Team Formats

An overall team competition is suggested for most Corporate Groups. Two traditional team events to consider are as follows:

  • Ryder Cup: Two overall teams, with each individual or 2-person teams giving their all to gain points for their captains and team-mates.
  • World Cup: Several teams, all competing against each other for the overall Team Cup. Individual prizes awarded. Suited to strokeplay, or Stableford play in pairs or individuals.

Team events may be played in the following formats, with merits and demerits of each format provided for your reference:

 Tailor Made

Formats

Format Rules Merits Demerits

Singles

One vs One. Best score at each hole wins that hole.

Competitive, especially as part of an overall team.

Too competitive, with no hiding places.

4-Ball Better Ball

Teams of 2 players against 2, with the best score at each hole counting for each team.

Allows each golfer to play their own game for the 18 holes.

Can be slow. One player off his game may not contribute greatly to the match.

Scramble

One score per hole for a team of 3. Each shot is taken from the best position from the previous shots hit by each of the 3 team members.

Pure team play – even the less experienced player will contribute, by leading the team with the first shot each time, and by virtue of his or her handicap.

Isn’t preferred by the individual – especially on courses where they look forward to completing a score.

Foursomes

Teams of 2 players against 2, with each team playing just one ball using alternate shots.

A purer form of Team play than Scramble – and quick – greater degree of satisfaction when played well.

Ideal when playing more than one round in the day.

Places an added degree of pressure on each player.

Individuals don’t get to complete their a full round of 18 holes using their own shots.

Greensomes

Teams of 2 players against 2. Both members of each team tee-off, chosing the best tee-shot, following which each team revert to playing just one ball using alternate shots.

Team play, with each player getting a chance to hit a tee-shot on every hole.

Faster speed of pace than 4-ball. The weaker player can be supported by a stronger one.

The weaker player is placed under some pressure to perform and contribute on every hole for his partner and team.