Page type: Format comparison (two named formats)
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When each fits
Choose Ryder Cup format when the group wants a structured team event with four-ball, foursomes and singles matches decided by holes and team points. Choose Snake when players want a simple informal putting side bet in which successive three-putts transfer the snake and the final holder pays the agreed pot.
Ryder Cup format in brief
A team match-play event combining four-ball, foursomes and singles matches.
Snake in brief
A putting side bet where the last player to three-putt loses the pot.
Table
| Comparison | Ryder Cup format | Snake |
|---|---|---|
| One line | A team match-play event combining four-ball, foursomes and singles matches. | A putting side bet where the last player to three-putt loses the pot. |
| Players | Minimum: 2 for one head-to-head singles match; 4 for one two-versus-two team match. Ideal: 8 or more players split into two teams for a Ryder Cup-style event. | Minimum 2 players; ideal 3-4 players in an individual field. It can run alongside a head-to-head match, but Snake itself is not a match-play competition. |
| Scoring unit | holes within each match, then points for the team total | Three-putts on completed holes. The first three-putt starts the snake, each later three-putt transfers it, and the player holding it after the agreed round is the loser. |
| Handicap method | The Ryder Cup itself is a scratch team competition, so it has no inherent handicap allowance. For a handicap recreation, use the applicable format rather than one Ryder Cup percentage: individual match play 100% of the unrounded Course Handicap, four-ball match play 90%, and foursomes 50% of the combined team handicap. In match play, the lowest Playing Handicap normally plays from zero and the others receive the difference; the Terms of the Competition can specify another approach. | No standard WHS handicap allowance applies to Snake because it is an informal putting side bet, not a WHS competition format. If it accompanies an underlying handicap competition, use that competition's Committee-specified allowance; do not invent a Snake percentage. |
| Money settles how | There is no built-in money settlement. If players agree stakes, settle by the agreed match or team point result; a common house rule is one equal unit per match, with a half-unit for a halved match. Agree whether the overall team result adds a bonus before play. | Agree a fixed dollar amount per three-putt before play. Add that amount to the pot each time, then have the final snake holder pay the pot to the other players; agree in advance whether the amount doubles, how unfinished rounds are handled and how any tie is resolved. |
| Pace | Same to faster than stroke play for an individual match, because a hole or match can be conceded; a full team event is slower overall because it runs many matches across sessions. | Usually the same as ordinary stroke play when everyone holes out in turn, but it can be slower if players debate whether a putt counts or add a separate token-and-settlement routine. |
| Best for | Groups wanting a team day with changing partnerships, a mix of alternate shot and better-ball play, and a clear points-based finish. | Three or four players who want a simple putting-focused side bet alongside their normal round or another agreed game, with clear stakes and no gimmes unless the group agrees otherwise. |
| Weakness | It needs careful scheduling and agreed team-selection, session, handicap and tie-break rules; a small casual group cannot reproduce the full event without practical adaptations. | The final loss can depend on one late three-putt rather than overall scoring, and informal conventions differ on putts from the fringe, conceded putts, doubling and the payout. |
Worked example
Illustrative inputs and selected terms, not historical results. In an illustrative miniature team event, Alex and Ben win a four-ball for 1 point; Alex wins a singles match and Ben loses another. With 1 point per win, their side takes 2 points and Chris/Dana's side 1. This is not an official event record. Under a chosen last-three-putt Snake rule, Alex holds the Snake at the end and pays $2 to each of Ben, Chris and Dana: net −$6 for Alex and +$2 for each other player. Agree the trigger before play.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 3; WHS Appendix C
Sources: www.pgatour.com , www.golfdigest.com , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How do Ryder Cup format and Snake score differently?
For Ryder Cup format: holes within each match, then points for the team total For Snake: Three-putts on completed holes. The first three-putt starts the snake, each later three-putt transfers it, and the player holding it after the agreed round is the loser.
How do handicaps apply in Ryder Cup format vs Snake?
Ryder Cup format: The Ryder Cup itself is a scratch team competition, so it has no inherent handicap allowance. For a handicap recreation, use the applicable format rather than one Ryder Cup percentage: individual match play 100% of the unrounded Course Handicap, four-ball match play 90%, and foursomes 50% of the combined team handicap. In match play, the lowest Playing Handicap normally plays from zero and the others receive the difference; the Terms of the Competition can specify another approach. Snake: No standard WHS handicap allowance applies to Snake because it is an informal putting side bet, not a WHS competition format. If it accompanies an underlying handicap competition, use that competition's Committee-specified allowance; do not invent a Snake percentage.
When should I choose Ryder Cup format instead of Snake?
Choose Ryder Cup format when the group wants a structured team event with four-ball, foursomes and singles matches decided by holes and team points. Choose Snake when players want a simple informal putting side bet in which successive three-putts transfer the snake and the final holder pays the agreed pot.