Common Names for Golf Games

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Quick Answer

• A golf game can go by many names – think “stroke play,” “match play,” “scramble,” or just a casual “round of golf.”
• The specific name usually hinges on the scoring method, how many folks are playing, and if handicaps are in the mix.
• Knowing these terms is key to understanding the rules and how to claim victory on the course.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who want to get a solid handle on the various ways to play and score a round, from casual rounds to organized tournaments.
• New players who are hearing all sorts of jargon on the course and need it broken down in plain English.

What is a Golf Game Called: Key Terms to Check First

Before you even grab your driver, get these basics locked down. It’s the difference between a friendly knock-around and a proper competition. Trust me, I’ve been on both sides of a confusing scorecard.

• Scoring System: This is the big one. Is the goal to have the lowest total number of strokes over the entire course (that’s your stroke play)? Or is it about winning individual holes, one by one (match play)? Maybe it’s a points system like Stableford, where you earn points for good scores on each hole? Nail this down first.
• Number of Players: Are you going solo, playing with a partner, or part of a larger team? This detail is crucial because it dictates specific game types like foursomes (alternate shot for two players) or scrambles (team hits from the best shot).
• Handicaps: Will handicaps be used? If so, how are they applied? Handicaps are designed to level the playing field between players of different skill levels, but they significantly alter how scores are calculated and who might actually be winning. It’s not always about the raw numbers.
• Format Specifics: Beyond the basic scoring and player count, are there any other format rules? Some games have unique structures or twists that aren’t immediately obvious. For instance, is it a standard 18-hole round, or a shorter nine-hole challenge?

Step-by-Step Plan for Understanding What a Golf Game is Called

Here’s your roadmap for deciphering any golf game you encounter. It’s not rocket science, just a few key questions.

1. Action: Identify the primary scoring method.

What to look for: Ask yourself: Is the ultimate goal to achieve the lowest total score across all the holes played (this points to stroke play), or is the aim to win more individual holes than your opponent(s) (that’s match play)?
Mistake to avoid: Getting stuck thinking every game is just about accumulating the lowest gross score. Match play operates on a hole-by-hole basis, and strategy can shift dramatically.

2. Action: Confirm the number of players involved.

What to look for: Are you playing head-to-head one-on-one, as a pair, or as part of a larger team? This distinction is vital.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a “game” automatically means just you and your buddies playing individually. Team formats have their own specific names and rules that differ from singles play.

3. Action: Inquire about the use of handicaps.

What to look for: Will players be using their handicap strokes? If so, how are these strokes being applied to specific holes? Are they taken on the hardest holes, or distributed differently?
Mistake to avoid: Underestimating or ignoring handicaps. They can drastically change who is favored to win and how scores are compared between players of varying abilities.

4. Action: Listen for and ask about specific format names.

What to look for: Do you hear terms like “scramble,” “foursomes,” “best ball,” “four-ball,” or “Stableford”? These are clear indicators of a particular game structure and set of rules.
Mistake to avoid: Not understanding what these common format names mean. A scramble feels and plays entirely differently than traditional stroke play, for example.

5. Action: Clarify the objective of winning.

What to look for: Are you trying to win the most holes outright, achieve the lowest gross score (your raw score), or the lowest net score (your gross score minus any handicap strokes)? The definition of “winning” can vary.
Mistake to avoid: Making the assumption that the winning condition is identical for every game you play. It’s not always about the lowest number on the scorecard.

6. Action: Understand the order of play and shot selection.

What to look for: In some formats, like foursomes, players alternate hitting shots. In others, like a scramble, the team chooses the best shot after each hit.
Mistake to avoid: Not knowing if you’re playing your own ball completely or if your team’s ball is selected after each stroke. This impacts how you approach every shot.

Understanding Different Golf Game Formats: What is a Golf Game Called?

The beauty of golf lies in its versatility. While the core act of hitting a ball into a hole remains, the way we structure games and scoring is incredibly diverse. This allows for everything from intense professional tournaments to laid-back weekend outings with friends. Let’s dive deeper into some of the most common names and what they signify.

Stroke Play: The Classic Challenge

This is arguably the most straightforward and widely recognized format.

• What it is: In stroke play, the objective is simple: complete the course using the fewest possible strokes. You count every single shot you take, including putts and penalty strokes. The player with the lowest total score over the 18 holes wins.
• Who it’s for: This is the standard for professional tours like the PGA and LPGA, as well as most amateur competitions. It’s a pure test of consistency and skill over an entire round.
• Key elements: Lowest gross score wins. Handicaps can be applied to determine a net score winner, but the fundamental game is about total strokes.
• Mistake to avoid: In stroke play, every shot counts. There’s no “discarding” a bad hole unless you choose to pick up your ball, which essentially forfeits that hole and adds a score of ‘X’ (usually a maximum score set by the rules).

Match Play: A Hole-by-Hole Duel

Match play brings a more direct, head-to-head competition to the course.

• What it is: Instead of counting total strokes, match play pits two players (or two teams) against each other hole by hole. The player who takes fewer strokes on a given hole wins that hole. The match is won by the player who wins more holes than their opponent.
• Who it’s for: Great for one-on-one rivalries or smaller groups where you want a more personal contest. It’s also a format used in major team events like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.
• Key elements: Winning individual holes. You can be “up” a certain number of holes with fewer holes left to play. If you’re down by more holes than remain, you lose the match. A “halved” hole means both players scored the same, and neither wins or loses the hole.
• Mistake to avoid: Getting discouraged if you lose a few holes early. In match play, you can come back from being “down” significantly. The focus is on winning the next hole, not necessarily the overall score. Also, don’t forget that you can concede putts or even holes if you wish, which can speed up play or avoid unnecessary conflict.

Scramble: The Team Power Play

This is a fantastic format for groups of friends or charity events, designed for maximum fun and team spirit.

• What it is: In a scramble, all players on a team tee off. The team then selects the best drive. All players hit their next shot from that chosen spot. This process repeats for every shot – select the best shot, hit from there – until the ball is holed.
• Who it’s for: Ideal for groups with mixed skill levels, as it allows less experienced players to contribute and benefit from the better shots of their teammates. It’s also a great way to keep the pace of play up.
• Key elements: Teamwork is paramount. The goal is the lowest team score on each hole. Handicaps are often applied, but usually a percentage of the team’s combined handicap.
• Mistake to avoid: Not communicating effectively as a team. You need to discuss strategy, which shot to pick, and how to play from there. Also, be aware of the specific handicap calculation for scrambles, as it’s usually not a full 100% of combined handicaps.

Best Ball (Four-Ball): Pairs Playing Their Own Ball

This format offers a competitive edge for pairs without the complexity of alternate shot.

• What it is: In a best ball format (often called four-ball when played by teams of two), each player on a team plays their own ball throughout the hole. At the end of the hole, the lowest score among the teammates is recorded as the team’s score for that hole.
• Who it’s for: Perfect for pairs who want to compete together against other pairs or as part of a larger field. It allows for individual brilliance while still relying on a partner.
• Key elements: Each player completes every hole. The team score is the best individual score on that hole. Handicaps are typically applied to each player’s score before determining the best ball.
• Mistake to avoid: Getting too focused on your own score and forgetting your partner. You need to support each other and play your best to contribute to the team’s best ball. Also, understand how handicaps are applied – usually, the player with the lowest handicap on the team has their full handicap applied, and the other player(s) receive a percentage.

Foursomes (Alternate Shot): A True Test of Partnership

This is one of the oldest forms of golf and requires serious coordination and trust.

• What it is: In foursomes, two players form a team. One player hits the tee shot on odd-numbered holes, and the other hits the tee shot on even-numbered holes. After the tee shot, the partners alternate hitting shots from where the ball lies until the ball is holed.
• Who it’s for: A challenging format for partners who have a strong understanding of each other’s games and can communicate well. It’s seen in major team championships.
• Key elements: Players alternate hitting shots. The tee shot selection alternates between partners on each hole.
• Mistake to avoid: Poor communication is the killer here. You need to know your partner’s tendencies, be ready to hit when it’s your turn, and accept that you’ll be playing shots your partner might not have hit. Also, remember that handicaps in foursomes are usually half the combined handicaps of the two players.

Common Mistakes When Identifying a Golf Game

Don’t get caught on the wrong green with a confusing scorecard. Here are some common pitfalls to sidestep.

• Mistake: Assuming all games are “stroke play.”

Why it matters: This is a big one. Other formats like match play or Stableford have fundamentally different winning conditions and require entirely different strategies. You wouldn’t play a match play hole the same way you’d play a stroke play hole.
Fix: Always ask about the scoring and how a winner is determined before you start your round. A quick “How are we scoring this?” can save a lot of confusion.

• Mistake: Not clarifying the number of players and team structure.

Why it matters: Games like foursomes (alternate shot in pairs) or four-ball (best ball in pairs) are distinct from singles play and have unique rules regarding who hits which shot and how the score is recorded.
Fix: Confirm if it’s an individual game, a two-person team, or a larger group competing. Knowing this sets the stage for understanding the specific game.

• Mistake: Ignoring or misunderstanding handicaps.

Why it matters: Handicaps significantly alter the effective scores and fairness between players of different skill levels. A player who looks like they’ll lose based on raw strokes might actually win after handicap strokes are applied.
Fix: Always inquire if handicaps are being used and, crucially, how they are applied to the scores. This often involves knowing the handicap allowance for the specific game format.

• Mistake: Confusing “best ball” with “scramble.”

Why it matters: These are two very different team formats. In best ball, each player plays their own ball, and the best score on each hole counts. In a scramble, the team selects the best shot after each stroke and all players hit from that chosen spot.
Fix: Ask specifically how the team’s ball is selected on each hole. If everyone hits from the same spot after the first shot, it’s likely a scramble. If everyone plays their own ball and the best score is taken, it’s best ball.

• Mistake: Not knowing the difference between gross and net scores.

Why it matters: Your gross score is your raw, unadjusted score. Your net score is your gross score minus any handicap strokes you receive. In many games, especially those with handicaps, the net score determines the winner.
Fix: Clarify whether the game is being played to gross scores or net scores. This is especially important when comparing your score to others.

• Mistake: Failing to understand the concept of “halving” in match play.

Why it matters: In match play, a hole can be “halved” if both players score the same. This doesn’t mean you win or lose the hole, but it affects the overall match score and momentum.
Fix: Understand that a halved hole simply means no change in the match score for that hole. It’s a neutral outcome.

FAQ

• What is the most common type of golf game?

The most common way golf is played, both recreationally and professionally, is stroke play. The objective is to achieve the lowest total score over 18 holes, counting every shot taken.

• How do you play match play golf?

In match play, two players or two teams compete hole by hole. The player who takes fewer strokes on a specific hole wins that hole. The match is won by the player who wins more holes than their opponent. If you’re ahead by more holes than are remaining, you win the match.

• What is the difference between stroke play and match play?

In stroke play, the winner is the player with the lowest cumulative score over the entire round. In match play, the winner is the player who wins more individual holes than their opponent, regardless of the total number of strokes taken.

• What is a “scramble” in golf?

A scramble is a team game where all players on the team tee off, the team chooses the best drive, and then all players hit their next shot from that chosen spot. This process of selecting the best shot and hitting from there continues until the ball is holed. It’s a popular format for events because it’s fun and inclusive.

• What does “best ball” mean in golf?

Best ball, often referred to as four-ball when played by teams of two, means each player on a team plays their own ball throughout the hole. At the end of the hole, the lowest score achieved by any player on that team is recorded as the team’s score for that hole.

• Is Stableford a common golf game?

Stableford is a points-based scoring system that is less common than stroke or match play but is quite popular in certain club competitions and handicapping systems. Instead of counting strokes, players earn points for their scores on each hole (e.g., points for a birdie, par, or bogey). The player with the most points at the end of the round wins.

• What is “foursomes” in golf?

Foursomes, also known as alternate shot, is a format where two players form a team. They alternate hitting shots throughout the round. One player hits the tee shot on odd-numbered holes, and the other hits the tee shot on even-numbered holes. After the tee shot, they take turns hitting the ball from where it lies until it’s holed.