The majority of
The Glamorganshire Golf Club members would surely subscribe to the view that the best form of golf is a ‘friendly’ four-ball, better-ball with three like-minded pals. The amicable banter and gamesmanship all go to make for a fun round, especially if there are a few pounds, or the post-match round of drinks, riding on the result.
Sometimes it is just not possible to organise a four-ball match and you are left with a three-ball, which can be the worst scenario. Here is a form of 3-ball match play betting which you might like to try:
Over 18 holes, there are three separate bets. For 6 holes, each player takes his turn to play with an imaginary “Pro”, i.e. the ‘pair’ are guaranteed at least a par on each hole, maybe better if the player can score better than par (net). The other two players have to try to beat that score to win a hole. As with normal match play, each player takes his shots off the lowest handicap, i.e. the “Pro”. After 6 holes, the bet is settled, and another player takes his turn to play with the imaginary “Pro”, and a new 6-hole bet begins.
As with all gambling, take care. Here is the USGA’s official Policy on Gambling (the R & A does not seem to offer any advice), which encapsulates sound guidelines: “The USGA does not object to informal wagering among individual golfers or teams of golfers when the players in general know each other, participation in the wagering is optional and is limited to the players, the sole source of all money won by the players is advanced by the players on themselves or their own teams and the amount of money involved is such that the primary purpose is the playing of the game for enjoyment.”
Most of you will have heard the (possibly apocryphal) story of the golfer joining up
up with a 3-ball with whom he had not played before and on the first tee, having fixed partners, one of the group proposed playing for “the usual, 1/1/1”. Assuming this meant £1 per front nine, back nine and match, the newcomer agreed. He and his partner played well and on the 18th green he was shocked to be handed £300, an amount he could have ill afforded if he had lost!
We would appreciate hearing from you if you enjoy other betting formats.
Play fast, swing slow!
Sandy Parr