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Strokeplay/Medal:

This type of event is when the player, pair or team must hole-out with their golf ball on every hole. The total number of shots is recorded and totaled up at the end with the winner having the lowest score.

Matchplay:

This type of event is when one player or pair compete against another attempting to win each hole by completing it in as fewer shots as possible. Whoever wins the most holes wins the match. The Ryder Cup is a matchplay event.

Stableford:

A similar format to Strokeplay with the exception that points are scored depending on how many strokes it takes to complete a hole. Generally completing a hole in par merits two points, a birdie three points but a bogey only one point. If a player, pair or team fail to record a score this counts as zero points, the same as a double bogey. The number of points are totaled at the end with the winner having the most points.

Four Ball Better Ball:

This is usually played in pairs events where the couples best score on each hole is selected and recorded. This can be either a medal or Stableford event. (This format is also used in matchplay events but normally in friendly formats at local golf clubs only).

Greensomes:

This is a pairs event and is where the best drive is chosen by the couple and then alternative shots are played until the hole is completed. This can be used in either a strokeplay or Stableford format.

Mixed Greensomes:

This is the same as the above with the exception that each pair must comprise on one gentleman and one lady.

Am-Am:

This is a team event and is where generally speaking the best two scores on each hole from a group of four players is recorded in either a strokeplay of Stableford format. There can be slight variations on this format where for example sometimes all four players must score on par three's etc... Sometimes referred to as a Quad-Am.

Tri-Am:

This is the same as above except the team comprises of three players.

Texas Scramble:

Usually a four man team event although sometimes just three this format is where every player drives off and the best drive is selected. All players then play from the position of the best drive and selected the best next shot. This is repeated until the hole is completed. Again, this can be either strokeplay or Stableford.