Scrambled or Over-Easy

In a world full of options - golf is no respite. Deciding which format to play in a group tournament is key to either making, or absolutely destroying your round. Choose wisely.

Here is a nice summary of the tournament play options.

In years past the Bob Rudie Memorial has been STROKE PLAY - every man for himself. Will this year be different? A new Callaway-handicapping system? We’ll let the pro’s (-am’s) weigh in.

Tourney Play - Formatting Options

Best ball gross and/or net

How it works: Also known as best ball. Competitors play their own ball throughout the round, with the lowest score on each hole counting. "Net" means including handicaps into scoring.

The preferred format in more serious competitions (particularly in gross play) or that have fields of less than 60 players. Be careful: this tends to promote more of a "tournament" vibe than a carefree outing. Two-man best ball is best served at country clubs or courses with a host of events on the schedule than a once-a-year outing.

Scramble

How it works: Each player hits a tee shot, selecting the "best" out of the bunch to play their second shot from, usually within a club-length of that spot. Group repeats this process until the hole is finished.

Best suited for fields mostly comprised of chops, novices, or groups that prominently feature non-golfers. Eliminates some of the hacking while keeping everyone engaged. Also appropriate for charity or fundraising functions, providing the facade of a contest yet keeping an insouciant atmosphere to the proceedings.

Shamble

How it works: Begins like a scramble, with each player hitting a drive and the group playing their second shots from the "best" tee ball. However, group plays their own ball for the rest of the hole. Best one/two scores count for the group.

One of our favorites, combining the benefits of the scramble and best ball formats. On the majority of holes, players will be hitting from the fairway or a desirable position, while also maintaining the sense one gets to play their own ball from that point out.

Foursomes

How it works: Also known as alternate shot. Paired in twos, a team plays only one ball, taking turns hitting until the hole is finished. Players switch teeing off, meaning one will drive on the even holes while the other takes odd.

This can be endlessly fun or the bane of your existence. Yes, partly due to your partner—punching-out their bad drives hole after hole gets old fast—but the inverse of that is especially true, knowing your bad shot could kill their enjoyment. Sentiments that make this format the most intense of the bunch.

Stableford

How it works: Unlike traditional scoring, the goal in Stableford is to have the highest score possible. This is because the lower your score on a hole is, the more points you receive. Here's the baseline points system the PGA Tour uses at the Barracuda Championship, which can be adjusted to your own event: Double Eagle - 8 points, Eagle - 5 points, Birdie - 2 points, Par - 0 points, Bogey - minus-1 point, Double Bogey or worse - minus-3 points.

In theory, this is exciting...until you remember you're not exactly the player that racks up red numbers. Only use this format if A) You're outing is comprised of really good players B) The course is a cake walk C) This is paired with a scramble.

Worst ball

How it works: Teams of two/four players keep their own ball, only the best score on each hole is thrown out.

Why, you ask? Golf attracts a sadistic bunch, and this format is as callous as they come. The idea is to test the overall strength of your team, but it's an idea better in premise than practice, as it quickly becomes an indictment on those struggling.

No Format/Individual stroke play

How it works: Each competitors plays their own ball, no team affiliation.

Basically, what you see every week on the PGA Tour. Lacks imagination and, frankly, boring for an outing. Golfers don't get many opportunities for team competition; missing such a prime chance is borderline criminal. While each of the above formats has its shortcomings, all—even worst ball—are preferred than no parameters at all.