GOLF
Game Modes
Discover the different ways to play Golf, whether you play alone, in pairs or in teams.
Start playing different modes
A unique sport with different game modes
There is no single way to go out onto the field: Depending on who you play with, your skill level, or the type of tournament, you can choose different formats that completely change the strategy and the fun.
Stroke Play
Also called Medal Play, It is the classic format par excellence and the most widespread in the major tournaments of the professional circuit. In Stroke Play You play against all the participants in the tournament.. The objective is very straightforward: complete the entire round with the fewest strokes possible. Every stroke counts, and it's mandatory to sink the ball in each and every hole. The player with the lowest score at the end of the round wins. It's the ultimate test of consistency and endurance on the course.
Match Play
It is the essence of pure competition and one of the premier formats in professional team tournaments..
In Match Play no you compete against the whole field, but directly against a rival. The game is organized by holes: the player who completes the hole in the fewest strokes wins. One of its great advantages is that you don't always have to sink the hole; if your opponent sees you're going to win the hole, they can give you the putt. The game ends when a player has won more holes than there are holes left to play. It's an exciting, strategic format, perfect for knockout rounds.
Stableford
It is the favorite format of amateur players because it rewards good play and doesn't excessively punish mistakes.
Instead of counting total strokes, you add up points on each hole relative to par.. Two points for par, three for a birdie, and one for a bogey. If a hole becomes too difficult and you can no longer score points, you simply pick up your ball and move on to the next one. This greatly speeds up the pace of play and makes the rounds much more dynamic and fun.
Fourball
The ideal format to enjoy a day of golf with friends.
It's played in pairs (four players in total per match), and each player plays their own ball from the tee to the green. At the end of each hole, only the lowest score of the two players in the pair is recorded. Scoring can be done by adding total strokes or using the Match Play system (by hole). It's a very enjoyable format where camaraderie and teamwork are key to winning.
Foursome
Unlike Fourball, here the pair plays a single ball. One player tees off on the odd-numbered holes and the other on the even-numbered holes, and from then on they strictly alternate shots until the hole is finished. It demands enormous concentration and complete trust in your partner's game.
It is one of the most traditional doubles formats and golf challengers, famous for their leading role in historic tournaments such as the Ryder Cup or the Solheim Cup.
Greensome
Both players of the pair take the tee shot on each hole. Next, they analyze which ball is best positioned, choose that one to continue the game, and pick up the other. From that second shot onward, they alternate shots until they sink the ball. It requires excellent teamwork and knowing how to manage each player's strengths effectively.
A very fun and strategic doubles format, very common at club events.
Scramble
Without a doubt, one of the most fun group sports and less pressure.
Ideal for charity, social or corporate tournaments. Teams of two, three, or four people can play.. Every member of the team tees off on each hole. The best shot of all is chosen, and from that exact spot, all the players tee off again. The process is repeated until everyone gets a hole-in. By always playing from the team's best position, great results are usually achieved, and a fantastic atmosphere is fostered on the course.
Texas Scramble
A very popular variant of the traditional Scramble that adds an extra touch of strategy.
It works exactly the same way (everyone plays from their best chosen ball), but with one mandatory rule: throughout the 18 holes, a minimum number of tee times must be chosen for each player on the team (for example, at least 4 tee times each). This prevents the team from relying solely on the player with the highest handicap and forces everyone to give their best on the tee shots.
Par Bogey
A classic format that shares the spirit of Match Play but is played against your own course.
The goal is to "beat" the par or bogey set for each hole using your handicap. If you complete the hole in fewer net strokes than par, you get a positive score (+); if you make par, you tie (0); and if you need more strokes, you get a negative score (-). As in Stableford, if the hole becomes too difficult and you can no longer improve your score, you can pick up your ball. The player with the highest final score of holes won wins.
Maximum Result
It works just like Medal Play, but with a big advantage.
The tournament committee sets a maximum number of strokes allowed per hole (for example, double par, or a fixed 8 strokes). If you reach that number and haven't holed out, you can pick up your ball without fear of disqualification. It's perfect for beginners, as it allows them to maintain a competitive score without the frustration of a disastrous hole.
This is a relatively new stroke play format, introduced to make golf more accessible and fluid.
Rules Committee
All the information about the Rules of Golf, Regulations, Local Rules, Books, etc. for the correct application of the Rules of Golf in Spain
Golf Vocabulary
Consult this section to understand and learn more about golf terminology as applied to the rules and the game.