
Pick the format for the group
Scrambles, best balls, alternate shot, skins, and Nassau matches all create different pressure. A scramble keeps beginners involved. Best ball lets stronger players post their own score. Alternate shot is brilliant fun until someone leaves a partner behind a tree.
- Scramble: fastest, friendliest, great for outings.
- Best ball: good for competitive fourballs.
- Skins: adds drama to every hole.
- Alternate shot: best for patient partners.
Make rules clear early
Decide mulligans, handicaps, tees, and ties before the first tee. The format should create banter, not disputes.