Favorite Team Game

[bkuehn1952]

Fresh off the Newport Cup, one has a new or renewed appreciation of team golf and team games.  So what does everyone prefer?  And if you rarely or never play a team game, what seems like the most interesting and fun format?

I think alternate shot is the ultimate team game.  You and your partner are totally dependent upon each other.  It was especially fun for me on the 2nd day when @cipher and I managed to claw our way to a tie (1.5 to 1.5) in the foursomes match.  Each of us had some obvious weaknesses but we used our relative strengths to cobble together a game that salvaged a tie.  Before we teed off we apologized for all the bad shots we were going to hit and then never said "sorry" after that, we just tried to "make lemonade out of lemons."

[iacas]

I hate alternate shot, because I like to be in control of my own ball while still playing a team game. So four ball for me.

There are other quasi-team games, too, like Wolf, or Vegas, or whatever else. I like playing Vegas, too… quite a bit. Big swings in points. Big wins and big losses.

[dennyjones]

My group usually doesn't play any games but last year playing 27 holes, we played foursomes, fourball and singles.  I believe it was some of the most fun I've had playing golf.   I'm going to suggest it tomorrow!   I voted 4 ball.

[cipher]

1 hour ago, bkuehn1952 said:

Fresh off the Newport Cup, one has a new or renewed appreciation of team golf and team games.  So what does everyone prefer?  And if you rarely or never play a team game, what seems like the most interesting and fun format?

I think alternate shot is the ultimate team game.  You and your partner are totally dependent upon each other.  It was especially fun for me on the 2nd day when @cipher and I managed to claw our way to a tie (1.5 to 1.5) in the foursomes match.  Each of us had some obvious weaknesses but we used our relative strengths to cobble together a game that salvaged a tie.  Before we teed off we apologized for all the bad shots we were going to hit and then never said "sorry" after that, we just tried to "make lemonade out of lemons."

I really enjoyed the strategy behind choosing the holes and working together for Alternate Shot.  I had a lot of fun with that format as it is very rewarding to play when you start finding a bit of a stride together.

 

 

[DeadMan]

I prefer fourball, personally. I hate sticking other people with my shots in alternate shot. Even though it's never bothered me playing other people's shitty shots. 

I've never played greensomes, so I don't know how I'd like that.

I would like to try Wolf sometime. That sounds interesting.

[David in FL]

12 hours ago, iacas said:

I like alternate shot, because I like to be in control of my own ball while still playing a team game.

Interestingly, I prefer four ball for exactly the same reason.

My group plays it almost exclusively.  It also allows us to each keep an individual score for handicap.

[iacas]

17 minutes ago, David in FL said:

Interestingly, I prefer four ball for exactly the same reason.

Brain fart. I was going to say I like four ball, or hate alternate shot, and mixed them up.

I like alternate shot, just not "regularly."

[saevel25]

I find alternate shot to be interesting, and good in very small doses. On the list, I prefer Four-Ball.

If I had to make choice on your classic golf outing set up, I prefer shambles.

 

[coachjimsc]

I voted alternate shot. It is a game that is hardly ever played but is the most intense for me.

I don't ever interact with a teammate as much as in this format. Loved the pressure and discussing strategy on every shot. Really enjoyed the experience.

[Wanzo]

I've never played alternate shot.  I like four ball a lot.  A 2-man scramble is fun occasionally....I've played in way too many 4 man scrambles with people who stink to enjoy those anymore. 

[klineka]

My buddies and I play 2 person scramble sometimes and I enjoy those. We have done 2 person scramble match play too and that is also fun. I like 2 person scramble better than 4 person because in a 4 person scramble, its basically your group against the course, but in the 2 person scramble you are playing right along next to the group that you are trying to beat. 

I always seem to putt better when I do any kind of scrambles too 

[ghalfaire]

I said four ball.  I like having to play all my own shots.  Keeps you focused.

[Club Rat]

My choice is Four Ball, but I make a small modification to the game, which is using the partners score when the score would be tied.
Too many times the game becomes a match between two players and counting the other scores at least keeps the partners in the game.
 

[Groucho Valentine]

I dunno, I've haven't done too many team events. The year i got selected for whatever the new jersey am select team competes in - i didn't play because of family vacation conflict.  Ive enjoyed playing alternate shot with a player or similar skill to me, but i have not enjoyed it when the skills are not equal. I prefer better ball when I'm playing with double digit handis in a team game. 

For just casual play, i like playing Sixes alot. 

[lastings]

My Friends and I always play a game called "The Wheel"  

Basically just best ball.   but, on each hole, each team gets a point for Low Score, Low Total, and GIR (closest to the pin if both teams have a GIR).   so, 3 points possible per hole, but you get an additional point if you win all three (Or, The wheel, as it's known).  

we love it.  rarely play anything else.

 

edit: another advantage of this game is that everyone gets to keep their own 18-hole score.

Edited October 26, 2017 by lastings

[Groucho Valentine]

1 hour ago, lastings said:

My Friends and I always play a game called "The Wheel"  

Basically just best ball.   but, on each hole, each team gets a point for Low Score, Low Total, and GIR (closest to the pin if both teams have a GIR).   so, 3 points possible per hole, but you get an additional point if you win all three (Or, The wheel, as it's known).  

we love it.  rarely play anything else.

 

edit: another advantage of this game is that everyone gets to keep their own 18-hole score.

I dunno, sounds like alot of math. 

[jsgolfer]

Fourball is my favorite team game.  But have fun playing alternate shot at times.  

[lastings]

5 minutes ago, Groucho Valentine said:

I dunno, sounds like alot of math. 

It’s not.