There are about ten formats that golfing tournaments are played. Tournaments are
not just from the professionals they are designed for company competitions or by local
clubs. Knowing the rules of the different types of tournaments will help you decide if you
want to participate.
Alternate Shot is best played with two member teams. The team members alternate
hitting the ball. They use the same ball and only have one score per hole.
Scramble may be played with two to four members per team. This is one of the most
popular tournaments played. Every team member hits a ball and the best shot is chosen
to continue down the fairway to the hole.
Bingo Bango Bongo is another popular tournament with leagues and the golfing
association. You are rewarded if you are the first player to reach the green, you have the
ball closest to the hole or you are the first player to sink the ball.
Best Ball has every player hitting their own ball on every hole. The scores of the team is
the lowest members score for the hole.
Callaway is designed to bring together different skill levels of players. This is a
tournament plays at company outings. There is an allowance for handicaps. Player tee
off and score normally and indulge in stroke play. The highest score you can have on a
hole is double par.
Modified Stableford tournaments goal is to be the top scorer. You can play this in teams
or individually. You receive points on the score you get on a hole.
Peoria System is similar to Callaway. The gross score is calculated on selected holes.
Flags is a simple tournament that allots a number of strokes that you play until you use
up all your strokes. Whoever get the farthest is the winner.
Lone Ranger places the teams score on one member of the team per hole. Teams of
four rotate players. Calculating the team score is by coupling the remaining three team
members with the low score.
Pinehurst or Chapman is played by two member teams and is a combination of a couple
of other formats. After the ball is hit off the tee the ball is shuffled and the best ball is
chosen alternating until you reach the hole.
While some of these tournament formats are more popular than others you will find a
form of Modified Stableford played in PGA Tours.