Stroke play, Stableford, match play, scramble, greensome, Chapman, foursome… There are many ways to play golf, whether alone or as a team. Here are the main formats, how each one is played, the handicap recommended by the World Handicap System, and which format to choose based on your skill level.
Golf formats at a glance
| Format | Players | How it works | Recommended Handicap | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stroke play | Individual | Count every stroke on the course. | 95 % | Tournaments and handicap index calculation |
| Stableford | Individual | Points per hole based on the score relative to par. | 95 % | Club Competitions |
| Match play | Individual | You either win or lose each hole against an opponent. | 100 % | Matches between friends or clubs |
| Foursome | Team of 2 | One ball, partners alternate shots. | 50% of the total | Consistent players |
| Greensome | Team of 2 | Two drives, keep the best, then alternate shots. | 60 % / 40 % | Couples and Mixed-Gender Teams |
| Chapman | Team of 2 | Two drives, swap balls, then alternate shots. | 60 % / 40 % | Teams who like to hit lots of shots |
| Four-ball (better ball) | Team of 2 | Each player plays their own ball; the team keeps the better score on the hole. | 85% (stroke play) | Players of different levels |
| Scramble | Team of 2 to 4 | Everyone plays, and the team plays every shot from the best ball. | 25 / 20 / 15 / 10% (4 players) | Beginners and Pro-Ams |
Handicap allowances recommended by the World Handicap System (WHS), according to National Club Golfer (December 2024). The organizing committee for each competition may set different percentages.
Individual formats
Stroke play: counting all your strokes
That's the basic format: each player counts all their strokes over the 18 holes, and the lowest score wins. Every hole must be completed, even after a high score. This is the format used in professional tournaments, and it's the one used to calculate your Handicap Index. The gross score is compared with the course par; the net score deducts the strokes you receive from your handicap.
Stableford: Points Instead of Strokes
In Stableford, you score points on each hole instead of counting strokes, based on your score relative to par and the strokes you receive. A bad hole only costs you zero points: you can pick up and move on to the next hole, which makes the round faster and less frustrating. The official rules describe it in Rule 21 of the Rules of Golf. For all the details, see our Stableford Guide.
Match play: a hole-by-hole duel
In match play, you play against an opponent, and each hole is either won, lost, or tied. The player who leads by more holes than remain to be played wins. This is the format used in the Ryder Cup and other major matchups. See our Match Play Guide.
Formats for two
The foursome: one ball for two players
The two partners play one ball and take turns hitting it. They also alternate tee shots: one tees off on the odd-numbered holes, the other on the even-numbered holes. So any mistake is paid for on your partner’s next shot. Foursomes, also called alternate shot, are covered by Rule 22 and is played in the Ryder Cup. Recommended handicap: 50% of the sum of the two playing handicaps.
Greensome: two drives, then players take turns
Both players hit a drive. The team keeps the best one, and the player whose drive wasn’t selected plays the second shot. They then alternate shots until the hole is reached. This is a more relaxed format than foursomes and is very popular among couples or mixed teams. Recommended handicap: 60% of the lower handicap and 40% of the higher handicap.
Chapman (or Pinehurst): swap the balls
Both players hit a drive, then each plays their second shot with their partner’s ball. The team then chooses the best of the two balls, and they alternate shots until the hole is reached. This way, each player takes more shots than in greensome. Recommended handicap: 60% / 40%, as in greensome. To avoid confusing these formats with the scramble, see also our Scramble Guide.
Four-Ball Best Ball
Each player plays their own ball from tee to hole, and the team keeps the better of the two scores. It is the ideal format when levels differ: the stronger player “carries” the team, while the other can take risks without hurting the side. It is covered by Rule 23 and is also played in the Ryder Cup. Recommended handicap: 85% in stroke play, 90% in match play.
Formats for four
The Scramble: The Most Social Option
All players hit, the team chooses the best ball, and everyone plays again from that spot until a ball is holed. It can be played with 2, 3 or 4 players. It is the ideal format for a first competition, and the one used in most Pro-Ams. Recommended allowance with 4 players: 25%, 20%, 15% and 10% of the handicaps, from lowest to highest. Full details in our Scramble Guide.
Best balls with four players
Each player plays their own ball, and for each hole, the team counts one, two, or three of the four scores, depending on the announced format. Recommended handicaps for stroke play: 75% for one ball out of four, 85% for two balls out of four, and 100% for three or four balls out of four.
Games with Friends: Skins and Nassau
These games run alongside a normal round. In a skins game, each hole awards a “skin” to the player who wins it outright; in the event of a tie, the skin carries over to the next hole (Golf Digest). The Nassau combines three matches in one: the front nine, the back nine and the full 18 holes (Golf Digest). Both are great to play just for the fun of competing, without any stakes.
Which format should you choose for your level?
- If you're just starting out: A scramble, so you can enjoy the course without any pressure.
- You're playing as a couple or with a partner of a different skill level: a greensome or a four-ball (better ball).
- Want to lower your handicap: Stableford or stroke play—these are the two individual formats that count.
- You like head-to-head matches: match play, or foursomes for a Ryder Cup feel.
Scramble and best-ball are also formats used in Pro-Am: Check our calendar for dates so you can play alongside a pro someday.
Frequently asked questions about golf formats
What is the easiest golf format for beginners?
The scramble. You play as a team, you always play from the best ball, and a bad shot costs almost nothing. It is also the format used in most Pro-Ams.
What is the difference between a greensome and a foursome?
In a foursome, the two partners take turns playing a single ball from the tee. In a greensome, both players hit a drive, the team keeps the best one, and then they alternate shots until the hole is reached.
What is the difference between a greensome and a Chapman?
In greensome, you choose the best drive and then alternate shots immediately. In Chapman, each player hits their second shot with their partner’s ball, then the team chooses one ball and alternates shots until the hole is reached.
How is a team's handicap calculated in a foursome?
The World Handicap System recommends 50% of the sum of both partners' playing handicaps. The competition committee may set a different percentage.
Does Stableford count toward the handicap?
Yes, an individual Stableford competition can count toward your handicap, just like stroke play. Team formats (scramble, greensome, foursome) do not count toward your individual handicap.
What is a skins game?
A game played among friends where each hole is worth a “skin.” The player who wins the hole outright takes the skin; in the event of a tie, the skin carries over to the next hole.