How to Play the 'If Only' Golf Format

"If Only" is the name of a golf format for tournament play or for individuals within a group of two, three or four golfers. It is typically played using handicaps, but doesn't have to be. Before we explain how the game works, let's explain the name.

Do you have a golf buddy who is always complaining at the end of the round, "If only I hadn't hit into the water on those two holes, I'd have taken your money" or "If only I hadn't made those two double-bogeys, I'd have won." If only. (We won't ask if you are the golfer who always says, "If only ...") That's how this game got its name.

The If Only format allows you to throw out two of your worst scores. Did you hit into the water on two holes? No more complaining, "If only..." Now, you can toss out those scores.

There are two main ways to play If Only that differ slightly:

• One version uses full handicaps, and the golfers get to throw out their one worst hole on the front nine, plus their worst hole on the back nine.
• Another version uses half your allotted course handicap and lets you toss your two worst scores, regardless of where on the golf course they happened.

Since If Only is stroke play, you'll total your actual strokes played. In the first version, then deduct both your full handicap and the total of your worst front nine/back nine holes. In the second version, divide your course handicap in half and deduct that from your score, then deduct the sum of your two worst holes.

Both versions can be used as a tournament format. When playing If Only just within your twosome, threesome or foursome, the first version has the advantage of allowing your group to bet it as a Nassau, if you wish to wager.

The use of handicaps is needed when If Only is used as a tournament format, to make sure everyone in the field has a shot. But if you're playing it just within your group and the members of your group are of very similar skill levels, you might choose to play it with gross scores rather than net scores.

More golf games:

• How to play a 2-Person Best Ball
• How to play the Scramble/Ramble format
• How to play a 1-2-3 Best Ball