1 point for a bogey, 2 for a par, 3 for a birdie, 4 for an eagle and 5 if you bag an albatross (fat chance). Points are awarded for your score on each hole on either a nett or handicap basis. You don't need a maths degree and can be tactical near the end. Two players halving and beating the third 3-3-0. If one person won the hole and the other two halved then it would be 4-1-1. The second best score gets 2 points and the third zero. If someone wins it outright then they get 4 points. There a six point up for grabs at each hole. Play off scratch or handicap as per singles matchplay. If no-one wins the hole outright then the 'skin' is carried over so the next hole is worth 2 skins, and so on until someone sinks that pressure putt.

When you have a four arranged, someone always calls off and who wants to play strokeplay anyway? Have fun with these instead: SkinsĮach hole is worth one 'skin' and whoever wins the hole gets the skin. If you like you can offer the option to gain one foot of string for each birdie scored.

You can use the string to remove your ball from hazards, get it out of a difficult lie or to hole out. Each player can move the ball by measuring the distance moved and cutting that amount from the ball. Instead of handicap strokes, each player is allocated one foot of string for every shot of his/her handicap. Anything worse than a bogey, pick up and stop wasting everyone else's time. Points are awarded for your score on each hole on either a nett or scratch basis. SkinsĮach hole is worth one 'skin' and whoever wins the hole gets the skin. The classic form of golf played off scratch or full handicap difference. Take lots of spare balls with you if playing a tight course. Play 2 holes playing a draw on every shot and then the next two with a fade on every shot. Play two balls (if they let you!) and only count the ball with the higher score on each hole and see if you can play to your handicap. More suggestions welcome by emailing Golfalot. Golf should be fun and to that end here are some golf format suggestions to liven up your game, however many are playing.

Mount your friend tournament