Golf Games for 3 Players: What to Play in a Three-Ball
For three players, the best-known format is La Chouette: 6 points shared out on every hole, 4 for the best, 2 for second, 0 for last. If one of the three is clearly better, Threesome Scramble puts them on their own against the other two combined.
With three, you can't make two equal teams, and plenty of groups end up just counting their own scores. A shame: several formats were designed for exactly this number.
Every player for themselves, points on every hole
🦉 La Chouette — 6 points per hole
Three different scores: 4, 2 and 0 points. Two players tied for first: 3 points each, 0 for last. One clear winner and two tied behind: 4 points, then 1 and 1. All three tied: 2 each. The total is always 6. The rules of La Chouette
9️⃣ Nines
The same idea with 9 points per hole, split 5, 3 and 1. A few more points, and a bit more of a gap between first and last. The rules of Nines
🐰 The Rabbit and 🏆 Skins
Two classics that also work very well with three: the best on the hole scores 1 point per opponent beaten (The Rabbit), or wins the hole's stake, carried over if it's tied (Skins).
One against two
- 🔀 Threesome Scramble — one player on their own takes on a team of two playing a scramble, in match play. The ideal format when abilities differ.
- 🤝 Threesome — one player on their own against a team of two playing alternate shot with a single ball. An official match play format.
- 🛡️ The Defender — a Defender takes on each Attacker in a duel on every hole; the best Attacker who beats them takes their place.
- 🏦 The Banker — one player holds the bank, the other two bet against them. Whoever beats the Banker takes their place.
🃏 Mexicaine Las Vegas. In a four, the teams change on every hole: after the drive, the two balls furthest right team up against the two furthest left. Then the scores are read Vegas-style — a 4 and a 5 make 45, a 4 and a 7 make 47. A wayward drive can land you the best partner on the hole, and one big number costs the whole team dearly. The rules of Mexicaine Las Vegas →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best golf game for 3 players?
La Chouette, the most widely played format for three: 6 points are shared out on every hole (4, 2 and 0 if all three scores are different). Simple, and anyone can score.
How are La Chouette points split when there's a tie?
Two players tied for first: 3 points each and 0 for last. One clear winner and two tied behind: 4 points for the winner, 1 each for the other two. All three tied: 2 points each. The total is always 6.
Can you play as teams with 3 players?
Yes, one against two: Threesome (alternate shot for the team of two) or Threesome Scramble (the team of two plays a scramble). The second is the better fit when one player is clearly stronger.
Three of you on Sunday? Try La Chouette
Pick the game, enter the scores: Game of Swing applies the rules, settles the ties and shows the leaderboard live. All 41 formats are in the app — and 5 games are free to get you started.
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