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.
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The Underrated Joy of Playing as a Threesome
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.
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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.
Embrace "Ready Golf"
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:
If you're at your ball and the fairway or green ahead is clear, get ready to hit.
The first person to hole out on the green should be ready to pull the pin.
Move to the next tee as soon as you're done with the hole, even if another player is still recording scores.
The goal is to minimize downtime and keep a natural flow to the round.
Smart Cart Strategy
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.
What If a Single Joins You?
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.
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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.
Game 1: Nine-Point (Also called "Nines" or "5-3-1")
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.
How it Works:
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:
The player with the best score gets 5 points.
The player with the middle score gets 3 points.
The player with the worst score gets 1 point.
What About Ties?
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.
Two players tie for lowest score: The two top players each get 4 points (the 5 and 3 points are added and split), and the third player gets 1 point.
Two players tie for worst score: The player with the best score gets 5 points, and the two tied players each get 2 points (the 3 and 1 points are added and split).
All three players tie: Everyone gets 3 points.
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.
Game 2: Round Robin (Also called "2 Against 1" or "Six-Six-Six")
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.
How it Works:
Designate players as Player A, Player B, and Player C. The game is broken into three 6-hole matches:
Holes 1-6: Players A and B become a team, playing a best-ball score against Player C's single score.
Holes 7-12: Players B and C become a new team, playing against Player A.
Holes 13-18: Players C and A team up to play against Player B.
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.
Game 3: Split Sixes
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.
How It Works:
There are 6 points available on every hole. Just like Nine-Point, points are awarded based on each player's score.
The winning score on the hole gets 4 points.
The middle score gets 2 points.
The worst score gets 0 points.
Handling Ties in Split Sixes:
The tie-breakers are simple math, and they keep the game moving.
Two players tie for low score: They split the top two point totals (4 + 2) and each get 3 points. The high scorer gets 0.
Two players tie for high score: The lone low scorer gets the full 4 points. The two tied high-scorers split the last two point totals (2+0) and each get 1 point.
All three players tie: All players split the points evenly and get 2 points.
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.
Game 4: Simple Skins Game
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.
How it Works:
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 bogey - 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.
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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.
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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