Games Within Games

Filed in archive Golf Wanderings on April 15, 2007

Golf is very much an "individual" game. It's often played as golfer against golf course.

That truly reflects the nature of golf - a game played one shot at a time over terrain designed to confound, confuse or conquer the individual.

That's what makes the sport so wonderful. It's a constant test and reflection of one's abilities.

But people also love to create games within the game, adding a terrific new dimension to golf.

As I prepare to tee up a new season, I get fired up thinking about some of those "games within the game" I have played in the past.

I have to confess to being a huge fan of scrambles.

The scramble allows a poor golfer or outright beginner the chance to make a contribution to the "team".

But what is most satisfying is the strategizing that can go on within a four-man team in a scramble tournament.

Playing to strengths is a large part of the fun; if someone has a great tee game, another is terrific with his or her irons, a third can chip and the fourth can putt, then you have the makings of a winning squad.

Often, though, local tournament rules can dictate that everyone's tee shot must be used at some point during the round. This effectively handicaps the player with the hot driver and adds a layer of intrigue to the round.

I can't say I'm as big a fan of best-ball tournaments. In that format, each player hits his or her own ball and the best or lowest score for the hole is put down on the card.

Best-ball retains all the elements of solitary golf but, for my money, detracts from the feeling of contributing to the team.

Each to their own.

There are plenty of formats for twosome competitions within tournaments. Or even within a foursome during a friendly weekend game. In fact, there are endless combinations and permutations.

Alternate shot is one of them. Two players alternate hitting the same ball. Keeps lost balls under control, too. But it's great fun within a foursome.

Round robin or 6, 6 and 6 isn't bad. A foursome divides into two teams. Those teams go head to head for six holes and then change up for the next six and again for the final 6 holes. Not bad since it allows a weaker player to team up with a better player.

This format works best when all four players are pretty much equal in ability. Otherwise you run the risk of two weak players versus two strong players for 6 holes - which wouldn't be a lot of fun.

And, of course, fun is the name of these games.

They help to take the emphasis in golf away from individual stroke play. We all know that there are many, many rounds of golf where one's score becomes harder and harder to bear as the round wears on.

Games like scrambles, best-balls, alternate shot formats and the rest all leverage the fun in the game of golf and remind us of the wonderful social aspects of playing the game.

In other words, it's all good!