Formats of play
Golf is played worldwide in two main forms: stroke play and match play—individually or in teams.
Golf is played worldwide in two main forms: stroke play, where the overall score decides the result, and match play, where players compete hole by hole. These can be played individually or in teams.
Source: The R&A
Stroke play counts every stroke; match play is won hole by hole.
Scoring formats
| Format | How it works |
|---|---|
| Stroke Play / Medal | Count every stroke over the round. The lowest total wins. |
| Match Play | Each hole is won, lost, or tied. The player or side winning more holes wins the match. |
| Stableford | Earn points on each hole against a target score, usually par, with handicap strokes applied when relevant. Highest total wins. |
| Modified Stableford | Uses a different points scale, often rewarding good scores more strongly and deducting points for poor scores. |
| Maximum Score | Each hole has a score limit set by the organiser. Lowest total wins. |
| Par / Bogey | Compete against a fixed target on each hole, recording a win, loss, or tie. Best overall balance wins. |
These scoring formats are described in the Rules of Golf and R&A guidance on other forms of play.
Pairs and teams
Pairs and teams add another dimension:
| Team format | How it works |
|---|---|
| Four-Ball / Better Ball | Two partners each play their own ball. The lower partner score counts for each hole. |
| Foursomes / Alternate Shot | Two partners share one ball, taking alternate strokes and alternating who tees off. |
| Greensomes | Both partners tee off, select one drive, then play alternate shots until the hole is completed. |
| Scramble | Everyone plays a shot, the team selects one position, and everyone plays again from there. Repeat until holed. |
| Best Two of Four | All four players play their own balls; the two best scores or Stableford points count on each hole. |
Team formats can use different scoring methods; organisers should specify the rules and handicap allowances.
Source: The R&A
For DRS events
For DRS events, Stableford suits individual competitions, Four-Ball suits pairs, and Scramble makes an enjoyable team event. System 36, used in your Monsoon League, is a method of calculating a competition handicap—not a separate playing format.
