What Is a 2-Ball 3-Way in Golf?

Ever find yourself in a group of three on the first tee, wondering how to make the round more interesting than simple stroke play? Enter the 2-Ball 3-Way, a golf game that turns a standard threesome into an exciting web of competition. This article will show you exactly what a 2-Ball 3-Way is, how to set it up, how to keep score, and the best strategies to walk away a winner.

What Is a 2-Ball 3-Way, Really?

A 2-Ball 3-Way is a popular betting game designed perfectly for a threesome of golfers. The name can admittedly sound a little confusing at first. Doesn't a threesome have three balls in play? Yes, they do. The name simply refers to the structure of the betting: in a group of three, each golfer is simultaneously playing in two separate head-to-head matches against the other players. This creates three separate matches, or “ways” to win or lose money on every hole.

At its heart, it's a series of three independent match-play games rolled into one. If you have Player A, Player B, and Player C, here’s how the action breaks down on every single hole:

• Match #1: Player A vs. Player B
• Match #2: Player A vs. Player C
• Match #3: Player B vs. Player C

You can win both of your matches, lose both, or split them by winning one and losing the other. This dynamic is what makes the format so engaging. A single par might win you one match but lose another, keeping you locked in and focused from the first tee to the final putt.

The Three Bets: A Hole-by-Hole Breakdown

Understanding how the bets play out on each hole is the foundation of the game. Let's use a clear example. Imagine Player A, B, and C are playing a par-4 and they agree that each of the three matches is worth $1 per hole.

Here are their scores for the hole:

• Player A: Makes Par (4)
• Player B: Makes Bogey (5)
• Player C: Makes Double Bogey (6)

Now, let's tally up the results for the three separate matches:

1. Player A vs. Player B: Player A's 4 beats Player B's 5. Player A wins this match.
2. Player A vs. Player C: Player A's 4 beats Player C's 6. Player A wins this match.
3. Player B vs. Player C: Player B's 5 beats Player C's 6. Player B wins this match.

The Payout for the Hole:

• Player A won two matches (vs. B and vs. C). Player A is up $2 for the hole.
• Player B lost one match (to A) and won one match (vs. C). Player B breaks even for the hole ($0).
• Player C lost two matches (to A and to B). Player C is down $2 for the hole.

As you can see, even though Player B had a bogey, they didn't walk away a total loser on the hole because they still managed to beat Player C. This built-in comeback potential is a huge part of the fun.

What Happens In Case of a Tie?

Ties, or "pushes" in a match are common. If two players post the same score on a hole, that specific match is a push. No money is exchanged for that match on that hole. For example, if both Player A and Player B made a par 4, their match would be a push, but their individual matches against Player C would still be active.

Setting Up Your 2-Ball 3-Way Match

Getting a game organized is straightforward. Follow these steps on the first tee to make sure everyone is on the same page and the round runs smoothly.

Step 1: Agree on the Game and the Stakes

First and foremost, confirm with your group that you're playing a 2-Ball 3-Way. Then, set the stakes. A common and easy amount is $1 per hole for each of the three matches. This means that a player who loses both of their matches on a hole owes $1 to each of the other two players. Decide if you are just playing a simple hole-by-hole match or a full match accumulating over 18 holes.

Step 2: Determine Handicaps

This is an important step to ensure a fair and competitive game. You have a few options for applying handicaps:

• Play Scratch: If all players are of a similar skill level, you can simply play "heads-up" with no strokes given.
• Full Handicap Difference: The standard way is to use course handicaps. The lowest handicap player plays as the "scratch" golfer (0). The other two players calculate the difference between their handicap and the scratch player's. This is the number of strokes they get. For example, if Player A is a 5 handicap, Player B is a 10, and Player C is a 15:
  • Player A is the scratch player.
  • Player B gets 5 strokes (10 - 5).
  • Player C gets 10 strokes (15 - 5).
  Strokes are then applied on the most difficult holes as indicated by the 'Handicap' row on the scorecard. Player B would get a stroke on handicap holes 1 through 5, and Player C would get one on handicap holes 1 through 10.

Step 3: Prepare the Scorecard

Keeping track of three matches at once can get messy if you aren't organized. The best method is to dedicate a small section of the scorecard to each match. Next to the main scoring column, create three new columns labeled "A v B," "A v C," and "B v C."

For each hole, simply use a plus (+), minus (-), or zero (0) to mark the winner of each individual match. For example, if Player A beats both B and C, you'd put a '+' in A's columns for "A v B" and "A v C," and a '-' in B's and C's columns. At the end of the round, just sum the +/- for each of the three matches to find the final result and settle up.

Tips and Strategy to Win a 3-Way

This format is more than just hitting good shots, it’s about managing three games at once. Being smart about your approach can give you a real edge.

1. Your Score Is Relative

You don't need to shoot the lights out to win money. Sometimes, a simple bogey is a winning score. If you shank your tee shot and find yourself scrambling, don't press for a miracle par and risk making a triple. Take a look at your opponents. If they are also in trouble, a safe bogey can often win you one or even both of your matches. Playing smart, percentage golf often pays off more in match play than stroke play.

2. Isolate Your Matches Mentally

It's easy to get discouraged if one opponent is playing out of their mind and you're getting hammered in that specific match. The trick is to compartmentalize. Just because you're getting beaten badly by Player A doesn't mean you can't still win your match against Player C. Redirect your focus to the winnable match. Salvaging one of your two bets on a tough day can make a big difference in the final tally.

3. Use Handicaps to Your Advantage

If you're getting a stroke on a hole, your mindset should shift. On that hole, your par is a birdie. This gives you a massive advantage. Don't be afraid to play more aggressively on your "stroke holes." Go for that par-5 in two or take a more direct line to the pin. Conversely, when your opponent has a stroke, your goal is to force a push by making a clean par and limiting mistakes.

4. Know When to Be Conservative

If you're the first to post a solid score, like a par on a tough par-4, the pressure is now on your opponents. You've done your job. There's no need for you to do anything risky. This is especially true if you are the low-handicap player and rarely give up strokes. Your goal is to be a par machine and let the other players make the mistakes trying to catch up.

Common Variations: Upping the Ante

While the standard format is plenty of fun, many groups like to add extra layers to their 3-Way matches.

• The 3-Way Nassau: This is a very common variation. Instead of one 18-hole match, you now have a match for the Front 9, the Back 9, and the Overall 18. Since there are three players, this turns into 9 total bets (3 for the front, 3 for the back, 3 for the overall). It keeps the game exciting even if one player has a rough start, as the back nine represents a fresh start.
• Adding "Junk": Many groups also play with side bets or "junk" bets. These are small, standalone bets for individual achievements on a hole, like birdies, "greenies" (closest to the pin on a par-3), or "sandies" (making up-and-down from a bunker for par). This adds another layer of action to every hole.

Final Thoughts

The 2-Ball 3-Way is one of the best betting games in golf, transforming a simple threesome into a dynamic and strategic contest. By creating three simultaneous head-to-head matches, it ensures every player is engaged on every shot, with plenty of opportunities to win, lose, or break even on any given hole.

While you're managing those three different matches, the last thing you want is uncertainty over your next shot. On a difficult tee shot where the right play against one opponent might be different than against another, you can lean on extra support. With smart, on-demand strategic advice for every hole you play, Caddie AI simplifies your decision-making. You'll get recommendations so you can commit to your swing with confidence and keep your mind focused on winning your bets.