Best 6 6 6 Golf Game

If you’re looking for a fun, competitive, and social way to play golf with a group of four, the 6 6 6 golf game is one of the most popular choices. Also known as the six six six golf game, this format splits 18 holes into three 6-hole segments, each with a different team format: alternate shot, best ball, and scramble. It’s a great way to mix up the action and keep everyone engaged. Below, we break down exactly how to play, what to consider before teeing off, and tips to win.

What Is the 6 6 6 Golf Game?

The 6 6 6 golf game is a team format for four players (two teams of two). You play 18 holes in three blocks of six holes:

• —Holes 1–6 (or 1–6, 7–12, 13–18): Alternate Shot (also called Foursomes)
• —Holes 7–12: Best Ball (each player plays their own ball, and the lower score counts)
• —Holes 13–18: Scramble (both teammates hit from each spot, choose the best shot, and repeat until holed)

This combination tests every aspect of the game – accuracy, strategy, and teamwork. Many players refer to it as the sixes golf game or golf game sixes. It’s closely related to other formats like the 5 3 1 golf game or 9's golf game, which use different splits (e.g., five holes best ball, three holes scramble, one hole alternate shot). The 6-6-6 split is the most balanced and widely adopted.

How to Play the 6 6 6 Golf Game (Format and Scoring)

Set up your foursome, split into two teams (A vs. B). Decide which sixes you’ll play first – traditionally you start with alternate shot, but you can rotate holes 1–6, 7–12, and 13–18 for any format. Here’s how each format works:

Alternate Shot (Holes 1–6) Teammates take turns hitting the same ball. Player 1 drives on odd-numbered holes, Player 2 on even-numbered holes. After the drive, they alternate shots until the ball is holed. The team’s score is the total number of strokes.

Best Ball (Holes 7–12) Each player plays their own ball throughout the hole. The lower score of the two teammates is recorded for that hole. This format lets individuals shine and is a staple of the 6 point golf game (where points are awarded by hole).

Scramble (Holes 13–18) Both players hit from the teeing area, then choose the best drive. Both play their next shot from that spot, and so on until the hole is complete. This rewards creativity and team synergy.

Scoring: You can play the 6 6 6 golf game as match play (win the hole overall) or stroke play (total strokes across all 18). Many groups combine it with a points system: 2 points for a hole win, 1 for a tie, 0 for a loss. The team with the most points after 18 holes wins the bragging rights – and usually the side bet.

What to Consider Before Playing the 6 6 6 Golf Game

Before you hit the course, a few things will ensure the game runs smoothly:

Know Your Partners’ Strengths - Alternate shot requires steady ball-striking from both players. If one is weaker off the tee, consider reversing the hitting order on certain holes. - Best ball lets the stronger player carry the team, but both should contribute. - Scramble works best when both players can make putts. A short-game specialist is valuable here.

Choose the Right Tees Because the formats change, the course difficulty can feel different. If you’re playing the six six six golf game with mixed abilities, move up a tee box for the scramble or alternate shot segments to keep pace of play fast and fun.

Set the Wager Early Most groups put a small bet on each individual hole or the total round. Typical stakes range from $1 to $5 per hole. Agree on the exact terms – lowest score per hole? Points? – before stepping on the first tee.

Equipment Considerations While no special gear is required, a reliable scorecard or a dedicated golf app can help track the multiple formats. Some players prefer using a 6 6 6 golf game scorecard template to avoid confusion. You don’t need anything fancy – a pencil and a notebook work fine.

Tips and Strategies for the Sixes Golf Game

To come out ahead in the golf game sixes, keep these pointers in mind:

• —Alternate Shot: Communication is key. Talk through every shot. Decide on club and aim together. Avoid second-guessing your partner.
• —Best Ball: Play your own game. Don’t try to imitate your partner’s shot. If you’re having a bad hole, let your partner carry it – you can bounce back on the next one.
• —Scramble: Use the better lie aggressively. In a scramble, you can take risks (go for the green in two, or fire at a tucked pin). Since you have a safety shot, be bold.
• —Stay consistent across formats. The best teams don’t change their routine drastically. Warm up the same way and maintain your tempo.

Many experienced players also recommend practicing with the 5 3 1 golf game or the 9's golf game as a shorter alternative when you only have 18 holes but want variety. The 6-6-6 remains the gold standard because each format gets an equal six holes.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 6 6 6 Golf Game

What is the origin of the 6 6 6 golf game? The exact origin is unclear, but it became popular in the 1980s among amateur foursomes looking for a fair and engaging format. It’s now a staple in golf communities, often used in charity scrambles and club tournaments.

Can you play the 6 6 6 golf game with three players? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust. One common variation is to play as a single against a team of two, with the single playing his own ball and the team using alternate shot or best ball. Alternatively, each player can rotate partners every six holes.

What’s the difference between 6 6 6 and 6 point golf game? The 6 point golf game is a different betting system where each hole is worth 6 points: 4 points for the lowest individual score (or best ball team) and 2 points for the second-lowest. While both involve sixes, the 6-6-6 format focuses on changing team play formats, not a points-distribution system.

Ready to play the 6 6 6 golf game? Grab a partner, set a friendly wager, and enjoy 18 holes that test every skill. Whether you call it sixes golf game, six six six golf game, or just 6-6-6, this format guarantees a memorable round.