Discover all the Golf Playing Formulas: An Exhaustive Guide

The main forms of golf

Golf offers the flexibility to be played on your own, in a duel or as part of a team, with various formulas for a fun experience.

A key point to understand is the difference between 'net' and 'gross' scores. The "gross" score is the total number of shots played. The 'net' score, on the other hand, is calculated by adding to the Par of the course the shots returned, which depends on the player's level. Here's an example, a player with an index of 36 who finishes a round in 108 shots has a net score of 72 shots (108 - 36), i.e. his net par.

Learn all about the main golf formulas, both official and more informal, and how they are calculated.

Table of contents | Golf formulas

What are the different ways of playing golf?

Golf is played in a variety of ways: Stroke Play, where every shot counts; Match Play, based on the score per hole; Scramble, favouring team play; Stableford, awarding points according to the score against par; and Chapman, a variant of Foursome with alternating shots.

Chapman :

The Chapman is one of golf's most popular formats for playing in pairs. It begins with each player hitting a ball at the start.
The players then alternate to play the second move.

After that, the best ball is chosen to continue play to the hole.

This method encourages strategy and collaboration between players, and the Chapman score calculation is identical to that used in Greensome. Greensome requires great team cohesion and a good understanding of each player's strengths and weaknesses.

In the Chapman, only one score entry is required per team, simplifying the scoring process while retaining a competitive element.

Course à la Ficelle :

This way of playing golf offers a unique and fun touch. Each player is given a piece of string, the length of which varies according to the number of players. player's handicap.

In general, it is set at 50 cm per handicap point, but this may vary according to tournament rules. The string allows the player to improve the position of the ball, either to move it towards the hole or to get it out of a difficult position.

This method adds an interesting strategic element to the game because it requires judicious use of the string, as once a section is cut it can no longer be reused.

Greensome :

Greensome is another popular form of golf. It begins with both team members hitting a ball from the tee.

Then the best shot is chosen and play continues with that ball. This requires the players to evaluate each shot carefully to decide which ball offers the best chance of making the hole.

The team handicap is determined by combining 60% of the handicap of the player with the lowest index and 40% of the handicap of the player with the highest index. player's handicap with the highest index.

This method of calculation promotes balance and ensures that teams are competitive, whatever the combination of players' handicaps.

Foursome :

Foursome is a form of golf in which two teams of two players play against each other. In this format, the members of the same team share a single ball and play alternately.

One player tees off on the odd holes and his partner tees off on the even holes.

The special feature of the Foursome is the alternation of moves between the partners, which requires close coordination and team strategy.

Patsome :

The 'Patsome' is a lesser-known variant of golf, combining elements of several other game formats. Here's how it works:

Scramble over the first 6 holes Each player in the team hits his or her tee shot, then the best shot is chosen. All the players play their second shot from that spot, and so on until the ball is in the hole.
Greensome on holes 7 to 12 The two players in each team hit their tee shots, then choose the best ball. The player whose ball is not chosen plays the second shot, and the players then alternate until the end of the hole.
Foursome on the last 6 holes Players alternate to play with a single ball, with one player teeing off on odd-numbered holes and the other on even-numbered holes.

Match-Play :

Match-Play is one of the simplest and most traditional forms of golf. Whatever the the distance It is played hole by hole, and the winner of each hole is the player who completes it with the fewest strokes.

This formula focuses on individual performance on each hole rather than the total score over the whole course.

In net competitions, the lowest net score wins the hole. The game is won by the team leading by more holes than there are left to play.

This method can lead to spectacular plot twists and exciting endgames.

4 Best Ball :

This form of golf is played by teams of two. Each player plays his ball individually on each hole.
The team score is then determined by the best ball of the two, both gross and net.

The handicap is calculated at 90% of the usual playing handicap, which evens out the playing field and makes for fairer competition between teams with players of different levels.

Formula against par :

The "against par" formula in golf is a game format where players compare their score on each hole with the par for that hole.
Instead of counting the total number of strokes over the course, players win or lose points on each hole according to their performance against par.

The player makes the same number of strokes as the par for the hole. This is generally considered a neutral result, with no gain or loss of points.

If the player makes fewer shots than par, they win points. If the player makes more shots than par, he loses points. The total points are calculated at the end of the round, and the player with the most points (or the fewest points lost) is the winner.

Pro-Am :

The Pro-Am is a form of golf that combines professional and amateur players.

The format varies, but is generally played by teams of 2, 3 or 4 players. The team captain is always a professional player. The team score is the sum of the balls played by each member.

Traditionally, the Pro-Am is played with teams of four and the sum of the two best balls is used for the score. In this format, players benefit from ¾ of their usual playing handicap.

This creates an enriching experience where amateurs can learn from the professionals while actively contributing to the team's performance.

Scramble :

Scramble is a very popular form of golf because of its team aspect and conviviality. It can be played in teams of two, three or four players.

Each member of the team tees off, then the best ball is chosen for the next shot. This process is repeated until the ball is in the hole.

The handicap is calculated using a percentage of each player's handicap, which varies according to the number of players in the team. This formula encourages team cooperation and allows all levels of players to make a significant contribution.

Stroke Play :

Also known as Medal Play, Stroke Play is a form of golf in which every shot is counted.

This method is often considered to be the ultimate test of golfing skill, as it requires a consistent approach to the entire route. All shots are important in this formula, including birdies, penalties, eagles and pars.

This makes Stroke Play both demanding and rewarding, as a single shot can make the difference between winning and losing.

Stableford :

Stableford is a unique method of calculating golf formulas, invented by Dr Franck Stableford. Franck Stableford. It was first used in competition in 1932.

This method consists of converting the score obtained on each hole into points, based on a comparison with the theoretical par for the hole.

In gross, no points are awarded for a double bogey or worse, while in net, returned shots are added to adjust the score in relation to par.

This method encourages aggressive play, as it rewards good holes while minimising the impact of bad holes on the overall score.

How are Stableford points calculated?

Score for the hole	Points
More than a shot over the set score	0
One stroke over the set score	1
Equal to the set score	2
One shot less than the set score	3
Two shots off the set score	4
Three shots off the set score	5
Four shots off the set score	6

Calculating Rendered Hits :

For game formulas such as Stableford, and others that need to be adjusted according to the disabilityThere is a standard procedure for determining the number of shots returned.

It starts by recording your index on the FFG's Espace Licencié. Then use the FFG calculator to determine the number of strokes you have received, which will depend on the course you are playing.

An Excel calculator is often available to facilitate this operation. Once the number of shots received has been determined, they are transferred to the scorecard and the net score per hole is calculated, taking into account the shots returned.

How should you eat for a competition?

Golfers spend several hours on the golf courseA good diet is essential if you are to avoid fatigue and perform well right up to the last hole.

The proper nutrition helps not only to maintain energy levels but also to improve concentration and recovery after play

Frequently asked questions about golf formulas

How are golf points calculated?

In golf, the score is calculated mainly on the basis of the shots taken to complete each hole. Here are the basic principles:

Stroke Play :
- The player must finish each hole in as few strokes as possible.
- The total score is the sum of the strokes over the whole course.
- The winner is the player with the fewest moves in total.
Match Play:
- The players compare their scores hole by hole.
- One point is awarded for each hole won.
- The winner is the player with the most holes.
Other formats (Stableford, Four-Ball, etc.) :
- These formats have specific rules for calculating points, often to add variety or strategy.
Penalties :
- Penalty strokes may be added to the score for certain infringements of the rules.
Disability :
- The handicap system balances competitions between players of different levels.

In short, a low score is preferable in golf, and each game format has its own nuances when it comes to calculating points.

What are golf shots called?

In golf, shots have specific names depending on the number of strokes in relation to the par of the hole. Here are the most common terms:

By The number of strokes expected to complete a hole, based on its length and difficulty.
Birdie One shot under par.
Eagle Two shots under par.
Albatross (or Double Eagle) Three shots under par.
Bogey One over par.
Double Bogey Two shots over par.
Triple Bogey Three shots over par.

These terms are universally used in the world of golf to describe performance on each hole in relation to par.

What is 4-ball golf?

Four-Ball is a golf format generally played in match play or stroke play. Here are the main characteristics of this format:

Teams of two players :
- Each team is made up of two players.
Individual Team Game :
- Each player plays their own ball throughout the course.
Best Hole Score :
- For each hole, the best score of the two players in the team is counted.
- For example, if one player makes a birdie and the other a par, the birdie is the score used for the team.
Match Play or Stroke Play :
- In match play, the team with the best score on a hole wins that hole.
- In stroke play, the total of the best scores on each hole is calculated for the whole course.
Team strategy :
- Players can develop strategies, such as playing conservatively or aggressively, depending on their partner's situation.

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