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Best first choice
Rotating 2-v-2 four-ball is the best starting point for five golfers who want a team game without forcing an unequal side. Rule 23 supplies a clear base: each two-person side plays separate balls and records the lower score on each hole, while the Committee can publish the fifth-player rotation, match structure and any handicap terms before play.
What to agree before play
A fifth-player rotation is not automatically part of official four-ball or foursomes, so publish who is playing each hole and how a late or absent player is handled The WHS table lists allowances for four-ball, foursomes and two-, three- or four-player scrambles, but not a generic five-player scramble; do not invent a percentage Unequal 3-plus-2 teams can feel unfair if the event does not specify whether gross scores, net scores or a selected number of scores count
Table
| Game or arrangement | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Rotating 2-v-2 four-ball | Use the official two-person side format, with the fifth golfer rotating into a side under written event terms |
| Rotating 2-v-2 foursomes | Pair two golfers per side for alternate shot, then rotate the fifth golfer between holes or matches under agreed terms |
| 3-plus-2 scramble | Split into unequal teams and state the selection and tee-shot rules before play; this is a practical arrangement, not a standard five-player allowance |
| 3-plus-2 count-the-best-two team stroke play | Have the Committee set the team score as the best two net or gross scores per hole; this is a competition arrangement under Rule 24, not a named format |
| Rotating 2-v-2 match-play ladder | Play short head-to-head matches with one player sitting each round, rotating the sit-out fairly; the rotation is house-made rather than a five-player Rules format |
Worked example
Illustrative four-ball hole: Alex and Ben are one side and Chris and Dana are the other, while the fifth golfer is the agreed rotating player for a later hole. Alex scores 5, Ben 4, Chris 6 and Dana 5, so the sides record 4 and 5 and Alex-Ben win that hole; the house rotation must say who replaces or partners whom next.
Rule reference: Rule 22; Rule 23; Rule 24; Official Guide Committee Procedures, Section 9; WHS Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Can five golfers play official four-ball as one group?
Official four-ball is built around two partners forming each side. Five golfers can use it as a practical rotating 2-v-2 arrangement, but the Committee or group must set the rotation and confirm how handicaps and scoring work; it should not be presented as a standard five-player side.
What is the fairest five-player team split?
There is no universal best split. A rotating 2-v-2 arrangement keeps the underlying sides even and gives the fifth golfer turns, while a 3-plus-2 scramble is simpler to organise but needs explicit terms to address unequal team size and the absence of a generic five-player WHS allowance.
Can I use the WHS four-player scramble allowance for five golfers?
Not automatically. WHS Appendix C lists recommended percentages for two-, three- and four-player scrambles, not a five-player scramble. Ask the competition authority or Committee to set and publish an appropriate method rather than transplanting the four-player percentages.
Is a rotating fifth player a Rules of Golf format?
No. Four-ball and foursomes are recognised partner formats, but the five-player rotation is an event arrangement. Put the order, partners, sit-outs, scoring and any tie procedure in the Terms of the Competition before starting.
How should five-player team money be settled?
Agree the stake and settlement before play. A simple option is one equal contribution per player with the winning team or match result receiving the agreed pool, but this is a house arrangement, not a Rules of Golf requirement.
Can five players all play in a scramble?
They can play a five-person recreational scramble if the Committee defines it, but the R&A description covers two-, three- and four-person teams and WHS Appendix C does not give a generic five-player allowance. Label the result a local competition arrangement and specify the handicap method.