Golf Competition Formats

Competition sheets assume you know the format and how many shots you receive. This page covers both: what each format means, and the WHS handicap allowance that applies. Your Playing Handicap starts from your Course Handicap, then the allowance for that format is applied.

Different formats use different percentages because some give you more help than others. A fourball lets you pick the better of two balls, so each player receives fewer shots than in individual strokeplay.

In England, standard allowances remain mandatory until at least 2028. Scotland, Wales, and Ireland have had more flexibility since April 2026. Always check your competition sheet on the day.

You count every stroke on every hole. After handicap strokes are applied, the lowest net total wins. Saturday medals and most club championships use this.

Allowance: 95% of Course Handicap.

You earn points on each hole based on your net score against par: typically 2 for net par, 1 for net bogey, 0 for net double bogey or worse, 3 for net birdie, and so on. Highest points total wins. A bad hole costs you zero points, not a ruined card.

Allowance: 95% of Course Handicap.

A hole-by-hole format, a bit like match play against the course. On each hole you win, lose, or halve against bogey (or par, depending on the competition) after receiving your handicap strokes.

Allowance: 95% of Course Handicap.

Two players form a team. Each plays their own ball throughout. On each hole, the better net score of the two counts. You will see this called fourball, better ball, or 4BBB on a sheet.

Two players, one ball. Partners alternate shots, including on the tee. Also called alternate shot.

Allowance: 50% of combined Course Handicaps.

Both partners tee off. The team picks the better drive, then plays alternate shot from there until the ball is holed.

Allowance: 60% of the lower Course Handicap plus 40% of the higher.

Foursomes played by a mixed team, typically one man and one woman. Same alternate-shot rules as standard foursomes.

Allowance: 50% of combined Course Handicaps.

A team format, usually four players. Everyone tees off, the team picks the best shot, and all players hit from there. Repeat until the ball is holed. One team score per hole. Most events require each player to contribute a set number of drives.

Allowance: not in the standard WHS table. The organiser sets how team handicaps are worked out. Ask on the sheet or at registration.

See playing handicap vs course handicap for how Course Handicap and Playing Handicap fit together, then our interactive scorecard to see which holes your shots land on.