The formats guide
GOLF GAMES & FORMATS.
Every format you can run in a PreBirdie event — how it's played, how it's scored, and the handicap allowance that keeps it fair.
Formats
Stroke Play
Every stroke counts. Lowest total score wins — gross, or net after handicap.
Stableford
Points per hole versus par. High points win, and a blow-up hole barely stings.
Match Play (Singles)
One on one, decided hole by hole. The lowest player plays off scratch.
Four-Ball (Better-Ball) — Stroke
Two-player teams; each plays their own ball and the team takes the better net score.
2-player teamsFour-Ball (Better-Ball) — Match
Two-player better-ball scored as match play; the better net score wins the hole.
2-player teamsFoursomes (Alternate Shot)
Two-player teams share one ball, alternating shots. One score per team per hole.
2-player teamsScramble (2 Players)
Two-player teams; both tee off, pick the best shot, and both play on from there.
2-player teamsScramble (4 Players)
Four-player teams; everyone tees off, the best shot is chosen, and all play on from there.
4-player teamsShamble
Teams share the best drive, then each plays their own ball in for the best net score(s).
4-player teamsSide games
Skins
Each hole is a skin — win it outright to take it; ties carry over to the next hole.
Nassau
Three matches in one: front nine, back nine, and overall. A classic structured game.
Wolf
A rotating four-player game; each hole the Wolf picks a partner or goes it alone for more.
Bingo-Bango-Bongo
Three points per hole: first on, closest once all are on, and first in the hole.
Ready to run one? Organize an event and PreBirdie builds balanced teams and a live net leaderboard for you.