Golf Games, Formats, and Types of Play

Game	How It’s Played
Scramble	All players tee off, pick the best shot, then all hit from there. Continue until holed. Best for teams.
Shamble	All tee off, pick the best drive, then everyone plays their own ball from that spot.
Best Ball	Each player plays their own ball; the best score per hole counts for the team.
Alternate Shot (Foursomes)	Two-player teams alternate shots using one ball; players also alternate tee shots.
Chapman (Pinehurst)	Both players tee off, switch balls for second shots, pick the best, and alternate shots in.
Stableford	Points are awarded based on score per hole (e.g., 1 for bogey, 2 for par, 3 for birdie); most points wins.
Match Play	Win holes outright; total holes won determines the match result.
Skins	Each hole is worth a “skin” (prize); lowest score on the hole wins the skin; ties carry skins forward.
Wolf	Players rotate as “Wolf,” choosing each hole whether to play solo or pick a partner.

Tournament Type	How It’s Played
Stroke Play	Players count total strokes for the round or event; lowest overall wins.
Match Play Tournament	Bracket-style head-to-head matches; winner advances to the next round.
Stableford Tournament	Players earn points per hole based on performance; highest total points win.
Four-Ball Tournament	Teams of two; each plays own ball, best score per hole counts for the team.
Foursomes Tournament	Teams of two; alternate shots using one ball.
Pro-Am	Teams of professionals and amateurs; often uses best ball or scramble format.
Ryder Cup Style	Team competition combining multiple match formats (foursomes, four-ball, singles).

Format	How It’s Played
Individual	Each player plays their own ball and competes solo.
Team Play	Teams of two or more combine scores or use team formats like best ball or scramble.
Medal Play	Same as stroke play; total strokes over the round(s) decide the winner.
Net vs. Gross	Gross = actual raw score; Net = score adjusted using player’s handicap.