Golf is a well-loved sport for many Americans. Despite its popularity being rooted in global tradition, and the core objective to get the ball in the hole with the fewest number of strokes, it can be fun to shake up your routine every now and then. In that context, there are many variations of the game that have emerged, yet are still built upon the game’s traditional objective and maintain the integrity of the game. Here is a list of eight different variations to the beloved sport.
Skins
Starting off simple, this variation alotts a specific amount of points or money to a specific hole. Those points or the money is only available if the hole is won outright. If it ends in a tie for the lowest score, the points or money is held over to the next hole.
Four-ball
According to the USGA, four-ball is a competition in which two competitors play as partners, each playing his own ball. The lower score of the partners is the score for the hole. A variation to this is alternate shot and is played by teams who hit the ball in an alternating pattern. Teams of two compete against each other by alternating who tees off and then taking turns hitting the ball until the ball is sunk in the hole.. This variation can be played with the standard match-play or stroke-play rules. The Four-ball version still has teams but instead of only using one ball per team, they all hit their own ball and then choose the best score.
Golf Pentathlon
This type of golf is a bit unique in that, instead of it being a standard game, it is a battle of the skills. It includes five different events such as driving distance, accuracy, putting, chipping and distance approach. Distance approach in merely trying to get the closest to the pin from various distances.
Hickory or Natural Golf
This type of play is less a variation on the game of golf and more a variation on the way of hitting the golf ball. Either one is meant to be a more natural way to hit the golf ball. Hickory golf is characterized by the use of hickory shafted clubs and is meant to be played on links courses. Natural golf is unrelated to the equipment and is characterized by what is perceived to be the simplest swing in golf, as opposed to emulating the complex swing and grip of someone like Ben Hogan. The theory behind the swing was to present an uncomplicated way to play the game. Natural golf can be played in regular golf clubs or natural ones.
Extreme Golf
Extreme golf is great for the thrill-seeking golfer. This game is played in extreme circumstances, such as environmentally or geographically challenging environments. The idea was to push the limits of golf. Rules and equipment do not change but you may find yourself playing Ice Golf or Desert Golf – and then you would notice the difference! Alan Shepard smuggling a golf club on the lunar lander and hitting two golf balls on the moon may be the ultimate example of Extreme Golf.
Urban Golf
Played with standard but increasingly strict rules, Urban Golf is conducted in an unconventional atmosphere. This variation is played on a large outdoor course in a nonresidential urban setting and features targets that can be anything from a trashcan to a flower pot. The rules include necessary precautions such as no vandalism or destruction of property.
Pitch and Putt
Played primarily in Europe, Pitch and Putt has slowly separated itself from golf and become its own sport. This type of golf relies mainly on tactics, strategy, and accuracy instead of power and distance. There is max length on any one hole is 90 meters with an overall course total of 1,200. They have also simplified the equipment needed by narrowing it to only two irons and a putter.