Fun Golf Formats Explained: Best Ways to Enjoy Golf Without a Serious Round

Not every round of golf needs to be serious, quiet, or focused on perfect scores. Trying a different format is one of the easiest ways to keep the game fun, social, and relaxed. These fun golf formats are ideal when golfers want to enjoy the golf course, play with friends, and focus more on laughs than scorecards.

Below we'll dive into a clear, beginner-friendly explanation of some of the most popular formats, including how each hole works and how someone actually wins.

Stableford (Simple Points-Based Golf)

Stableford is one of the easiest formats to understand and one of the best for casual rounds.

Instead of counting every stroke, you score points on each hole based on how you perform compared to par.

A common points system looks like this:

• Double bogey or worse: 0 points

• Bogey: 1 point

• Par: two points

• Birdie: three points

  
  

You play all 18 holes, add up your points, and the golfer with the highest total wins at the end of the round.

Why it’s fun:If you have a bad hole, you just pick up and move on. One disaster hole doesn’t ruin your day, which makes it perfect for mixed handicap groups.

Bingo, Bango, Bongo (Fun and Social)

This format sounds confusing at first, but it’s actually very simple must play.

On every hole, there are three points available, and each point is separate, to earn points:

• Bingo: the first player whose golf ball lands on the green

• Bango: the player whose ball is closest to the pin when all the balls are on the green

• Bongo: the player who holes out first

  
  

Each point is independent, so different players can win different points on the same hole.

Why it’s fun:It doesn’t matter how many shots you take. Even a high-handicap golfer can score well by being accurate or putting well. It’s one of the best formats for different skill levels.

Nassau (Front, Back, Total)

A Nassau splits the round into three separate games:

1. Front nine

2. Back nine

3. Overall 18 holes

   
   

Each part is a mini contest. For example:

• You win the front nine

• Your opponent wins the back nine

• The overall score is tied

  
  

That’s three separate results. Often players agree to make it a betting game or just play for bragging rights.

Why it’s fun:This format is great for players who struggle with consistency. If you start badly, you can still win the back nine. It keeps the round competitive right until the last hole.

Texas Scramble (Best Shot Team Play)

A scramble is very popular in social and charity golf.

Here’s how it works:

1. Everyone on the team hits a tee shot

2. The team chooses the best shot

3. Everyone plays their next shot from that same spot

4. Repeat until the ball is holed

   
   

The team records one score per hole, not individual scores.

Why it’s fun:There’s no pressure on individuals. Bad shots don’t matter because someone else usually hits a good one. Perfect for relaxed days and beginners.

Best Ball (Also Called Fourball)

In best ball, each player plays their own ball for the whole hole.

• Two players form a team (or four players split into teams)

• Each golfer completes the hole

• The best score from the team counts

  
  

For example:

• Player A scores a par

• Player B scores a bogey→ The team score is par

  
  

Why it’s fun:You always feel involved, and one good player can carry the team on a hole without putting pressure on others.

Alternate Shot (Foursomes)

This format requires teamwork and patience.

• Two players share one ball

• One player tees off on odd-numbered holes

• The other tees off on even-numbered holes

• Players then take turns hitting the ball until the hole is finished

  
  

If your partner hits the tee shot, you must hit the next shot.

Why it’s fun:It encourages strategy and communication. It’s tougher than other formats, but very rewarding when you work well together.

Skins Game (Every Hole Matters)

In a skins game:

• Each hole is worth one “skin”

• If one player wins the hole outright, they win the skin

• If players tie, the skin carries over to the next hole

  
  

That means later holes can be worth multiple skins.

Why it’s fun:A single great hole can swing the entire game, which keeps everyone interested until the very end.

Match Play (Hole-by-Hole Battles)

Instead of counting total strokes (stroke play), match play is about winning individual holes.

• If you score better than your opponent on a hole, you win that hole

• If you tie, the hole is halved

• The player who wins more holes wins the match

  
  

This is the format used in the Ryder Cup.

Why it’s fun:You can lose badly on one hole and still win the match. It’s competitive but forgiving.

Why Playing Fun Golf Formats Matters

Trying different formats helps golfers:

• Stay motivated when they don’t want a serious round

• Play comfortably with friends of different abilities

• Focus on enjoyment rather than scorecards

  
  

Whether it’s bingo bango bongo, scramble, or stableford, changing the format can completely change how much you enjoy every hole. Deciding on which golf game to play depends on you and your group. Some games are a great way to get the whole group involved, no matter the handicap of the player in the group. 

FAQ: Fun Golf Formats Explained

What is a fun golf format?

A fun golf format is any way of playing golf that changes the traditional scoring or structure to make the round more relaxed and entertaining. These formats often focus on teamwork, points, or winning individual holes rather than total score.

Are fun golf formats suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many fun golf formats are ideal for beginners because they reduce pressure and allow players of different skill levels to enjoy the same round. Formats like scramble, best ball, and stableford are especially beginner-friendly.

How do fun formats help golfers of different skill levels play together?

Most formats use a handicap system or team scoring, meaning stronger golfers don’t dominate every hole. This keeps the game competitive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of experience.

Can fun golf formats be played over fewer than 18 holes?

Absolutely. Many formats work just as well over nine or even six holes, making them perfect for quick rounds, evening golf, or casual games after work.

What is the easiest fun golf format to understand?

Scramble is often the easiest. All players hit a tee shot, choose the best ball, and everyone plays from that spot until the hole is finished. It’s simple, social, and very popular.

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Written by Sam at SAMAYAKI