Ready to spice up your regular weekend foursome? The 666 golf format is one of the most entertaining ways to compete on the course, blending three different games into a single 18-hole round. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playing 666, from the rules of each six-hole match to the strategies that will help your team walk away with the win.
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What is the 666 Golf Format?
The 666 format, sometimes called "Hollywood," "Round Robin," or "Three Sixes," is a golf game designed for a group of four players, split into two teams of two. Over the course of 18 holes, your foursome will play three separate, six-hole matches, each with a different set of rules.
The beauty of this format is its variety. Just when you’re getting used to one style of play, the rules switch, requiring new strategies and a different mental approach. It keeps everyone engaged and can help level the playing field, as some partnerships might excel at one format over another. It’s a perfect way to break up the routine and introduce a fun, competitive spark to your round.
Typically, the 18 holes are broken down as follows:
Each six-hole match feels like its own little battle. Understanding the rules for each section is the first step to building a winning game plan.
Holes 1-6: Scramble
The round starts with a Scramble, which is a fantastic format for warming up and building team chemistry. It's often the most forgiving and lowest-scoring portion of the day.
How to Play Scramble:
Both you and your partner tee off on every hole.
You walk up and decide which of the two tee shots is in the better position. Is it farther? In a better spot in the fairway? Does it have a clear angle to the green?
Once you choose the best shot, both players pick up their balls and play their next shot from that spot. You'll place your ball within one club-length of the chosen shot's location (but no closer to the hole).
You repeat this process for every shot - drives, approaches, chips, and putts - until one of you gets the ball in the hole. You get two chances at every single shot!
The Scramble is all about teamwork and capitalizing on your best opportunities. It tends to produce very low scores and lots of birdies.
Holes 7-12: Fourball (Best Ball)
As you make the turn to the seventh hole, the game shifts to Fourball, more commonly known in North America as "Best Ball." Here, the reliance shifts slightly from pure teamwork to more individual play, but with a partner as your safety net.
How to Play Fourball:
Unlike a Scramble, both you and your partner play your own golf ball from tee to green on every hole.
You play the hole out just as you normally would, recording your individual score.
At the end of the hole, you compare your score with your partner's score. The lower of the two scores becomes your team's official score for that hole.
For example, if you make a 4 and your partner makes a 5, the team's score is 4. If you both make a 4, the score is still 4. This format allows one player to play aggressively and hunt for birdies, knowing their partner can hopefully secure a safe par in the background.
Holes 13-18: Foursomes (Alternate Shot)
The final six holes are often the most demanding and strategic part of a 666 match: Foursomes, or "Alternate Shot." This format tests trust, patience, and true partnership like no other.
How to Play Foursomes:
Your team plays with only one ball.
You and your partner take turns hitting shots until the ball is in the hole.
Before the match starts, you must decide who will tee off on the odd-numbered holes (13, 15, 17) and who will tee off on the even-numbered holes (14, 16, 18).
If Player A tees off, Player B hits the second shot. Then Player A hits the third, Player B the fourth, and so on until the hole is completed.
This is where things get interesting. You’re not just responsible for your shot, you’re responsible for setting up your partner's next shot. It's rewarding when it works and a good test of your relationship when it doesn't!
How to Keep Score in 666
The most common way to keep score in 666 is with match play for each six-hole segment. You’re essentially playing three separate mini-matches.
Here’s how it works hole by hole:
If your team wins a hole, you get 1 point.
If you tie (or "halve") a hole, each team gets a half-point (0.5).
If you lose a hole, you get 0 points.
At the end of each six-hole match, you tally the points to find a winner for that segment. For instance, after the first six holes of Scramble, your team might have won 4 to 2. You then reset the score to 0-0 for the Fourball and Foursomes matches. Players will often place a small wager on each of the three matches, plus an overall winner for the combined 18-hole score. This keeps things interesting even if one team runs away with an early lead in one format.
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Playing 666 well isn't just about hitting good shots - it’s about playing smart and adapting your strategy to each new format.
Scramble Strategy (Holes 1-6)
The approach here is "safe and aggressive." Since you have two cracks at every shot, you can afford to let one player take a risk.
Off the Tee: Designate a "safe" player and an "aggressive" player. Player 1’s job is simply to find the fairway. Once that solid shot is in play, Player 2 can swing for the fences and try to hit a huge drive.
On Approach Shots: The same idea applies. The first player can aim for the center of the green to guarantee you’re putting. The second player can then fire directly at the flagstick.
On the Greens: Having two looks at a putt is a massive advantage. Let the first player be bold - give the putt a firm roll and don't be afraid to miss it a few feet past the hole. Their putt will give the second player a perfect read on the line and speed, who can then roll it in with confidence.
Fourball Strategy (Holes 7-12)
Communication is the cornerstone of good Fourball play. The phrase "you've got a partner" is never more true.
Keep One Player 'In the Hole': At least one of you should always be focused on making a conservative, stress-free par. If Player 1 drives it down the middle, that gives Player 2 the green light to take an aggressive line or try to drive a short Par 4. If Player 1 hits it into trouble, Player 2 should dial it back and just make sure they get a ball safely in play.
Play to Your Strengths: Does a certain hole fit your eye but not your partner's? Be the one to step up and play offensively on that hole.
Putting Order Matters: Think about who should putt first. If one player is away with a very makeable birdie putt, let them go. If they make it, the pressure is off the other player who might be facing a tricky 6-footer for par.
Foursomes Strategy (Holes 13-18)
This is where rounds are won and lost. Foursomes demands a pre-round huddle and an ego-free approach.
Plan Your Tee-Offs: Don't just flip a coin to see who tees off on 13. Look at the scorecard for holes 13-18.
Is your partner a phenomenal iron player? Have them tee off on the Par 3s.
Are the odd holes long Par 5s or tight Par 4s requiring a straight drive? Assign your most accurate driver to those holes.
This thoughtful planning will put you in a position to succeed before you ever hit a shot.
Know Your Partner’s Game: If your partner loves hitting a full-swing wedge, don’t try to smash a drive right up to the green and leave them a delicate 30-yard pitch. Leave them a comfortable yardage, like 100 yards out. Playing for your partner's strengths is the secret to Foursomes.
The Golden Rule: Apologize Once, Then Move On. You will hit a bad shot and leave your partner in a terrible spot. It’s inevitable. When it happens, say sorry, and then immediately forget about it. The worst thing you can do is let one bad shot mentally sink your team. Focus on the next one and never stop supporting each other.
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The 666 format is a fantastic change of pace, testing your team’s versatility, communication, and adaptability across three unique acts. It ensures that no part of the round ever feels stale and provides a balanced competition where every player's strengths can come to the surface at different times.
Managing three different game plans in one round requires a lot of on-the-fly thinking. During a tense Alternate Shot match, you might find yourself in the trees, unsure how to play a shot without wrecking the hole for your partner. For these tough decisions, we built Caddie AI to serve as your instant, on-demand strategist. You can take a photo of your ball's lie, and we’ll give you a smart recommendation on exactly how to play it. Instead of guesswork, you get clear guidance that gives you the confidence to commit to the shot and keep your team in the game.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
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