Here are some of the types of matches or formats you may encounter in competition golf:

Stroke

each player against the field, all shots counted and handicap deducted.

Stableford

add your handicap allowance (if any) to the carded par of the hole, then score one point if your score is one over the resultant revised par, two if equal, three if one under and so on.

Fourball Bestball (4BBB)

match best score of either of two partners against best score of either opponent.

Par

add your handicap allowance (if any) to the carded par of the hole, mark a win if your score betters the revised par, a half if equal or a loss if worse.

Bisque Par

in normal par matches strokes are taken as assigned on the card. In Bisque you take them where you please. You must nominate, after hole out and before next tee-off, whether or not you wish to take one or more strokes. Be careful though not to hoard too many strokes to the last. A good run off the stick to finish could render them useless.

Foursomes

partners alternate with tee shots and subsequent shots to hole out. Half combined handicap.

Canadian Foursomes

both partners drive, but only one drive can be selected for alternate shots to hole out. Half combined handicap.

American Stableford

Stableford played in pairs. Stableford points scored on each hole by each player are multiplied.

Ambrose

teams of 4 tee off. The best ball is selected and from that spot the other 3 play their ball. Continue till ball is holed. 1/8th of combined Handicap.

Scramble

2-man Ambrose. Both tee off. The best ball is then selected and both players play from this spot and so on.

Greensome

both partners play two shots then alternate shots. Handicap is half of combined.