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Four-ball match play. With six golfers, three fixed pairs can play three head-to-head matches, so nobody is left waiting for a large single group and each player has a partner. It also rewards a useful low score from either partner while retaining the clear hole-by-hole win, loss or tie outcome of match play.
What to agree before play
Six golfers should not be presented as one match or one tee-time group; split them into separate matches and tee times as needed A knockout bracket gives some players a bye, while a round robin needs multiple matches or sessions; choose the fairness-versus-time trade-off openly Do not copy a handicap allowance from one format to another: four-ball and foursomes have different WHS recommendations, and a Committee should state the allowance in the Terms of the Competition
Table
| Game or arrangement | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Singles match-play knockout | A six-player bracket can use two first-round matches and two byes, then semifinals and a final, so each match remains head-to-head |
| Singles match-play round robin | Each player meets every other player over a planned series of matches, making it a strong fit when everyone values equal opposition rather than a one-day finish |
| Four-ball match play | Three pairs play three separate better-ball matches, giving six golfers partner teamwork while keeping each match easy to score |
| Foursomes match play | Three pairs play alternate-shot matches, which creates a compact team contest but needs compatible pairings and careful tee-order planning |
| Three-versus-three team match play | Split the six into two teams and combine an agreed set of singles or partner matches for one team result; the Committee sets the schedule and points |
Worked example
Illustrative four-ball match-play setup: Alex and Ben play Chris and Dana, while Eli and Fran play a second pair; in the first match, the sides' Course Handicaps are 8 and 12 versus 16 and 20. Using the WHS recommended 90% four-ball match-play allowance, the differences from the lowest 8 are 4 x 0.90 = 3.6 (4), 8 x 0.90 = 7.2 (7), and 12 x 0.90 = 10.8 (11) after ordinary rounding, subject to the Committee's stated calculation procedure; the lowest side/player is set at zero relative strokes and the other players receive the calculated differences.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf 3.1, 3.2, 22, 23 and 24; WHS Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.englandgolf.org
Common questions
Can six golfers play one singles match-play game?
No. A singles match is one player against one opponent. Six golfers can run a knockout bracket, a round robin over several matches, or a team event, but they should be divided into separate matches and scheduled tee times.
What is the simplest match-play format for six players?
Three four-ball matches are usually the simplest team arrangement: make three pairs and have each pair play an opposing pair. Confirm pairings, match order, concessions, tie arrangements and any stakes before starting.
What handicap allowance applies to six-player match play?
It depends on the format, not just the headcount. WHS Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play, 90% for four-ball match play and 50% of combined team handicap for foursomes; the Committee should specify the allowance and apply match-play strokes relative to the lowest Playing Handicap.
Is a six-player round robin an official Rules of Golf format?
Round robin is an event arrangement rather than a separate form of play in the Rules. The Committee can schedule match-play fixtures and define points, tie-breaks and the number of rounds in the Terms of the Competition.
Can six golfers play foursomes match play?
Yes. Make three two-person sides, with each side sharing one ball and alternating strokes. Foursomes requires each partner to alternate teeing off and strokes, so agree pairings and starting order before play.
How should money be settled in a six-player match-play event?
Only use stakes that everyone agrees before play. Decide whether money is attached to each match, a team-points total or an overall pool, and write down how ties, concessions and unfinished matches settle; the Rules of Golf do not set casual betting payments.