Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Sixes is a four-player golf betting game split into three six-hole four-ball matches. Partners rotate after holes 6 and 12 so each player partners every other player once. The group agrees the scoring and stake before starting; those house terms are not a universal Rules of Golf format.
How it matters in match play
Each six-hole segment can be run as a separate two-versus-two match, with the lower team score on a hole winning it under the agreed scoring method. The R&A defines match play by holes won, lost or tied, but does not prescribe the casual Sixes rotation. If handicaps are used, agree the method before play; a committee may use the applicable WHS allowance for the chosen format rather than assuming one for Sixes.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Sixes |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Round Robin, Four-Ball, Match Play, Handicap Competition, Side Bet |
Worked example
Alex and Ben play holes 1–6 against Chris and Dana, Alex and Chris play holes 7–12 against Ben and Dana, and Alex and Dana play holes 13–18 against Ben and Chris; at a $5 stake per six-hole match, if Alex's side wins all three, Alex finishes +$15 while Ben, Chris and Dana each finish -$5.
Sources: www.golfdigest.com , www.tampabaydowns.com , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How many players are needed for Sixes?
The standard version needs exactly four players. It uses three pairings of two players, one pairing for each six-hole segment, so a smaller or larger group needs a different arrangement and should not be called standard Sixes without explaining the variation.
Who partners whom in Sixes?
A common rotation is Alex and Ben versus Chris and Dana for holes 1–6; Alex and Chris versus Ben and Dana for holes 7–12; then Alex and Dana versus Ben and Chris for holes 13–18. This lets every player partner every other player once.
Is Sixes an official Rules of Golf format?
No specific Sixes format is established by the Rules of Golf. It is a casual betting arrangement that can use a recognised scoring format, such as four-ball match play, but the group must agree the rotation, handicap treatment, tie procedure and stakes in advance.
How are handicaps used in Sixes?
There is no single universal Sixes allowance. If the group treats each segment as four-ball match play, it can ask its competition committee to set the applicable WHS method; otherwise, write a clear house rule before teeing off and apply it consistently across all three segments.
Can Sixes use a Nassau or extra side bets?
Yes, but that is a house-rule variation. The group can make each six-hole segment one bet or subdivide it into smaller bets, provided everyone agrees the stake, settlement and any presses or side bets before play.
What are Sixes also called?
Golf sources commonly use 6-6-6, Hollywood and Round Robin for this rotating-partner game. Names can vary between clubs, so confirm that the local version really changes partners after each six-hole segment.