A Bowmaker golf competition is one of the most sociable and engaging team formats, but its unique scoring can often seem a bit confusing at first. This straightforward guide will break down exactly how a Bowmaker works, from the basic rules and common scoring variations to the practical strategies your team can use to climb the leaderboard and have a great time doing it.
At its heart, a Bowmaker is a team competition, typically played in groups of three or four golfers. Every player plays their own golf ball from tee to green on every single hole - just like in a normal stroke-play round. The defining feature, however, is that only a set number of the team's best scores on each hole are combined to make up the team score.
For example, in a four-person team Bowmaker, the format might be "two best scores to count." This means if four players score on a hole, only the two highest individual scores for that hole are added together for the team's total. It's this "best of" mechanic that makes the Bowmaker format so appealing. It takes the pressure off any single player, allowing for more aggressive play and creating a fun, collaborative atmosphere. Since you know your bad holes might not even count, you can shake them off and focus on helping your team on the next one.
Unlike a Texas Scramble, where players hit from the same location after the best shot, a Bowmaker maintains the integrity of each player's individual round. You get to play your own game all the way through, but your good shots contribute directly to a team effort.
The vast majority of Bowmaker competitions use the Stableford scoring system. This is what makes adding up the "best scores" possible. Before we get into the team aspect, here's a quick refresher on how individual Stableford points work:
Your full playing handicap is used, so if you get a stroke on a particular hole, your net score is what determines your points. For example, making a gross bogey on a hole where you get a shot is a net par, earning you 2 points.
With that foundation, let's explore the most common Bowmaker scoring variations.
This is the most common format for a four-person team. On every hole, all four players complete the hole and determine their individual Stableford score. Then, you simply identify the two highest scores among the four players and add them together for the team score for that hole. The total of these 18 team scores is your final result.
Let's look at an example on a Par 4 (Stroke Index 10):
The individual Stableford scores are 2, 2, 1, and 3. The two best scores belong to Player D (3 points) and Players A &, B (2 points each). We take Player D's score and one of the 2-point scores.
Team Score for the Hole: 3 + 2 = 5 points.
This dynamic variation, also known as a "Rumble," changes the number of scores that count in a predictable pattern throughout the round. Here's a typical structure for a three-person team:
The numbers can change (some use this format for 4-person teams where it might be 1-2-3-4 over four holes), but the concept remains the same. This format is great fun because the pressure and strategy build as the round progresses. You start relaxed, only needing one good score, but by the end, everyone's contribution is essential.
To add another layer, some clubs run a "Shambow" or "Bowmaker Scramble." This format is a hybrid of a Bowmaker and a Texas Scramble. It works like this:
A Shambow is a fantastic format for players of all abilities because it ensures everyone starts from a good position off the tee, keeping the pace of play up and making the game more enjoyable.
Understanding the rules is half the battle, the other half is playing smart as a team. As a coach, I always tell my students that good strategy separates the winning Bowmaker teams from the rest. Here’s where you can gain an edge.
The beauty of a Bowmaker is that not every player has to shoot the lights out. A successful team often balances different types of players. It’s a good idea to identify roles before you tee off.
This is the most important strategic element of a Bowmaker. Always be aware of your teammates' situations on the hole.
For example, imagine you are the last to play an approach shot into a par 4 with a dangerous pin location over water. Your two teammates are already on the green, almost guaranteed to make par for 2 points each. In a "two-best-scores-to-count" format, for the team score to improve, you need to make a birdie (3 points).
In this scenario, playing safe for your own par is pointless from a team perspective. Now is the time to be aggressive! Go for that sucker pin. If you pull it off, you've earned an extra point for the team. If you find the water, it doesn’t matter - the two pars from your teammates are recorded, and the team moves on. Conversely, if your teammates are in trouble, it becomes your job to play it safe and guarantee a counting score.
Don't just circle the holes where you get strokes on your card - see them as gold mines. If a hole is Stroke Index 5 and a player has a 10 handicap, they're playing that hole to a net Par. A gross Par on that hole is actually a net Birdie, worth 3 points! These are the holes where you should expect and play for a higher team score.
Communicate as a team. Before a hole where someone has a stroke, say, "Alright Sarah, this is a shot hole for you, you’re our best bet for a birdie here." This small piece of encouragement can focus the player and often leads to the aggressive-but-smart play needed to capitalize on the advantage.
This might seem like a small thing, but it's massive in a team format that lasts four to five hours. A Bowmaker is designed for fun. If you hit a bad shot and get a "blob" on a hole, forget it instantly. Your score probably won't be used, and getting down on yourself only hurts your focus for the next hole where your team might need you.
Celebrate your partners’ good shots. Cheer on their good putts. High-five after a team birdie. Keeping the morale high ensures everyone stays loose and confident, which is always when we play our best golf.
A Bowmaker is a wonderfully flexible team format that combines individual play with collective strategy, making it one of the most popular choices for club competitions and golf days. By having everyone play their own ball but only counting the best scores, it removes pressure, encourages bold play, and builds a real sense of team camaraderie on the course.
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