How to Play Doubles in Golf

Playing golf with a partner adds a whole new layer of fun and strategy to the game. But if you’re new to two-person formats, the different rules and strategies can feel a bit confusing. This guide breaks down the most popular doubles golf games, giving you the practical strategies and partnership skills you need to not only shoot lower scores together, but also have a fantastic time doing it.

The Most Common Golf Doubles Formats Explained

While there are endless variations, most team events you'll encounter are based on one of three core formats: Scramble, Best Ball, or Alternate Shot. Understanding how each one works is the first step to playing great team golf.

Format 1: The Scramble (Aka Texas Scramble)

The scramble is arguably the most popular and social doubles format, perfect for players of all skill levels. It’s pressure-free and promotes exciting, aggressive golf.

How a Scramble Works:

• On every hole, both players on the team hit their own tee shot.
• Next, you and your partner compare the results and decide which single tee shot is in the best position.
• Both players then pick up their balls and play their respective second shots from the location of that best tee shot.
• You repeat this process – selecting the single best shot and both playing from that spot – until the ball is in the hole. Only one score is recorded for the team on each hole.

Scramble Strategy & Tips:

• Establish a Tee-Off Order: A classic and effective strategy is to have the more consistent, "fairway-finder" player tee off first. This takes the pressure off. If their ball lands safely in the fairway, the second player (often the longer hitter) is free to swing aggressively without fear of a major penalty. If the first drive finds trouble, the second player can dial it back and ensure a ball is put in play.
• Iron Play: Once you’re in the fairway, the same logic applies. If you have two chances, let the first player aim for the center of the green to guarantee a safe putting opportunity. This frees up the second player to take dead aim at the flagstick. Being aggressive when you have a safety net is what leads to low scores in a scramble.
• Putting Genius: On the greens, the first putter has a simple job: give the second putter a perfect read. Their goal is less about making the putt (though it's a great bonus) and more about showing their partner the speed and line of the putt. The first player putts with confidence. The second player watches intently, learning from the roll, and then steps up to a putt they already understand and tries to drain it.

Format 2: Best Ball (Aka Fourball)

Best Ball is the format you see played in Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups. It requires more individual performance than a scramble but still allows for great teamwork and strategic play.

How Best Ball Works:

• Unlike a scramble, each player on the team plays their own ball from tee to hole for the entire hole. You do not pick up and play from your partner's location.
• At the end of the hole, you compare your two individual scores. The lower of the two scores becomes the official team score for that hole.

Best Ball Strategy & Tips:

• Stay in the Hole: The golden rule of best ball is to always have at least one player in a good position to make a conservative par. The goal is to avoid both players having a "blow-up" score on the same hole, which results in having to write down a bogey or worse. If your partner hits their drive into the trees, your job immediately shifts: play safely down the middle, get on the green, and try to make your par.
• One Safe, One Aggressive: This is the cornerstone of great best ball strategy. Player 1 hits a perfect iron to the middle of the green. Fantastic. Now Player 2, seeing that the team is essentially guaranteed a par, can fire right at a tucked pin. If Player 1's tee shot is bunkered, Player 2 should aim away from trouble. This constant give-and-take based on your partner’s situation is what makes the format so engaging.
• Communication is Everything: "Okay, I'm going to play for the front-center of the green here, so we have a par locked in. You can be more aggressive." Talking through your plan on every shot clarifies your roles and prevents simple mistakes. Don't assume your partner knows your strategy, tell them.

Format 3: Alternate Shot (Aka Foursomes)

This is often called the "true" team format - and the most demanding. It tests your strategy, your golf shots, and your partnership like no other game.

How Alternate Shot Works:

• Team members take turns hitting shots with the same golf ball.
• You and your partner will decide who tees off on the odd-numbered holes and who tees off on the even-numbered holes. This is determined before the round and does not change.
• For example, on Hole 1, Player A tees off. Player B hits the second shot. Player A hits the third (the putt), and so on, until the ball is holed. On Hole 2, Player B hits the tee shot.

Alternate Shot Strategy & Tips:

• Plan Your Tee-Off Assignments: This is a massive part of the strategy. Before you even get to the first tee, look at the scorecard. Who is the better driver? Let them tee off on the par 5s. Which holes have forced layups or require precise tee shots? Assign the more accurate player to those holes. Which player is stronger with their irons from 150-175 yards? They should likely be hitting the approach shots on the longer par 4s. Thinking this through gives you a real advantage.
• Leave Your Partner in a Good Spot: This is the simple, yet profound, core of alternate shot. Your primary job is not to hit the hero shot, but to hit a shot that provides your partner with the best possible chance on their next shot. Sometimes this means laying up to a comfortable yardage for them instead of trying to muscle an extra 20 yards. Don't apologize for a miss, just focus on making the next shot easier for them.
• Maintain a Short Memory: Your partner is going to hit a bad shot. And so are you. It’s inevitable. The key is to immediately forget it. No blaming, no sighing, no negative body language. The absolute worst thing you can do is make your partner feel like they've let you down. A simple, "No problem, I've got this," is all that needs to be said. This format is a test of character as much as golf skill.

Universal Rules for Being a Great Doubles Partner

Regardless of the format you’re playing, mastering a few key "soft skills" can be even more important than flushing every iron shot. Being the person everyone wants to play with is a skill in itself.

1. Communicate Clearly and Constructively

Great team golf runs on open communication. Always talk through your plan as a team. Verbally confirm your shared target, discuss club selection, and point out potential dangers. This ensures you're both on the same page.

Equally important is knowing how to talk to your partner. Frame your advice and observations in a positive and supportive way. Instead of "Don't hit it right," try "The safe miss here is anywhere left." Be a coach and a cheerleader, not a critic.

2. Be Decisive and Know Your Role

Indecision can slow down play and add stress. As a team, establish a routine. In a scramble, decide quickly who will putt first. In best ball, develop a feel for when to play it safe and when to be the aggressor based on your partner's position. Having a system keeps the rhythm of the round flowing smoothly. You want to feel like a well-oiled machine, not two people constantly asking, "What do you think?"

3. Master Ppositive Reinforcement

Golf is a hard game. Bad shots will happen. Your reaction to your partner’s mishit can make or break your team’s morale. A bad shot is never met with silence, a drooping head, or frustrated sighing. It’s met with a quick, "No worries, we're still in this," or "Good try, shake it off." Your partner already feels bad about the shot, they don't need your help feeling worse. Positive energy is contagious and can genuinely lead to better play.

4. Be Honest About Strengths and Weaknesses

Trust begins with honesty. If you know you're terrible out of fairway bunkers, let your partner know. If your go-to miss with the driver is a hook, share that information so you can strategize your tee box alignment. When you’re honest about your game, you can plan around your collective abilities. It allows your partner to adjust their game to complement yours. For instance, knowing you're not confident in the sand gives them added incentive to make sure they hit the green when you're already in a-less-than ideal lie.

Final Thoughts

Doubles golf is a fantastic a departure from the individual nature of the sport, shifting the focus to collaboration, strategy, and mutual support. By understanding the rules of each format and committing to being a great partner, you’ll not only find more success on the scorecard but also enjoyment on the course.

When you're trying to talk through team strategy on a tricky hole, or your partner hits one into a spot you're not sure how to handle, getting a quick, objective second opinion can be immensely helpful. For these situations, Caddie AI acts like an impartial coach in your pocket. As partners, you can get a smart play for any hole, or take a picture of a difficult lie and get instant advice on how to execute the shot, helping you both make a committed, confident swing.