A Quick Guide to Playing Formats: Four-Ball, Foursomes, and Scramble
Golf is not just a game of individual skill, but also a sport rich in team formats. Among the most popular team formats are Four-Ball (Better Ball), Foursomes (Alternate Shot), and Scramble. Each provides a unique approach to the golf game and comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Here’s a breakdown of these formats and what they have to offer.
In Four-Ball, two players form a team, but each player plays their own ball throughout the round. The team’s score on each hole is the lowest score made by either player, i.e. the “better ball.”
Advantages:
Encourages aggressive play: Knowing a teammate can bail you out lets players take risks they might otherwise avoid.
Less pressure: If one player struggles on a hole, the other player can keep the team afloat.
Disadvantages:
Less team interaction: Since both players are playing their own ball, there’s less direct collaboration.
Potential imbalance: If one player is significantly stronger than the other, it can lead to a lopsided team dynamic.
In Foursomes, two players on a team take turns hitting the same ball. One player tees off on the odd-numbered holes, and the other on the even-numbered holes. They alternate shots until the ball is holed.
Advantages:
Cooperation: Requires close communication and cooperation. It’s a true test of partnership and strategy.
Quick pace: Since only one ball is in play, rounds tend to move faster than individual formats.
Disadvantages:
Pressure: Every shot counts, and a mistake can feel magnified because of the shared responsibility.
Loss of rhythm: Alternating shots can disrupt a player’s flow, especially if they struggle to find consistency.
In a Scramble, each player on the team hits a shot. The team then selects the best shot, and all players hit their next shot from that position. This process is repeated until the ball is holed.
Advantages:
Fun and inclusive: Scrambles are ideal for casual and charity events, allowing players of all skill levels to contribute to the team’s success.
Low pressure: The team always plays from the best position, so there’s less individual pressure.
Team spirit: Scrambles emphasise collaboration and are a great format for camaraderie.
Disadvantages:
Less individual challenge: Because players aren’t always playing their own ball, they might not face the same level of personal accountability for every shot.
Pacing issues: If a team spends too much time deciding which shot to play, rounds can drag on longer than expected.
Choosing the right format depends on the goals of your group. Whether you’re seeking competition, camaraderie, or just a relaxed day on the golf course, there is a suitable format out there for you.
TMRW Sports partners with the International Golf Federation to drive participation in the sport
The partnership between TMRW Sports and the International Golf Federation (IGF) is poised to enhance the growth of golf in several important ways. TMRW Sports, co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, is focused on leveraging technology and innovation to modernize sports and engage new audiences. Here’s how this collaboration could impact golf’s future:
1. Youth Engagement and Technology Integration
TMRW Sports is dedicated to creating tech-driven experiences that appeal to younger audiences. Through its TGL (Tech-Infused Golf League) initiative, it plans to introduce an innovative team-based format, utilizing advanced technology like augmented reality, immersive broadcasts, and real-time data to create a more interactive viewing experience. The IGF could tap into these advancements to engage younger demographics, making golf more accessible and exciting for new fans.
2. Global Reach and Appeal
The IGF, which governs golf in the Olympics and other international events, brings a vast global platform. With TMRW Sports’ backing, golf can reach untapped markets more effectively, especially in regions where traditional formats haven’t resonated strongly. A technology-focused approach can break down geographical barriers, promoting global participation in the sport.
3. Elevating Spectator Experience
TMRW Sports aims to modernize the way golf is consumed through innovations in media and fan engagement. This will not only cater to the existing fanbase but will also attract casual viewers who might not be avid golf fans but are drawn in by the dynamic, fast-paced digital experiences.
4. Sustainability and Inclusivity
With TMRW Sports’ emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity in sports, the IGF partnership could lead to initiatives that promote broader access to the game. This may include programs designed to foster greater participation across different age groups, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
In essence, the TMRW Sports-IGF partnership could revolutionize golf by combining tradition with modern technology, making it more engaging for future generations and expanding its global appeal.
My first trip to The Home of Golf was a special one. I did not know what to expect arriving in the town of St Andrews but I was beyond excited to get my first glimpse of the Old Course. It was typical Scottish weather when we arrived, wet and windy, but it almost made my first look of the course more iconic. St Andrews is a special haven for golf, and you can feel it in the air wherever you are in the town. Everyone is wearing golf clothes, authentic golf shops on every street, memorabilia everywhere and golf talk in every restaurant and pub. It’s contagious!
Women’s golf is growing rapidly in all areas. The standard of golf is exceptional and the crowds are on the rise. It’s not just the golf that sets the Women’s game apart, the fashion was unique; bright colours, oversize clothing and accessories such as ear muffs and high top shoes catch the eye and get people talking! Global brands such as Adidas are now collaborating with a number of top LPGA Tour Professionals helping the game reach a truly new global audience.
Lydia Ko
Fans of all ages are inspired by the likes of Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko and Linn Grant, who are superstars of the game and amazing role models for young players to look up to. The fan experience for the week was an engaging one; the #1 podcast in Golf, No Laying Up, was on the AIG Open Radio all week giving a firsthand on the ground insight into the action!
The way they broke down the details of the Old Course and the knowledge they had of the players’ games gave a great insight for the listening spectators who were braving the elements outside the ropes and even those seeking refuge in The Jigger Inn! Worldwide Pop sensation Tom Grennan flew in to perform after the day’s play on Saturday evening in front of a bumper crowd, encompassing the fact that Golf is no longer an event just for Dad but in fact for the entire family! The planning of the event was exquisite and it was one of my favourite sporting events I have attended.
On Thursday and Friday, I walked the course as a spectator, and it was the first time I had seen the course in the flesh. The one piece of knowledge I had of the course was that players can miss left off the tee all day on both nines and be in play. However, if you start missing right, you are staring down a double bogey or worse. This is absolutely true! I followed Maja Stark’s group on the front nine, and they were extremely impressive. Off the tee, they would only miss left of the fairway and you naturally think they’ve made a mistake, but when you walk up with them to see all three balls in play, with a great angle into the green.
They knew their misses and knew not to leak one right with a hard 40mph wind off the left! What made golf a fascinating spectacle was the fact that every player in the field had to be on their A-game otherwise they would suffer the wrath of mother nature. Following one group for a longer stretch of holes is a great way to watch professional golf live, as you really get a look at the consistency they all obtained the way they manage their games around such a testing course.
After following one group for the front nine, we then decided to set up camp in the grandstand on the most exposed part of the course and watch multiple groups come through on the Par 4 7th hole and Par 3 11th hole. This was relentless for the spectators with the wind blowing hard over our right shoulder coming off the Eden Estuary. It was difficult enough for the spectators to hang onto their hats, so much so that I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like for the players! Balls were oscillating on the greens which had a large part to play for the 6 ½ hour round on Thursday & Friday but given the conditions the R&A did well to ensure the course remained playable!
The ball striking throughout the tournament was exceptional with most of the women hitting low punch shots into the back right pin on the 7th hole which was amazing to see live. We saw multiple near hole outs from the fairway. The problems came for most players with the short stick. They were rarely holding putts, and were missing short Birdie putts which meant it was a constant battle to climb up the leaderboard!
From our point of view, it looked like the Pros were struggling with posture due to the blustery conditions, and balls were moving whilst they were in their routine leading to confusion between playing partners whether or not to proceed. Later on that afternoon I heard that both Nelly Korda and Linn Grant had added more weight to their putters, with Korda, in fact, changing to a mallet from her preferred blade. This was to make their stroke feel more stable in the windy conditions which makes a lot of sense.
The scene was set for the final round exactly how the organisers & sponsors would have wished before the first ball was in the air! The best players in the world, fighting for a major at arguably the most famous golf course in the world. There were five players, who have all previously been World #1 at some point in their career, in the hunt to win on back nine. The famous 17th hole, nicknamed The Road Hole, has caused lots of drama throughout the years and it held its own this time around as well. What a brilliant finishing stretch of golf holes, if you make a Par at 17 it feels like Strokes Gained on the field, whereas you can quite quickly find yourself out of contention with a Double Bogey via Hell Bunker!
If you can navigate the Road Hole in level Par then you set yourself up for a rip at the 18th green with the traditional wind direction down off the right! I can’t think of anything better in the world of golf. Lydia Ko proved her patience with a final-round 69 to win by two shots.What a fortnight for New Zealand’s finest export the game of Golf has ever seen, following up her Gold Medal at Le Golf National the week earlier at the Paris Olympics. She has built a serious pedigree in the golf game.
The upcoming Solheim Cup in the United States is set to be a fiery contest! After a tie last year at Finca Cortesin, and Europe retaining the trophy, the US have got a chip on their shoulder and set about proving a point on home soil, with a star studded line up to boot! I’ll be tuning into Sky Sports for sure, to support Suzann Pettersen and the European team. Ole Ole Ole!!
One of the unique aspects of golf is the variety of scoring formats available, each offering its own challenges and dynamics. Whether you’re a beginner trying to grasp the basics or an experienced golfer looking to mix things up on the course, understanding these formats can enhance your appreciation for the game and add a new dimension to your play.
The most traditional scoring format is Stroke Play, where each player competes individually by counting the total number of strokes taken over a round, with the lowest score winning. This format is used in major tournaments, like The Masters or The Open Championship, and emphasizes consistency and mental endurance over 18+ holes.
Another popular format is Match Play. Instead of counting total strokes, players compete hole by hole, with the goal of winning more holes than their opponent. This head-to-head style of play contributes to intense competition and allows for more aggressive strategies, as a bad hole only costs a single point rather than derailing an entire round. Match play is particularly exciting in team events like the Ryder Cup, where the focus shifts from individual scores to team victory, making every hole and every putt critical.
Stableford is a popular scoring format in golf that emphasizes the reward of good play rather than penalizing poor performance. Unlike traditional stroke play, Stableford awards points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole in relation to a fixed score, usually par. In the Stableford system, each hole is scored individually, and points are awarded based on how the golfer’s perform in relation to their handicap and the hole’s par:
0 Points: More than one over par (e.g., double bogey or worse).
1 Point: One over par (bogey).
2 Points: Par.
3 Points: One under par (birdie).
4 Points: Two under par (eagle).
5 Points: Three under par (albatross).
The key advantage of the Stableford format is that it encourages aggressive play. Since the scoring system only penalizes a player with zero points for a particularly bad hole, golfers can take risks without the fear of drastically ruining their overall score, making it a very popular format for many of the corporate and charity golf days we do at VPAR.
Each format offers its own twist to the game, keeping it exciting every time you step onto the course. Next time you’re out there, embrace the variety, because no matter how you keep score, it’s all about enjoying it one swing at a time!
If you find yourself at Killeen Castle and have a bit of extra time, do yourself a favor and make the short 25-minute journey south to Carton House, a stunning Fairmont-managed resort that is truly a golfer’s paradise. Recently, I had the pleasure of joining a few clients for a live scoring event at this magnificent venue, and I must say, Carton House is nothing short of spectacular.
As you approach, you’re immediately struck by the grandeur of the estate. The drive is lined with lush greenery, guiding you to a large Palladian mansion that dates back to the 16th century. This architectural masterpiece sets the tone for what lies ahead—a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxury.
Carton House
Further down the drive, you’ll find the golf area, housed in a beautifully renovated stable. The stable’s original features have been preserved, creating a unique atmosphere that marries history with contemporary comfort. The pro shop is a treasure trove of memorabilia, and the entrance to the golf course is simply grand, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of golf.
During our visit, the staff were nothing short of delightful, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. We set up our event outside The Carriage House restaurant, a lovely spot that offers the perfect ambiance for any occasion. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind after a day on the greens, with great food and even better company.
Carton House is home to not one, but two championship golf courses, each offering its own unique challenges and breathtaking backdrops. The Montgomerie, designed by Colin Montgomerie himself, is a par-72, 7,300-yard inland links course. Ranked 37th in Ireland and 2nd in County Kildare, just behind the K Club’s Palmer North course, it’s a must-play for any serious golfer. The golf course is known for its strategic design, demanding precision and skill, but don’t be intimidated—there are plenty of opportunities to score well, even if your handicap isn’t quite Tour level.
For those looking for a different kind of challenge, the O’Meara golf course offers a journey through ancient woodlands and along the banks of the River Rye. This golf course has hosted the Irish Open in 2005, 2006, and 2013, as well as the World Amateur Team Championships in 2018. As the home of the Golfing Union of Ireland, it’s seen its fair share of legendary play, but it’s also a course that welcomes golfers of all levels.
One of the most iconic features of Carton House is the Tyrconnell Tower, which is prominently featured in the resort’s logo. Erected in the 17th century, this tower stands atop a hill, offering stunning views of the entire golf club. It’s a sight to behold and a reminder of the rich history that permeates every corner of this estate.
And if all that isn’t enough to convince you, Carton House is just 25 minutes from Dublin city center and 30 minutes from Dublin Airport, making it incredibly accessible. Whether you’re in town for a day or planning a longer stay, it’s well worth the visit.
In short, Carton House is more than just a golf resort—it’s an experience. From the historic architecture to the world-class golf, every moment spent here is one to cherish. So why not make the trip? You won’t regret it.
Fantasy leagues and competitions are becoming ever popular in the world of sports as ways fans can consume their favorite games grow and evolve. Fantasy Golf is increasingly on the rise and particularly attracts many participants hoping to top the tables when it comes to carefully picking their teams during the four Major tournaments. If you think you know which star is going to peak just at the right time or have been following a lesser-known player that is on a hot streak of form and is destined to shoot low, then maybe Fantasy Golf is the game for you.
Many of these competitions see participants choose players from a range of categories to construct a team, which is exactly how VPAR Fantasy (powered by Hunch) works. Managers get to choose one player from each of the following categories: Hot Favorites, Strong Contenders, American Challengers, European Challengers, Rest of The World Challengers, and Wildcards. The aim of the game is to achieve the lowest cumulative stroke play total across all selected players. If at the end of the tournament fantasy players cannot be separated, the winner will be decided via a tiebreaker. This is based on what they chose the score to par of the winning player to be before the tournament commenced.
Sounds easy right?
VPAR Fantasy
Fantasy Golf with VPAR is open to everyone. Want to join on your own and take on the masses? No problem, we offer a public league for all. Have a handful of friends or colleagues that also want to take part? Then why not create your own league and battle it out. There have been a range of great prizes on offer, from vouchers worth £125 at a golf retailer of your choice, to free VPAR premium annual memberships.
If you think you have the knowledge and guile to take home the fantasy title and bag yourself a prize (alongside the bragging rights), keep your eyes on our socials and website for our next fantasy competition and go head-to-head with your fellow golf fanatics!
Over the years, VPAR has grown from hosting events in England to traveling across Europe and beyond. This expansion has given me the opportunity to visit some of the most stunning venues, providing scoring services for corporate businesses in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Germany, France, and more.
Our journeys involve packing up laptops, devices, and a sense of adventure as we head to each new destination. In this series of blog posts, I’ll take you behind the scenes on some of these trips, highlighting the amazing venues and features that make each location special.
A Trip to Killeen Castle
One of the most memorable trips I’ve taken was to Killeen Castle in Ireland. Flying into Dublin Airport, I opted to stay nearby. It’s a more budget-friendly option compared to the city, which can be quite expensive. From the airport, it’s just a 35-minute drive northwest to the castle.
Killeen Castle, Ireland
Killeen Castle is home to one of only two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in Ireland. Stretching over 7,700 yards from the back tees, this course is ranked 28th in Ireland—a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. Jack Nicklaus, famously known as the Golden Bear, holds a record of 18 major championships and has designed nearly 300 golf courses worldwide. Upon arriving at Killeen Castle, be sure to pay homage to the man himself by admiring his large golden statue near the 1st tee.
The course at Killeen Castle is a masterpiece, with mature trees and small ponds that add to its unique character. The new, modern clubhouse, situated at the end of a scenic mile-long drive (a signature of Nicklaus-designed courses), overlooks the 1st tee and putting green. The clubhouse also boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia from events hosted at the venue, including the Solheim Cup, Ladies Irish Opens, and PGA Events.
One of the course’s most iconic features is the Shamrock Bunker. This enormous bunker is easy to miss in person, but once you see it in photos, you’ll appreciate the subtle nod to Ireland. Positioned on the left of the fairway as you tee off, this green shamrock-shaped bunker is as beautiful as it is challenging—be sure to keep your shot straight to avoid landing in it!
While the castle itself was under renovation during my visit, it remains an incredible sight. The structure, which dates back to 1180, can be seen from the drive and from holes 3, 11, and 18. The castle’s rich history adds a layer of mystique to the entire experience. Keep an eye on the ongoing renovations—they’re sure to make this venue even more impressive.
Though I haven’t had the chance to play a round at Killeen Castle yet, the Jack Nicklaus name alone makes it worth a visit. If you find yourself in Ireland and are looking to host a golf day, Killeen Castle should be at the top of your list.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from my travels with VPAR!
This year’s Open Championship was brutal. Picking a winner was hard enough but the conditions made it even more of a challenge. The best man won in Xander Schauffele, with a final round 65 to secure his second major of the year. It was a ruthless round of golf from the world number two and every time he needed to step up, he did. Schauffele was very much under the radar the first two rounds but he hanged in there and was very consistent.
The media spotlight was more on the likes of Shane Lowry and Daniel Brown the first two days, who stood out from the field in some of toughest conditions I’ve ever seen in professional golf. Even some of the best of the longest hitters in the world couldn’t hit some of the par fours in two and watching drivers being hit into the par three 17th hole was crazy. It was great viewing from the sofa!
At the start of the final round, I really felt the world number one Scottie Scheffler was going to push through the field and win The Open by two or three shots but it was the world number two who stepped up. Schauffele made six birdies in the final round and was bogey free. His short game is on a different level to anyone else and he rarely makes a silly mistake, which was what made sure he hanged in there when other top players crumbled in the early stages of the tournament.
I can see him completing the grand slam first out of the current crop of players in the professional game. His game is trending and it suits every type of major, especially The Masters, where I think he will heavily tipped for next year.
The story line of Royal Troon in my opinion was Billy Horschel. When I’ve watched him at the BMW Championship before, I’ve always felt like he had the home crowd with him, even though he is American. The Europeans love him and he always comes across the pond to play on the DP World Tour a few times a year. His West Ham golf bag is a trademark piece of his and all the West Ham fans follow him around shouting West Ham chants and cheering him on.
He’s known to be one of the nicest guys in golf so it was great to see him being in contention going into the last day and seeing how much The Open Championship means to him. His major record in the past has been statistically poor so it’s great to see Billy prove that he can handle the immense pressure of a major championship. He finished with three birdies in a row to finish T-2 with Englishman Justin Rose.
Here are some interesting or lesser-known golf rules that you might not have been aware of in 2024:
1. Accidentally Hitting the Ball Twice
If you accidentally hit the ball twice during a single stroke (often called a “double-hit”), there’s no longer a penalty. The stroke counts as one, but no extra strokes are added.
2. Dropping the Ball from Knee Height
When taking a drop, you must drop the ball from knee height rather than shoulder height. This change was implemented to increase consistency and fairness in drops.
3. Touching the Sand in a Bunker
You can touch the sand in a bunker with your hand or club for a variety of reasons, such as leaning on a club or removing loose impediments. However, you still can’t test the condition of the sand or ground your club directly behind or in front of the ball.
4. Unplayable Ball in a Bunker
You now have the option to declare a ball unplayable in a bunker and take a two-stroke penalty to drop the ball outside the bunker, keeping the spot where the ball lay directly between the hole and the drop location.
5. Repairing Damage on the Green
You can repair almost any damage on the putting green, including spike marks and other forms of damage, even if they weren’t made by the player themselves.
6. Ball Moved During Search
If you accidentally move your ball while searching for it, there’s no penalty, and you must simply replace the ball in its original spot.
7. Ball Hits You or Your Equipment
If your ball accidentally hits you, your partner, your caddie, or your equipment, there’s no penalty. The ball is played as it lies.
8. No Penalty for a Ball Played Out of Turn in Match Play
In match play, if a player plays out of turn, there is no penalty, but the opponent can require the player to cancel the stroke and play again in the proper order.
9. Flagstick Left in the Hole
You can choose to leave the flagstick in the hole while putting. If your ball hits the flagstick and goes in, it still counts as holed.
10. Penalty for Moving an Object in Penalty Area
You can now move loose impediments and ground your club in penalty areas (formerly known as water hazards). This rule change allows you to take practice swings and ground your club as you would on the fairway.
11. Search Time Reduced to Three Minutes
The time allowed to search for a lost ball has been reduced from five minutes to three minutes. If you can’t find your ball within this time, it’s deemed lost.
12. Dropping Zones for Penalty Relief
In some circumstances, courses have designated dropping zones for penalty relief. These are optional, but if a player uses them, the ball must be dropped within that zone, and it counts as taking a penalty drop.
These rules, many of which were updated or clarified in recent years, aim to make the game more fair, streamlined, and enjoyable for players at all levels.
Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have had two amazing seasons to date and the FedEx Cup play offs are still to be played. But who’s season would you rather take at this moment in time?
Scottie Scheffler has broken records this season winning six times on the PGA Tour and recently taking home the Olympic Gold Medal for the USA in Paris. He has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Players Championship, The Masters, RBC Heritage, The Memorial Tournament, and the Travelers Championship so far on the PGA tour. He sits top of the FedEx Cup rankings heading into the Play Offs at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. His consistency the whole season has been mind blowing especially when he has been in the hunt, with some people comparing him to Tiger Woods in his prime.
When he won The Masters in April, I thought that he was going to win all four majors of the year but he did not. He came T-8 in the PGA Championship, T-41 in the US Open and T7 in The Open Championship. It did not help he got arrested mid-way through the second major of the year at Valhalla! He has been the man to beat in every competition, especially the elevated events but some would say his major season was disappointing for someone who has been so dominant. He bounced back from the last major of the year by winning Gold at Le Golf National at the Paris Olympics, shooting a 62 in the final round to break the course record. It was an electric performance from the World Number One.
However, some would argue that they would prefer to take fellow American Xander Schauffele’s season over Scheffler’s. This sounds hard to believe but there is an argument for it. Schauffele has had a very consistent year but was in the shadow of Scheffler for most of the season until he won his second major of the year at The Open in July. Two majors in one year does not happen very often! In May, he won the PGA Championship to win his first career major at Valhalla, which most would say was a matter of time. Then two months later, Schauffele edged out Scheffler on the final day of The Open with a final round 65. This is when golf fans started to question who’s season they would prefer between Scheffler’s and Schauffele’s.
Would you take a season with seven wins including a major and an Olympic Gold or two wins which were both majors?
Personally, I would have taken Schauffele’s season after The Open but after Scheffler won Gold in Paris, his season has gone one step ahead in my mind.
