While each of the above formats has its shortcomings, alleven worst ballare preferred than no parameters at all.

It offers a group dynamic to a mostly individual sport, often serves as respite from the office, and the amenities.

What is the demographic of the group What is the outings purpose Is there an aspiration of competition, or will score be ancillary Where is the outing taking place With multiple options on the plate, an organizer might feel overwhelmed or unsure what format is the right call.

Competitors play their own ball throughout the round, with the lowest score on each hole counting.

Be careful: this tends to promote more of a tournament vibe than a carefree outing.

Two-man best ball is best served at country clubs or courses with a host of events on the schedule than a once-a-year outing.

In that same breath, the golfers in question do posses a sense of earnestness with their game, which is why they want to play their own ball rather than receive the granted amnesty of a scramble.

Ensures a balanced contest and helps curb serious sandbaggin.

Eliminates some of the hacking while keeping everyone engaged.

Also appropriate for charity or fundraising functions, providing the facade of a contest yet keeping an insouciant atmosphere to the proceedings.

While theres good intention behind it, its also at odds with the informal ethos of a scramble.

However, group plays their own ball for the rest of the hole.

Likewise good for longer courses, as the scramble aspect off the tee should alleviate some of the courses distance-related challenges.

Paired in twos, a team plays only one ball, taking turns hitting until the hole is finished.

Players switch teeing off, meaning one will drive on the even holes while the other takes odd.

Sentiments that make this format the most intense of the bunch.

As long as you have the course in front of you, big dividends.

This is because the lower your score on a hole is, the more points you receive.

Heres the baseline points system the PGA Tour uses at the Barracuda Championship, which can be adjusted to your own event: Double Eagle - 8 points, Eagle - 5 points, Birdie - 2 points, Par - 0 points, Bogey - minus-1 point, Double Bogey or worse - minus-3 points.

Only use this format if A) Youre outing is comprised of really good players B) The course is a cake walk C) This is paired with a scramble.

The idea is to test the overall strength of your team, but its an idea better in premise than practice, as it quickly becomes an indictment on those struggling.

Golfers dont get many opportunities for team competition; missing such a prime chance is borderline criminal.

8 Man Golf Trip Formats