Individual Events

Flag Tournament

Each player is given a small flag, with his name on the flagstick. Using full Course Handicap, each player continues until he has used the number of strokes equaling par plus his Course Handicap. For example, a player with a Course Handicap of 14 playing a par-72 course would be allowed 86 strokes. When he has used his allotment of strokes, he plants his flag beside his ball. Prizes can be awarded to the players who plant their flags farthest around the course — playing extra holes beyond the 18th, if necessary — or to every player who holes out at the 18th green within his allotted number of strokes.

Quota Points

This format can be played many ways. The most common form involves taking a player’s Course Handicap and subtracting it from 36 (par on every hole) to equal their Quota for the round. Points are achieved by making Gross Scores on each hole. The player with the most points achieved over their Quota is the winner. This format also promotes speedier play.

Eagle = 6

Birdie = 3 (some clubs play 4 pt. birdies to promote aggressive play and reward birdies)

Par = 2

Bogey = 1

Dbl Bogey and Above = 0 PICK IT UP

Team Events

Foursomes (Alternate Shot)

This is a standard Sunday afternoon feature at many clubs, and can be played in three ways.

• The "official way" is for the partners to alternate driving from each tee and then to play alternate shots until the ball is holed (Rule 29). The partner who tees off on the first hole will tee off on all the remaining odd numbered holes. (If handicaps are used, allow 50% of the partners’ combined Course Handicaps).
• The game is perhaps more enjoyable for average golfers if both partners drive from each tee and select which ball to play thereafter. (If this format is used, allow 40% of the partners’ combined Course Handicaps).
• A third method was introduced by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Chapman with interesting results. The partners both drive from each tee, and then each plays a second shot with the other’s ball. After the second shots, a choice is made regarding the ball with which the hole will be completed, alternate shots being continued until the ball is holed. (The player with the lower Course Handicap is allowed 60% of their Course Handicap. The player with the higher Course Handicap is allowed 40%).

Blind Partners

This is an 18-hole stroke play event using a percentage of Course Handicaps (Men - 90% of Course Handicap; Women - 95% of Course Handicap). Players may play with anyone of their choice. But partners are not drawn until the last group has teed off, so a player does not know his partner until he has finished. The winner is the team with the lowest better-ball score.

Give one of these games a try. Playing a different format can be both challenging and fun for your golf group.