High Low Golf Game: The Ultimate Guide for Players of All Skill Levels

Ed Clark

Updated on:

Explore the intriguing world of golf with our comprehensive guide on the high low golf game. Dive into strategies, scoring, and popular tournament formats!

Ah, the high low golf game. It’s a twist on the classic golf game that adds layers of strategy, camaraderie, and competition. Whether you’ve been playing for years or are just diving into the world of golf games, you’re in for a treat.

Diving into the High Low Golf Game

At its core, the high low golf game, sometimes referred to as high ball low ball or low ball high ball, involves two person teams. Each player plays their own ball throughout, aiming for both an individual and a team score. The idea? On each hole, the two scores from the team members are recorded, and the team’s score is then calculated by combining the low ball (the lower score) with the high ball (the higher score). The result is a competitive game that’s both individualistic and collaborative.

Understanding Team Score Dynamics

As the round begins, players are on their toes, focusing on their tee shots and gauging the skill levels of other players involved. The objective isn’t just to win on your own ball, but to ensure your team’s combined score is competitive. For example, if one player has a fantastic tee shot leading to a birdie (a low ball score), but their partner struggles and ends up with a double bogey (a high ball score), the total team score can still be in the game, all depending on how other teams perform.

High Ball Low Ball and Low Ball High Ball – What’s the Difference?

Though the terms might sound similar, there’s a nuance in strategy. In high ball low ball, the emphasis is on ensuring one player keeps their score as low as possible, while the other player tries to avoid blowing up too much. In contrast, low ball high ball requires more balanced play, as teams compare both the lowest and highest scores for match play advantages.

7 Ways to Dominate High Low Golf

  1. Master the Basics of Golf Played Well: This goes without saying, but refining tee shots, perfecting second shots, and polishing the short game is crucial.

  2. Synergy Over Skill Level: Even if players tie on a hole, it’s their combined score that makes the difference. Communicate with your partner.

  3. Keep an Eye on the Next Hole: Anticipate challenges. Is it a par 3 with a tricky green? Or perhaps a par 5 where a double eagle is possible?

  4. Understand the Dynamics of Stroke Play vs. Match Play: While stroke play focuses on the total score across all holes, match play emphasizes hole-by-hole wins.

  5. Stay Updated: Golf is ever-evolving. Stay in the loop with changes in golf format, equipment, and techniques.

  6. Learn from the Pros: Pay attention to how pros navigate their high low scoring and adapt their tactics.

  7. Practice, Practice, Practice: Every game played is an opportunity to learn. Whether it’s aiming for the best score on each hole or practicing with different two players’ partnerships, every round refines your game.

Conclusion

The high low golf game, with its emphasis on both team and individual play, offers a thrilling variation to the conventional golf game. Whether you’re playing high ball low ball or its inverse, the focus on both the best and worst scores adds layers of strategy and fun. So gather your golf buddies, form those teams, and may the lowest score win!

FAQs

How do you play high low golf game?

The high low golf game, sometimes referred to as high ball low ball, is a team format where two players form a team. Each player plays their own ball throughout the round, and at the end of each hole, the team’s score is the combination of the lower score (low ball) and the higher score (high ball) achieved by the two players.

The aim is for one player to achieve the lowest possible score, while the other player’s score can be higher, but the combined score of the two is what determines the team’s standing against other teams.

What is a high low golf tournament?

A high low golf tournament is a competitive event based on the high low golf game format. Teams, each composed of two players, compete against one another over the course of a round or multiple rounds. At the conclusion of each hole, both the lowest and highest scores of the team members are recorded and combined.

The winner of the tournament is the team with the best combined score at the end, factoring in both high and low scores. These tournaments encourage collaboration, strategy, and balance between team members.

How do you play the points game in golf?

The points game in golf, often referred to as a Stableford, is based on scoring points in relation to a fixed score at each hole. Players earn points based on how they compare to the hole’s par. For example, a birdie might earn 2 points, par earns 1 point, a bogey 0 points, and so on.

The objective is to accumulate the highest number of points over the course of a round. The advantage of the points game is that one bad hole won’t drastically affect a player’s overall score, promoting aggressive play.

How do you play Moneyball golf?

Moneyball golf is a team-based format where one designated ball, called the “Moneyball”, rotates between team members on each hole. The score of the player using the Moneyball on that hole counts alongside the best score from another team member.

The objective is to ensure the Moneyball is played well since its score is always counted. It adds a layer of strategy as teams must decide which player should take the Moneyball on which holes based on their strengths and weaknesses.

What is high low golf?

High low golf, also known as high ball low ball, is a team-based golf format. Two players team up and play their own balls throughout the round. At the end of each hole, the scores of both players are taken into account.

The team records two scores: the low ball, which is the best score of the two players, and the high ball, which is the higher score. The combination of these scores determines the team’s performance against other competing teams, making it a blend of individual play and team strategy.

How do you play high ball low ball golf?

In high ball low ball golf, two players form a team and play their individual balls for the entirety of a round. Once each hole is completed, the team takes note of both the lowest score (low ball) and the highest score (high ball) achieved by its members.

Both scores are essential as the team’s combined performance is gauged by them. This format emphasizes both individual play and teamwork, as players must work together to ensure that their combined score remains competitive.

What is a low ball in golf?

In golf, a “low ball” refers to the lower of two scores achieved by team members in formats such as high ball low ball. When two players team up, the objective for at least one of the players is to achieve as low a score as possible on each hole.

This low score, referred to as the low ball, is then paired with the higher score, the high ball, to determine the team’s combined score for that hole. This format encourages collaboration, with one player aiming for the best possible score while the other ensures their score remains competitive.