Top Golf Games for 5 Players
Golf is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.
When you have a group of five players, you might wonder how to structure your round to make it as fun and competitive as possible.
Many golf games for 5 players can spice up your day on the course, ranging from team formats to individual competitions.
Here, we’ll explore some of the most exciting and engaging golf games that you can play with five players, perfect for public golf courses, guys’ trips, or casual weekend rounds.
GAME #1
Best Ball Format
One of the most popular golf games for 5 players is the best ball format. In this game, each player plays their own ball throughout the round, but only the best score from the team counts for each hole.
The group is divided into teams, typically two teams of two players each, with one player on a solo team, often referred to as the “lone wolf.”
The team that records the lowest score on each hole wins that hole, and the team with the most points at the end of the round wins the game.
The best ball format is especially popular because it allows players of all skill levels to contribute.
The team score is based on the best score on each hole, meaning a strong player can help carry the team, but others will still have opportunities to shine.
Players will typically use the best ball format to play golf for fun, incorporating side bets like closest to the pin or longest drive on specific holes.
These types of bets keep the game engaging, even for players whose skill level may not be as high as the others.
GAME #2
Lone Wolf Game
The lone wolf is another great golf game for 5 players, adding an extra layer of competition.
In this game, one player is chosen as the “lone wolf” for the day. This player plays their own ball, while the other four players team up in pairs.
The lone wolf has the opportunity to challenge any of the paired players for a hole, taking on one of the pairs in a head-to-head match. If the lone wolf wins the hole, they earn points, but if the team wins, they score points instead.
The beauty of the lone wolf format is that it keeps the competition fresh and exciting. The lone wolf is always at risk of losing, but the potential for scoring big points on each hole keeps them engaged.
This game is perfect for those who enjoy match play and stroke play formats, as it combines both elements into one engaging round.
GAME #3
Bingo Bango Bongo
Bingo bango bongo is a point-based golf game that is a lot of fun for 5 players. The game involves three different points awarded for various achievements during the round.
The first player to get their ball on the green gets a point for “bingo.” The second player to land their ball on the green gets a point for “bango.”
Finally, the first player to sink their putt gets a point for “bongo.”
Bingo bango bongo can be played on a single hole or across multiple holes. The player who collects the most points at the end of the round wins the game.
It’s a great format for golfers of all skill levels, as it rewards various aspects of the game, not just the lowest score.
This makes it especially fun for beginners who may struggle with making pars or birdies, as they can still rack up points for reaching the green or making putts.
GAME #4
Round Robin
A round robin is an excellent format for a 5-player group, especially for those who want to play multiple different team matchups throughout the round.
In this game, each player partners with every other player during the round.
For example, player A will team up with player B for the first six holes, then player A will team up with player C for the next six, and so on.
Each team plays against the other teams, earning points based on the results of each match.
The key to a successful round robin is to keep the matchups fresh and exciting.
By the end of the round, each player will have teamed up with every other player in the group, and the total score of each team will be added up.
The team with the most points wins the game, making this an excellent format for a competitive group of 5 players.
GAME # 5
Wolf
The wolf game is an interesting format that can be adapted to suit 5 players.
In this game, players take turns being the “wolf,” who gets to decide whether they want to play their own ball or team up with another player for the hole.
The wolf can choose to play their own ball, which means they are essentially on their own for that hole, or they can choose to team up with another player for a team effort.
The wolf is looking for the best opportunity to win the hole. If they think they have the best shot at winning the hole by teaming up with a player, they can do so.
However, if the wolf thinks they can win on their own, they can play solo.
Points are awarded based on how well the wolf and their teammate (if applicable) perform on the hole, with the winning team or individual earning points.
GAME #6
Stroke Play with Points
If your group prefers traditional stroke play, but with a twist, consider adding a points system to your game.
In this format, players are still competing based on the lowest total score, but points are awarded for certain achievements during the round.
For example, the player with the lowest score on each hole might earn 3 points, the player who comes second might earn 2 points, and the player with the highest score might earn 1 point.
If players tie on a hole, the points for that hole are split.
At the end of the round, the player with the most points wins the game. This format can be applied to any type of golf game, whether it’s best ball, match play, or even a simple round of golf.
The addition of points makes it more competitive and gives players something extra to aim for on each hole, beyond just the lowest score.
GAME #7
Match Play
Match play is one of the most traditional formats for golf games, and it works well for a group of 5 players.
In match play, players compete hole by hole, with the goal of winning the most holes over the course of the round.
Each hole is played individually, with the player who wins the hole earning a point. The player who wins the most points at the end of the round wins the match.
One of the benefits of match play is that it allows for more strategy than stroke play.
For example, players can take more risks on certain holes, knowing that they can still win the hole even if they make a double bogey, as long as their opponent does worse.
Match play can be played individually or with teams, making it a great option for golf games for 5 players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to play 5 people in a golf match?
Yes, it’s possible to play with five people in a golf match.
While traditional formats like match play are designed for two or four players, you can adapt the rules to accommodate five, often creating teams or rotating players for each hole to keep the game competitive.
How do you play golf with a group of 5?
In a group of 5, you can split into teams or play individual formats with adjusted rules.
Options include best ball, team scramble, or Wolf, where players alternate tee shots and decisions, ensuring all players participate and the round remains competitive and fun.
Can you play golf card game with 5 players?
Yes, the golf card game can be played with five players. The game involves players drawing cards to determine their shot outcomes and keeping track of their scores over several rounds.
It’s adaptable to any group size, with each player aiming to score the lowest possible total.
How to play 5-man wolf?
In 5-man wolf, players take turns being the “wolf,” deciding whether to play alone or team up with another player.
The wolf’s goal is to win the hole either solo or with a teammate. Points are awarded based on the wolf’s performance, and teams change throughout the round.
Final Thoughts
Golf games for 5 players can provide hours of fun, competition, and camaraderie.
From the team-based best ball format to individual competitions like bingo bango bongo and stroke play with points, there’s a game for every group.
These formats add variety and excitement to your golf rounds, whether you’re playing on public golf courses or at a private club.
Next time you tee off with a group of five, try one of these engaging formats to make your round even more enjoyable.
After all, golf is about having fun while competing and enjoying the game!