Playing a round of golf with your friends is one of the best experiences the game offers, and thankfully, it’s one of the easiest to arrange. This article breaks down exactly how to set up a game locally, from picking a format that works for everyone to mastering the friendly etiquette that keeps the good times rolling. We’ll cover step-by-step instructions for popular games that level the playing field and make the round fun for golfers of all skill levels.
Before you can decide who owes whom a drink after the 18th, you need to get the logistics sorted. Organizing a group outing is straightforward, but a little planning goes a long way in making sure everything runs smoothly.
Most local play for casual groups happens at public or municipal courses. These are courses owned by a town, city, or county, and they are open to everyone. They’re generally more affordable and have a more relaxed atmosphere, which is perfect for a friendly get-together.
A quick online search for "public golf courses near me" will give you a list of options. Check their websites for green fees, dress code, and course layout to find a spot that fits your group's budget and vibe.
Once you have a course in mind, it's time to book. For a standard group of four (a "foursome"), you can often book online through the course’s website or a third-party service like GolfNow. However, for groups larger than four, or to ensure you get the exact time you want, calling the pro shop directly is always your best bet.
Pro Tip: When coordinating with friends, use a simple text or WhatsApp group to float a few potential dates and times. Get a consensus before you book to avoid cancellations and rescheduling headaches. Most courses require a credit card to hold a tee time and may charge a no-show fee, so confirming with your group first is important.
This is where the real fun begins. Playing a standard round is great, but adding a little competitive format an turn a regular Saturday into a memorable battle for bragging rights. The key is to pick a game that suits your group’s skill level and competitive spirit.
If you have a mix of beginners and experienced players, a scramble is the ultimate a-no-pressure game. It emphasizes teamwork and gets rid of a lot of the stress associated with individual bad shots.
How a 4-Person Scramble Works:
The beauty of the scramble is that everyone contributes. The long hitter might provide the big drives, the great iron player handles the approach shots, and the best putter can seal the deal on the greens. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the course without the pressure of a personal scorecard.
If your group is more competitive, match play is a fantastic choice. Instead of competing for the lowest total score over 18 holes (stroke play), you’re competing to win individual holes. It can be played one-on-one or as a two-on-two team game (known as Four-Ball match play).
How Match Play Works:
Match play is exciting because a single blow-up hole doesn't ruin your entire round. If you make a 9 on a par 4, you simply lose that one hole and start fresh on the next tee. This keeps the match competitive even if one player has a disastrous moment.
Best Ball is another popular team format, most often played with two-person teams (four players total, or a "Four-Ball"). It’s a nice middle ground between a scramble and individual stroke play.
How It Works:
This format is great because it lets you play your own game but provides the safety net of a teammate. If you hit a bad drive and struggle on a hole, your partner has a chance to save the day and post a good score for the team.
If your group has players with widely different skill levels, using handicaps is the best way to make any game fair. A handicap is a number representing a golfer’s potential ability and allows players of all levels to compete against each other. For a friendly round, you don’t need an official handicap. You can use a general idea.
For example, if you typically shoot around 90 (18 over par) and your friend shoots around 100 (28 over par), your friend has a 10-shot advantage. In a net stroke play game, you just subtract their handicap strokes from their final gross score. So, a score of 98 with a 28-handicap becomes a net 70. This system allows everyone to feel competitive and have a real chance at winning.
How you conduct yourself on the course is just as important as the game you play, especially with friends. Following a few simple guidelines ensures everyone has a great time.
The golden rule of playing with others is to keep up the pace of play. Avoid slow play with these simple habits:
Are you playing a "breakfast ball" (a mulligan on the first tee)? Are you allowing "gimmes" (short putts that are automatically conceded)? Decide on these informal rules on the first tee. It prevents debates later on and keeps the mood light.
Friendly competition is excellent, but your main job is to be a supportive friend. Cheer for their good shots. Provide encouragement after a bad one. And unless they specifically ask, steer clear of giving unsolicited swing advice. We all have enough swing thoughts in our heads already! Celebrate the good shots together and move on quickly from the bad ones.
Playing golf locally with friends is truly one of the game's greatest joys. By picking a fun format like a scramble or match play and establishing a few friendly rules upfront, you can create a memorable experience for everyone, regardless of their final score or handicap.
Even with the perfect format, there will always be those debatable on-course situations or tricky shots where no one in your group feels 100% sure about the best play. That’s where it helps to have an impartial expert in your pocket. I designed my app, Caddie AI, to be your on-demand golf expert, ready to give you strategic advice or analyze a tough situation. You can snap a photo of a strange lie in the rough and get an instant recommendation on how to play the shot, helping you turn a potential disaster into a great escape and settle friendly debates with expert help.
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