Need a competitive game for 5-somes?

Question

We have a group of guys who range in handicap from about a 0 -15. Often our group will turn into a 5-some and we're looking for a fair game that can be played. Currently, we're stuck with Wolf and play a 3,2,1 format. $3 winning the hole, $2 for trash (sandies, gross birdies, greenies), and $1 net skins with carry overs. We also play what we call "sissy wolf" where the last 3 holes can be pressed by the low man and he gets free pick.

The challenge is the difference in handicaps is causing a disparity. We use full handicaps because that's all that's considered acceptable by the higher handicaps. However, none of the lower handicappers like giving up a dozen shots in what amounts to a match play style format, especially w/a press, and the 5-somes are sometimes threatening to break up the game.

We're looking for a team game (1vs4, 2vs3, etc) that could offer us some variety on what we're currently doing. It must be a play your own ball type of format (no scrambles or anything like that.

Answer 1

We usually play 3 on 2 with the pairings changing every 6 holes. We use gross scores.  We just throw up balls on the first, seventh,and thirteenth tee for groups and make sure no one is on a twosome more than once.  You have the advantage if you're a threesome, but win more money when you're a twosome so it works out.  This might not work in your group with gross scores but it sounds some of the guys arent putting trust in the handicap system.  I'm a pro and know how it is.  I have several members low and high who swear the handicap system was precisely designed to s***w them.

Answer 2

How do the groups behind you like playing behind a fivesome?  Even if all of you shot even par it would still take 25% longer for you to play than a foursome.  Get three more guys or drop one and stop holding up play.  The reason you can't find good games to play with 5 is because the maximum group should be four players.

Answer 3

Ok best game around for such a wide disparity:

Bing, Bang, Bong

Bing: 1$ a hole for lowest score, only carried over by the people who tie.

Bang: 1$ 1st person on the green.  This must be played fairly, with the longest away shooting first, and honors going into the par 3's

Bong: 1$ 1st person in the hole.  This doesnt mean lowest score, this means in the hole.  Again, furthest away shoots first.  YOU MUST MARK YOUR BALL UNTIL IT IS IN THE HOLE.  If you follow these rules, i guarantee that the money will usually come out pretty even, and its very fun to play as well.  

Each Person plays their own ball, no teams.

Answer 4

Banker Player!

different banker per hole. banker shoots last. 1st four players hits first. each player hitting first opt to double the wager after teeing off.  banker hitting last can double again. so $1 wager can become 4 dollar off the tee.  a birdie is automatic double and eagle automatic double the double.

banker designation can be done by tossing tee. after a cycle retoss tee. last few holes are for biggest losers.

Answer 5

Why don't you use some common courtesy and not play in a five some. People like you and your friends slow down play and make others really P.O. Go play putt-putt until you can be respectful of the game and others.

Answer 6

5 man pick'em

Answer 7

25 point  $ any denomination a point

1- 9 pts

2- 7 pts

3- 5 pts

4- 3 pts

5- 1 pt

A single player wins a hole by 2 shots gets all 25 pts



2 tie for low score on hole get 8 pts for 3,4,5 adjust to eq 25

3 tie 7 pts each

4 tie 6 pts each

all 5 tie 5 pts each

Answer 8

I agree! No fivesomes allowed, but we have all played in them, so I will contribute with two cents worth..

I like the wolf game the best, so why switch it in my opinion!

Answer 9

No Fivesomes Allowed!!