Best 3 Person Golf Games

Playing golf in a group of three can be a sweet spot—fast enough to keep the round moving, but with enough variety to enjoy different formats. Whether you're looking for a competitive edge or just a fun way to spend the afternoon, there are plenty of three person golf games that add excitement without slowing down the pace. This guide covers the best formats, what to consider before you tee off, and tips to make your next round with three players memorable.

Popular 3 Person Golf Game Formats

Scramble A three-person scramble is one of the most popular choices. Each player hits a tee shot, the team picks the best one, and everyone plays from that spot. Repeat until the hole is finished. It’s a great game for mixing skill levels and keeping the round social. Since you only need one good shot per hole, it can lead to low scores and high-fives.

Best Ball (Individual) or “Three Ball” Each player plays their own ball throughout the round. The low score on each hole wins a point. If there’s a tie, no one gets the point. This format is straightforward and pushes each golfer to focus on their own game. It’s perfect for three players who want a direct head-to-head competition.

Skins Skins is a classic for any group size, including three. Each hole has a “skin” (a point or money value). The player with the lowest score on a hole wins that skin. If two or more tie, the skin carries over to the next hole, building up the stakes. For three people, skins games can get intense quickly, especially when several holes carry over.

Wolf (or Lone Wolf) Wolf is a strategic game that works well with three players. On each hole, one player is designated the Wolf. The Wolf tees off, then after seeing the other players’ tee shots, decides whether to pick a partner or go “Lone Wolf” (play alone against the other two). Points are awarded based on the outcome. Wolf adds a layer of psychology and risk-reward that keeps everyone engaged.

Bingo Bango Bongo This points-based game doesn't rely solely on scores. Points are awarded on each hole for three achievements: first to get on the green (Bingo), closest to the pin once all balls are on the green (Bango), and first to hole out (Bongo). With three players, the race for each point is tight, and it rewards different skills like short game and putting.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a 3 Person Golf Game

Before you settle on a game for your next round, think about your group’s goals. Here are a few key considerations:

• —Skill Level Balance: If one player is much better than the others, formats like scramble allow everyone to contribute. Games like best ball may favor the stronger player, but you can adjust with handicaps.
• —Pace of Play: Some games, like wolf or skins with carries, can slow down if players deliberate too long. Scramble and best ball are usually faster.
• —Betting or Competition: If you’re playing for money or just pride, choose a game with clear scoring like skins or bingo bango bongo. For casual fun, scramble is ideal.
• —Rules Complexity: Make sure everyone understands the rules before the round. Simple games like best ball are easy to explain; wolf takes more explanation but pays off with strategy.
• —Number of Holes: Some games (like nine-point game) are designed for nine or eighteen holes. Check that the format fits your round length.

How to Keep the Pace of Play with Three Players

Three people can move faster than a foursome, but certain games can create bottlenecks. Here’s how to keep things flowing:

• —Ready Golf: In games where order matters (like best ball), still encourage ready golf when safe. Everyone hits when ready, not strictly by score.
• —Limit Pre-Shot Routine: Remind players to be ready to hit when it’s their turn.
• —Play Forward Tees: If pace is a concern, consider moving up a set of tees. It speeds up play and makes the game more fun.
• —Carry Over Rules for Skins: If a skin carries over more than two or three holes, consider settling or capping the carry to avoid endless delays.
• —Use a Golf Game Card or App: Many apps (like GolfLogix or 18Birdies) have built-in scorekeeping for popular three-person games. This reduces manual tallying and arguments.

Recommended 3 Person Golf Games to Try

Here are some tried-and-true games specifically suited for three players:

1. Three-Man Scramble: Ideal for all skill levels. Fast, fun, and team-oriented.
2. Best Ball (Three Ball): Classic competition. Each player for themselves.
3. Skins: Adds pressure and excitement. Great for modest bets.
4. Wolf: Strategic and engaging. Perfect for experienced golfers who enjoy mind games.
5. Bingo Bango Bongo: Rewards all parts of the game. Lighthearted but competitive.
6. Sixes (or 6-6-6): Split the round into three six-hole segments, each with a different game (e.g., scramble, best ball, alternate shot). Keeps things fresh.

Choose based on your group’s preferences. You can find printable scorecards and game cards on Amazon for many of these formats—just search for “three person golf games” or “golf game cards for 3 players” to simplify scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 3 person golf game for beginners? A three-person scramble is the best choice for beginners because it minimizes pressure. Everyone hits from the best shot, so a single good hit keeps the team in play. It’s also easy to explain and doesn’t require complex scoring.

Can you play Wolf with 3 players? Yes, Wolf works perfectly with three players. Each hole, one player is the Wolf. After seeing everyone’s drives, the Wolf chooses a partner or goes lone wolf. The game is strategic and adds a lot of fun to the round.

How do you score a 3 person best ball? In a three-person best ball (often called “three-ball”), each player plays their own ball. The player with the lowest score on a hole gets one point. If two tie, no point is awarded. The player with the most points at the end wins. Some variations award 2 points for a solo win and 1 for a tie with two.

Now that you know the best three person golf games, grab your group and try them on your next outing. Whether you prefer scramble, skins, or something strategic like wolf, the right game can turn an ordinary round into a memorable one. Happy golfing!