Playing golf as a team transforms the sport from a purely individual test into a shared experience of strategy, communication, and fun. It's one of the best ways to enjoy a day on the course, especially for groups with different skill levels. This guide will walk you through the most popular team formats, offering simple strategies and practical advice to help your team play smarter and win more.
Before we get into the different formats, it’s worth noting why you should try them. Team golf is more than just a novelty, it’s a better way to play for many golfers. The pressure is reduced because you’re not solely responsible for every outcome. This often leads to looser swings and better shots. It speeds up play, particularly in formats like a scramble, and it allows players of all abilities to contribute to the team’s success. A high-handicapper can hit a great drive or sink a long putt that proves to be the winning shot, making everyone feel like a valuable part of the team.
The scramble is, without a doubt, the most popular and social team golf format. It’s perfect for charity events, casual outings, and groups with a wide range of handicaps. Understanding how to play it strategically can give your team an advantage.
The rules are simple. In a typical four-person scramble, every player hits a tee shot on each hole. The team then collectively decides which tee shot is the best one. From that spot, all four players hit their second shots. They repeat this process - choosing the best shot and everyone playing from that spot - until the ball is in the hole. The team records one score for the hole.
The best scramble teams assign player roles, even if unofficially. It's about putting each player in a position to use their strengths. You can think of the lineup as A, B, C, and D players based on consistency and handicap.
Putting is where scrambles are won or lost. Mastering putting with four chances at every putt is a massive advantage, but only if you use them wisely.
Best Ball is another extremely popular format, commonly played in two-person teams but sometimes in fours. It feels more like regular golf, but with a teamwork safety net.
It's straightforward: every golfer on the team plays their own golf ball from tee to hole, just like they normally would. At the end of the hole, you compare scores, and the team takes the single lowest score (the "better ball") as their official score for that hole. If Player A makes a 4 and Player B makes a 5, the team score is 4.
The beauty of two-person Best Ball is the dynamic partnership it creates. The strategy is to have one player take on the role of the "Anchor" and the other as the "Aggressor."
Constant communication is vital. If the Anchor is safely in the fairway, they should let their partner know: "I'm good, you can go for it." Conversely, if the Anchor hits one into the woods, they need to communicate that as well: "I'm in trouble, so maybe just hit an iron into the fairway."
Beyond the Scramble and Best Ball, there are several other fun formats that can liven up your regular Saturday game.
The Rules: A two-person format. Both players hit a tee shot. Player A then hits Player B’s ball, and Player B hits Player A’s ball. After these second shots, they choose which ball is in the better position. From that point, they play alternate shot until the ball is in the hole. (e.g., if they choose Player A's second shot, Player B hits the third shot, A hits the fourth, and so on).
Strategy Tip: The goal of your second shot is to leave your partner with an easy third shot. Don't be a hero trying to hit a miracle shot from the "other" fairway. A smart layup can be much more valuable than a high-risk attempt at the green.
The Rules: This is a hybrid of a scramble and stroke play. In a four-person shamble, everyone hits a tee shot, and the team selects the best one. From that point on, every player plays their own ball into the hole. The team usually takes the one or two best scores on each hole.
Strategy Tip: Because everyone plays their own ball after the tee shot, choosing the best drive is critical. It isn’t always the longest drive. A 250-yard drive in the fairway with a clear angle to the pin might be better for the team than a 280-yard drive in the first cut of rough.
The Rules: This is the truest - and arguably most difficult - test of team golf. Two players on a team use only one ball, taking turns hitting a shot until it's holed. One player tees off on the odd-numbered holes, and the other tees off on the even-numbered holes.
Strategy Tip: Leave your ego at the door. Your one and only goal should be to leave your partner with the easiest possible next shot. Hitting a bad shot can feel terrible because you feel like you've let your partner down. Positivity and short-term memory are mandatory. Apologize once for a poor shot, then move on and support your partner on theirs.
Regardless of what format you’re playing, a few principles always apply.
Team golf brings a fresh and exciting dimension to the game, emphasizing camaraderie and strategy over individual grinding. Understanding the rules and basic strategies of formats like Scramble, Best Ball, and Alternate Shot allows you and your partners to not just play, but to play intelligently together.
And when you're the one stepping up to that pivotal shot for your team, having extra confidence is a game-changer. We designed Caddie AI to be that on-demand Caddie that eliminates guesswork and helps you make the smartest decision in any situation. If your scramble partner hit their ball into a safe position, you can ask Caddie AI for the risk/reward on going for the pin. If you're faced with a tough shot for your Best Ball partner, you can get instant advice on the smart play. We put that expert knowledge in your pocket so you can feel more confident, contribute more to your team, and enjoy the game a whole lot more.
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