Playing golf in a group of three can sometimes feel like an odd fit, especially if you’re used to the classic foursome. The dynamic is different, traditional games don't always apply, and scoring can seem a bit awkward. But a threesome doesn't have to be a concession - it can be one of the best ways to experience a round of golf. This article will show you how to manage the pace and social dynamics, and more importantly, introduce you to some fantastic games designed to make a three-player round incredibly fun and competitive.
Before we get into the Xs and Os, it's worth appreciating why a threesome is often a sweet spot for a round of golf. Golf is a social game, but in a foursome, conversations often split into two separate dialogues as players walk down opposite sides of the fairway. With three players, you can maintain a single, flowing conversation for the entire round, making it a much more connected, shared experience.
From a pace-of-play perspective, a threesome can be significantly more efficient than a foursome. With one fewer player searching for a ball or going through a pre-shot routine, you'll often find yourselves moving at a brisk, enjoyable pace. It blends the focus of playing as a single or twosome with the camaraderie of a larger group.
Even with fewer players, a little awareness goes a long way in making a three-player round run smoothly. The goal is to be efficient without rushing, keeping everyone involved and the group behind you happy.
This is standard practice for most golfers now, but it's especially important in a non-standard group. Ready golf simply means hitting when you are ready, provided it is safe to do so. Don't stand on ceremony waiting for the person furthest from the hole. The rules here are simple:
The goal is to minimize downtime and keep a natural flow to the round.
If you're all sharing two carts, a little coordination will save you a ton of time. A common and effective method is to have Carts 1 and 2 drive up to the tee balls. The player from Cart 1 whose shot is on the opposite side of the fairway as Cart 2's player can just hop on Cart 2. Then a single cart can drive out to any straggling balls once the others have been hit. It sounds more complex than it is, the key is to communicate and think one step ahead about where everyone needs to be.
It’s very common for a course to pair a single player with a threesome to create a full group. When this happens, be inviting. Introduce yourselves on the first tee and make them feel welcome. Ask if they’d like to join in on your game and be clear about the stakes - many players will be happy to, but some prefer to just focus on their own round. Go with whatever makes everyone comfortable, but turning your threesome into a welcoming foursome is always the best approach.
This is where the fun really begins. Going out for some simple stroke play is fine, but a competitive game is what truly elevates a round with friends. These games are designed for threesomes and ensure there’s something on the line for every player, on every hole.
Nine-Point is arguably the most popular and classic game for a three-player group. It's simple to track and creates fantastic variety in the way points are won.
There are 9 points up for grabs on every hole, distributed based on the net score of each player (though you can play gross if you prefer). The distribution is as follows:
How you handle ties is what makes this game so great. The points are always split, and it keeps the totals close throughout the round.
You simply total up the points after 18 holes. The player with the most points wins the overall pot or just earns bragging rights. It's a fantastic game because even if you make a triple bogey, you can still snag a point and stay in the match.
This game is perfect for those who enjoy the partnership dynamic of a four-ball match. In Round Robin, you create a 2 vs. 1 match that rotates partners every six holes.
Designate players as Player A, Player B, and Player C. The game is broken into three 6-hole matches:
You can play this as match play (winning or losing each 6-hole segment) or for a total score for the entire round. For example, if Team A/B beats Player C, they each win a certain amount from C. It fosters a great team spirit while still maintaining an individual element, as you know you'll be on your own for a third of the day.
Split Sixes is another point-based game like Nine-Point, but with a different distribution of points that can lead to dramatic wins and losses on each hole.
There are 6 points available on every hole. Just like Nine-Point, points are awarded based on each player's score.
The tie-breakers are simple math, and they keep the game moving.
Split Sixes can feel a bit more volatile than Nine-Point, as wiping out and getting 0 points on a hole is common. This makes it a great game for gamblers who want big swings on every tee box.
You don't need four players to have a great Skins match. This is a very straightforward game of all-or-nothing hole-by-hole competition.
Each hole is worth one "skin." To win a skin, a player must have the sole lowest score on that hole. It doesn't matter if it's a birdie or a bogie - if you're the only one with that score, you win the skin. If two or more players tie for the best score on a hole, no skin is awarded. Instead, it "carries over" to the next hole, making the next hole worth two skins. This continues until someone wins a hole outright.
Skins is exciting because a single great shot can win you several holes' worth of betting money in one go. It’s a pure, pressure-packed format that’s perfect for a competitive yet friendly threesome.
Playing in a group of three provides a different but equally rewarding golf experience. By understanding how to manage the round and picking a game that adds a layer of fun and competition, you can transform what might feel awkward into one of your favorite ways to hit the links. Whether it's the steady accumulation of points in Nine-Point or the rotating partnerships of Round Robin, the right format will keep every player engaged from the first tee to the final putt.
When you're deeply involved in these games, every shot starts to matter a bit more. That’s where an on-demand coach like Caddie AI can become your secret weapon. Instead of second-guessing your club selection or how to play that tricky bunker shot with points on the line, you can get a clear, simple strategy for how to play it. By just snapping a photo of your ball and its lie, you’ll get dependable advice that takes the mental guesswork out of tough situations. It's like having a tour-level caddie in your pocket, giving you the confidence to execute the shot and focus on winning the hole, not just playing it.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
