Guide to Golf Game Formats: Strokeplay, Stableford, Matchplay, Scramble, Foursome, Greensome, and Chapman Explained for Every Golfer

What are the different golf game formats?

Let’s review the different golf game formats! There are more than you think, and we decided to explain the main formats to you — maybe it will inspire you to try them out during your next golf round! Let’s go! 🔥

1️ : Stroke Play

Stroke play is the most widely used golf game format, both in amateur and professional competition. It consists of counting the total number of strokes played by a player on a golf course, from the tee of the first hole to the final putt of the last hole. The player with the lowest score wins the game.

In stroke play, all strokes played are counted, including penalty strokes. Penalty strokes are imposed for breaches of golf rules, such as using an unauthorized club or accidentally moving the ball.

Stroke play can be played individually or in teams. In teams, the team's score is the sum of the two players' scores.

Stroke play is a game format that rewards precision and consistency. It is also a very competitive game format because it allows comparison of players' performances on the same course while taking into account each player’s handicap.

2️ : Stableford

Stableford is a golf game format that consists of scoring points based on the number of strokes played relative to par on each hole.

The par of a hole is the ideal number of strokes to complete it. In Stableford, a player receives:

• 5 points if they played three strokes under par (albatross)
• 4 points if they played two strokes under par (eagle)
• 3 points if they played one stroke under par (birdie)
• 2 points if they played par
• 1 point if they played one stroke over par (bogey)
• 0 points if they played two strokes or more over par

The player with the most points at the end of the round wins the game.

Stableford is a friendlier format than stroke play because it allows players to score points even if they make a few bad shots. It is also more suitable for players of all levels, as it does not reward precision and consistency exclusively.

Stableford is a popular format for friendly competitions and golf leagues. It is also used in some professional tournaments, such as the Ladies European Tour.

3️ : Match Play

Match play is a golf game format that consists of playing holes head-to-head against an opponent. The player who finishes a hole with the fewest strokes wins that hole. The player who wins the most holes at the end of the round wins the match.

Match play is a more exciting game format than stroke play because it allows players to come back into the game even if they are behind. It is also more suitable for players of all levels, as it does not reward solely precision and consistency.

Match play is a popular format for friendly competitions and golf tournaments. It is also used in some professional tournaments, which we will revisit just below.

4️ : Scramble

Scramble is a golf game format played in teams of 2, 3, or 4 players. At each shot, every player on the team hits the ball, and only the best ball of the team is kept for the next shot. This best ball then serves as the starting point for all players on the team.

Scramble is a very friendly format because it allows players of all skill levels to play together. It is also very popular for friendly competitions and tournaments.

5️ : Foursome

Foursome is a golf game format played in teams of 2 players. The two players on a team alternate playing the same ball on each hole. The team's score is the number of strokes played to complete the hole.

Foursome is a format that requires good communication and coordination between the two players on a team. It is also a very friendly game format because it allows players of all levels to play together.

Foursome is a popular format for friendly competitions and tournaments. It is also used in some professional tournaments, which we will discuss just below 👇

6️ : Greensome

Greensome is a golf format played in teams of 2 players. Each player on the team plays their own ball from the tee, and the two players then choose the better ball of the two to complete the hole playing alternate shots in the style of foursome. The team's score is the number of strokes played to complete the hole.

Greensome is a format that requires good communication and coordination between the two players on a team. It is also a very friendly format because it allows players of all levels to play together.

Greensome is a popular format for friendly competitions and tournaments.

In the end, greensome is an interesting and challenging format that can be enjoyed by players of all levels.

7️ : Chapman

Derived from Greensome, both players tee off on the hole. On the second shot, player A plays the ball of player B and vice versa. From the third shot onwards, the better of the two balls is chosen to be played alternately by A and B.

Chapman is a format that requires good communication and coordination between the two players on a team. It is also a very friendly format because it allows players of all levels to play together.

Chapman is a popular format for friendly competitions and tournaments.

In general, Chapman is considered a friendlier format than foursome because it allows players of all levels to play together.

And that’s it for this section, now you are an expert on the different golf game formats! Don’t hesitate to try these formats with your playing partners on your next golf round together. It’s a great way to make the rounds more fun, approach strategy differently, and most importantly, learn to play low scores while handling pressure 😉