Golfing with Friends: How to Keep It Fun and Competitive

4 November 2025

Golf isn’t just a sport—it’s an experience best shared with friends. There’s something special about hitting the course with your buddies, enjoying the fresh air, and engaging in some lighthearted competition. But let’s be honest: sometimes, keeping the balance between fun and competition can be tricky.

Too much competitiveness? Friendships might get tense. Too casual? It might get boring. So, how do you make sure your golf outings stay lively, enjoyable, and full of friendly rivalry? Grab your clubs, and let’s talk about how to strike the perfect balance between fun and competition when golfing with friends.

1. Set the Right Tone from the Start

Before you even step onto the course, set expectations with your friends. Is this a serious match where everyone is tracking their scores meticulously? Or is it a laid-back game where the goal is just to have a good time?

A simple conversation before teeing off goes a long way. It ensures everyone is on the same page and no one feels pressured into a level of competition they’re not comfortable with. The goal is to enjoy the game while still having a little friendly competition to keep things exciting.

2. Choose the Right Game Format

Golf isn’t just about playing the traditional stroke play format. There are plenty of alternative game formats that add excitement and variety to your outing. Here are some great options:

- Match Play: Instead of counting every stroke, you win or lose holes, keeping the score tighter and more competitive.
- Best Ball (Fourball): Each player plays their own ball, but the best score on the hole is counted for the team.
- Scramble: Everyone hits from the best shot location, ensuring no one struggles too much during the round.
- Stableford: Points are awarded based on how well you score on a hole, making the game more forgiving.

Choosing a different format can make a world of difference in keeping things fun and engaging.

3. Introduce Friendly Wagers or Challenges

A little incentive never hurt anyone! Adding small bets or fun challenges during the round can spice up the competition. Here are a few ideas:

- Closest to the Pin Challenge: Whoever lands their ball closest to the pin on a par-3 wins.
- Longest Drive Contest: Who can smash the longest tee shot?
- Bogey-Free Bonus: Anyone who plays a hole without a bogey gets a reward.

Prizes don’t have to be extravagant—maybe the winner gets a free drink at the clubhouse, or the loser has to carry someone’s bag for a hole. The key is to keep it lighthearted.

4. Keep the Banter Light and Fun

No competitive game is complete without a little bit of trash talk! Friendly teasing and lighthearted jokes can add personality to the round. But remember—the key word here is “friendly.”

Good-natured ribbing is part of what makes golf with friends special, but make sure it stays playful. No one wants to feel personally attacked in the middle of their swing! Encourage each other just as much as you joke around.

5. Play at a Comfortable Pace

Nothing kills the fun faster than a painfully slow round. While there’s no need to rush, keeping a good pace ensures everyone remains engaged and energized.

A few tips to maintain pace:
- Be ready when it’s your turn to hit.
- Limit looking for lost balls to a couple of minutes.
- Play “ready golf” (hit when you’re ready instead of waiting for strict order).

A smooth, well-paced game keeps the experience enjoyable for everyone.

6. Rotate Who Chooses the Course

Playing the same course repeatedly can get monotonous. Keep things fresh by rotating who gets to choose the next course.

Trying out new courses adds excitement and variety. Each venue presents unique challenges, scenery, and opportunities to test your skills in different environments. Plus, it gives everyone a fair chance to play on a course they love!

7. Celebrate the Good Shots (Even from Your Opponent!)

A little positivity goes a long way. If your friend drains a long putt or nails a perfect drive, don’t be afraid to give them some props.

Sure, you’re competing, but golf is also about appreciating skill and effort—regardless of who’s playing well. Celebrating good shots (even from your opponents) makes the game more enjoyable and keeps the vibes positive.

8. Don’t Take Bad Shots Too Seriously

We’ve all been there—shanking a shot into the trees, missing an easy putt, or landing in a bunker. It’s frustrating, but dwelling on mistakes only makes things worse.

Instead of letting a bad shot ruin your day, laugh it off and move on. A simple mindset shift can make the difference between a frustrating round and an enjoyable one. After all, golf is meant to be fun!

9. Mix It Up with Fun Side Games

Keeping things interesting sometimes means stepping outside the standard golf routine. Try incorporating some fun side games:

- Mulligan Challenge: Each player gets one "do-over" per nine holes.
- Worst Ball: If you’re feeling bold, try playing your worst ball instead of your best—it’s a humbling and hilarious experience!
- One-Club Challenge: Pick just one club and play an entire hole with it.

These side games add a fresh twist to the round and keep things lighthearted.

10. Wrap Up with a Post-Round Tradition

After the last hole, celebrate a great day on the course! Whether it’s grabbing a drink at the clubhouse, tallying up scores over lunch, or just chatting about the highlights of the round, post-game traditions add to the fun.

It also gives everyone a chance to unwind, share laughs, and maintain the camaraderie long after the final putt drops.

Final Thoughts

Golfing with friends should be an experience filled with great shots, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs. By setting the right tone, choosing exciting formats, keeping challenges lighthearted, and focusing on fun, you can make every round a memorable one.

So, the next time you hit the course with your buddies, remember—it’s not just about the score; it’s about the time spent together. Grab your clubs, keep it fun, stay competitive, and enjoy the game!