Ever showed up to the first tee with two friends, ready for your usual weekend round, only to have one of them ask, Want to play a 3-Ball match? A 3-Ball match is a fantastic golf format that turns a standard three-person group into an engaging competition with action on every single hole. This article will explain exactly what a 3-Ball is, how the scoring works, popular variations to try, and the strategy you can use to come out on top.
A 3-Ball is a format of match play where three golfers compete against one another simultaneously, with each player playing their own ball. Think of it as three distinct, one-on-one matches happening within the same group, on every hole.
Let's use an example with three golfers: Annika, Ben, and Chi-Chi. In a 3-Ball match, the competition breaks down like this:
You are essentially playing against both of your playing partners at the same time, giving you two opponents to beat on every hole. The unique dynamic is that you could win one of your matches, lose the other, and tie (or "halve") them both all on the very same hole.
It's important to clarify the difference between a "3-Ball" and a "Threesome," as they are often confused. While a 3-Ball involves three golfers playing their own balls, a Threesome is a match where one side (a single player) competes against another side of two partners who are playing alternate shot with one ball. So, if you hear the term Threesome, one person is taking on a pair, which is very different from the every-player-for-themselves format of a 3-Ball.
The standard 3-Ball format uses classic match play scoring. Each hole is a self-contained contest. You win the hole if you have a lower score than your opponent, you lose the hole with a a higher score, and you halve the hole if you tie. The score is kept relative to your opponent (e.g., "1 up," "2 down," or "all square").
Because there are three individual matches happening, scorekeeping can feel a little busy at first, but it's simpler than it sounds. You just need to track your status against each opponent independently.
Let's follow Annika, Ben, and Chi-Chi for a couple of holes:
Hole 1 (Par 4):
Here’s the breakdown of the scores after Hole 1:
Now, let’s move to the next hole.
Hole 2 (Par 3):
Here's the result on this hole:
As you can see, the outcome on each hole can dramatically shift each of the three matches. The competition continues until one player can no longer be beaten (e.g., being "3 up" with only two holes to play).
While traditional match play is the official format, there are several points-based games that make 3-Ball more casual and often more exciting for friendly wagers. These formats simplify the scorekeeping, as each player only has to keep track of their own points total.
This is arguably the most popular and balanced way to play a 3-Ball money game. On every hole, a total of nine points are distributed among the three players based on their scores.
Here’s the standard points distribution:
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
