Ever heard golfers talking about an Eclectic and had no idea what they meant? Don’t worry, it's not a new swing philosophy or complicated golf tech - it’s actually one of the most enjoyable and strategically unique formats you can play. This article will break down exactly what an Eclectic competition is, how it works step-by-step, and provide some coaching tips to help you dominate your next one.
An Eclectic competition is a multi-round tournament where you create one ultimate 18-hole score. How? By taking your best score on each individual hole over the course of several rounds.
Think of it like building your "dream round" on that specific course, using your own best performances. If you play three rounds, your final Eclectic card will be a composite of your single best score achieved on hole #1 across all three rounds, your single best score on hole #2, and so on for all 18 holes.
This format is also commonly known as a "Ringer" or "Ringer Score" tournament. The goal is simple: by the end of the event, you want to have created the single lowest 18-hole score you are capable of, one hole at a time.
The beauty of the Eclectic format is its simplicity in concept, but its depth in strategy. Whether the event is held over a single weekend or an entire golf season, the process remains the same. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it typically unfolds from a player's perspective.
Your journey begins with the very first round of the competition. You play and record your score on each hole just as you would in any standard round of golf. This initial 18-hole score becomes your starting Eclectic card. For example, if you shoot an 85 with a 5 on the first hole, a 4 on the second, and a 6 on the third, your starting Eclectic card reads: 5-4-6...
This first round is so important because it gives you a clear and immediate roadmap for improvement. It highlights your strengths and, more importantly, exposes the holes where you have the biggest opportunity to shave strokes.
This is where the fun really begins. In every following round of the competition, you’re on a mission. As you play each hole, you’re trying to beat your best score for that specific hole on your Eclectic card.
The rule is simple: a score on your Eclectic card can only be replaced by a lower score. It can never get worse, only better or stay the same. This creates a powerful feeling of constant progress and optimism.
Once the final designated round of the competition is complete, the winner is determined by adding up the 18 holes on their final Eclectic card. All the improvements you’ve made culminate in a single, super-low total score. This number often represents a golfer’s absolute scoring potential under ideal circumstances, which is a massive confidence booster.
While the core concept is consistent, the Eclectic format can be presented in a few different ways. Understanding these minor variations is helpful if you’re planning to participate in one.
Just like standard stroke play, Eclectics can be scored on a gross or net basis.
Eclectic competitions are incredibly flexible and can be adapted to fit different club schedules and event types.
Playing in an Eclectic is one thing, winning one requires a completely different mindset than regular stroke play. It's less about avoiding mistakes on a single day and more about executing a strategic, multi-round plan. Here's a coach's perspective on how to approach it.
After your first round, don't just put the scorecard in your bag and forget about it. Study it. The blemishes - the double bogeys and three-putts - are gold. These aren't failures, they're your primary targets. A hole where you made a 7 provides a massive opportunity for improvement. Changing that 7 to a 5 is a two-stroke gain on your Eclectic card, which is far more impactful than trying to turn an existing par into a birdie for a one-stroke gain.
Go through your card hole by hole and create a simple plan for the next round. Don't be generic. Get specific.
Winning an Eclectic isn't always about the heroic shots, it's about the relentless grind. Remember that shaving one stroke off every bogey on your card is probably worth nine strokes. Making three incredible birdies to replace three pars is only worth three strokes. Your primary focus should be on converting your high numbers into manageable ones. Clean up the mess first, then hunt for glory. The winner is often the person who most consistently replaces bogeys with pars.
This sounds simple, but it is vital. You cannot execute your strategy if you don't know your current Eclectic score for the hole you're about to play. Physical Ringer Boards are great, but keeping a digital picture or a separate scorecard with your up-to-date Eclectic score is a must. As you stand on the tee, a quick glance will remind you: "Okay, I have a 6 on this hole. Anything better is a win. Let's play for a 5." This immediate context focuses your mind and dictates your strategy for the next 15 minutes.
So, an Eclectic is your chance to build a personal ‘greatest hits’ scorecard, turning multiple rounds into one showcase of your absolute best golf. It fundamentally changes your mindset from one of just surviving a round to actively seeking out your best possible performance on every single hole you play.
As you map out your strategy for each hole in your Eclectic, making smart decisions is everything. To help with that, our tool Caddie AI can act as your personal on-course strategist. You can get instant advice on club selection or the precise target line for a specific hole, helping you turn those frustrating bogies into the pars you need to build that ultimate scorecard.
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