The term ham and egging it in golf sounds more like a breakfast order than a game-winning strategy, but it’s a phrase you’ll hear often during team competitions. It’s a simple concept that describes how two partners can put together a great round even if neither one is playing their absolute best. This article will break down exactly what ham and egg means, how it works in team formats, and most importantly, how you and your partner can use this strategy to your advantage.
In a two-person team game, "ham and egging it" is when one player performs well on a hole to make up for their partner’s struggles, and this pattern continues throughout the round. Essentially, the partners take turns carrying the team. One player gets "the ham" (the main substance of the score) on one hole, and the other gets "the egg" (the other key ingredient) on the next.
Imagine this scenario in a Best Ball (or Fourball) format:
Over 18 holes, this back-and-forth teamwork creates a very strong combined score. The beauty of ham and egg golf is that it doesn’t require both players to play great at the same time. In fact, it shines brightest when players are a bit off their game. It’s the ultimate form of complementary golf, turning what could be two mediocre individual rounds into one excellent team performance.
This strategy isn't just a happy accident, it's a powerful way to manage the challenges of a round. When a team masters this dynamic, they gain a huge mental and strategic advantage over opponents who are just hoping to play well individually.
Golf is a game of pressure. Standing over a shot knowing the entire team’s score rests on your shoulders can be nerve-wracking. But when you’re "ham and egging it," that pressure dissipates. If you hit a bad shot, you immediately look over to see how your partner is doing. If they’re in a good position, a wave of relief washes over you. You’re no longer forced to attempt a risky hero shot from the trees to save the hole. Instead, you can play a smart, safe recovery, punch out to the fairway, and try to make a comfortable bogey. You know your partner has you covered for par, preventing you from turning a bad shot into a complete disaster. This freedom from pressure allows both players to swing more freely and play smarter golf.
The single biggest killer in any team competition is the “blow-up hole” - a hole where both partners play poorly at the same time. If both players score a double bogey on a par 4, the team effectively loses two shots to the field in a single hole. Recovering from that is incredibly difficult.
Ham and egging is the perfect antidote to the blow-up hole. Because partners are covering for each other, it's very rare for both players to be "out of the hole" simultaneously. The odds are that at least one of you will find the fairway, hit the green, or make a crucial putt. This steady, complementary play grinds out pars and an occasional birdie, completely avoiding the catastrophic big numbers that sink so many other teams.
This style of play fosters an incredibly positive and supportive team dynamic. Instead of feeling like you’re competing against everyone, including your partner, you develop a genuine sense of camaraderie. You celebrate your partner's good shots more, and you're quicker to offer encouragement after their bad ones because you truly feel like you're in it together.
This trust eliminates any blame or frustration. When you know your partner has your back and vice versa, it strengthens the partnership and makes the round far more enjoyable, whether you win or lose.
Becoming a great "ham and egg" team takes more than just luck. It requires communication, strategy, and a team-first mindset. Here are four practical tips to put this strategy into action in your next team event.
A classic ham and egg strategy, especially in Best Ball, is the "Aggressive/Conservative" approach off the tee. The order of who hits first is important.
This strategy applies to every shot type. If your partner is the better long-iron player, let them take the lead on Par 5 approach shots. If you happen to be a stronger chipper, you take the pressure on those tricky around-the-green shots.
You don't need a complex set of hand signals, but simple and clear communication is vital. After your shot, let your partner know your situation. Use simple phrases like:
This constant stream of information lets you make smarter strategic decisions as a team, not just as individuals.
Mentality is everything. Before you even step on the first tee, agree with your partner that you’re going to play for each other. The goal is to post the best team score on every hole, not the best individual score.
This means if your partner is in trouble, your mindset immediately shifts. Your new priority is not necessarily to make birdie, it’s to make a solid par to keep the team from dropping a shot. Playing percentage golf becomes your focus. You aim for the middle of the green, forgetting about that risky sucker pin tucked behind a bunker. This disciplined, team-first mentality is what makes ham and egg golf so consistently effective.
Golf is hard, and everyone is going to hit bad shots. The worst thing you can do as a partner is show frustration or offer unsolicited swing advice after a poor shot. It kills morale and adds pressure.
A great ҳам & egg partnership is built on unwavering support. If your partner hits one OB, the only thing they should hear from you is, "Don't worry about it, I've got us." This positive reinforcement keeps spirits high, relieves tension, and empowers both players to forget mistakes and focus on the next shot. Remember, your partner’s success is your success. Be their biggest fan on the course.
Ham and egg golf is the embodiment of what makes team formats so much fun. It’s a strategy built on teamwork, communication, and mutual support, where two partners cover for each other's mistakes to create a winning result. By playing smart, communicating well, and always supporting your partner, you can turn any round into a successful ham-and-egg masterpiece.
Ultimately, a strong team strategy comes from making smart, confident decisions on the course, especially when under pressure. This is precisely what we built Caddie AI to help with. When your partner is out of the hole and you’re faced with a tough choice, our app provides an instant second opinion on shot strategy or club selection. We remove the guesswork so you and your partner can both commit to every swing, make better decisions, and play with the confidence needed to win.
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