Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
I’ve been playing golf for more than 30 years, and the Three Ball Match Play format is something that I have very rarely come across. In fact, I’ve seen this done a few times, but I never even knew it was called a three-ball match play. If you have an event like this coming up at your club, here are the things you need to know and a few of my tips to play well in this format.
What Is a Three Ball Match Play Tournament in Golf?
The Three Ball Match Play is a form of match play where three players play in a group together and have a match with the other two players in their group for the entire round. With a Three Ball Match Play event, you play one golf ball, but you have two matches going simultaneously.
The rules for match play apply to both matches you have going. The only time this can get tricky is if a ruling in one match creates an issue in the other match. The chance of this is quite rare.
Rules To Be Aware of In Three Ball Match Play
There are two rules to be aware of when playing a three-ball match play event; these include playing out of turn or a ball market lifted on the putting green.
Playing Out of Turn
Order of play matters in match play. If a player plays out of turn in any match, the opponent who should have played first has the right to cancel the stroke. This Rule (6.4a(2)) is a tough one, but it can be enforced if a player finds it necessary.
Sometimes, this cancellation can occur in only one of the two matches.
If this is the case, the player must continue to play with the original ball in the other match and hit another ball for the match where the order of play was incorrect. The golfer will complete the hole with two golf balls in play.
Outside of this situation, you would only play one golf ball in a Three Ball Match Play format.
Ball or Ball Marker Lifted or Moved by One Opponent
As an opponent, you must leave your opponent’s ball and ball marker where it is. If an opponent does not follow this Rule and is assessed a one-stroke penalty for lifting a player’s ball or ball marker, they get a penalty stroke only in the match with that player.
There is no penalty in the match with the other player.
Why Play A Three Ball Match Play in Golf?
The three-ball match play can be a fun event to play if you lose the fourth golfer in your group and you want to keep things competitive. Golfers like the event because everyone in the group is involved and gets a chance to play against each other.
The only problem with this is when you have a gross and net match play going at the same time. If players have a wide range of handicaps, keeping track of everything as you play becomes difficult.
Strategy for Playing Three Ball Match Play
If you think playing one golf match can be a little overwhelming, try playing two at the same time.
Three-ball match play can be a lot to take on, but there are a few key strategies I can recommend to help you become a better player in this situation.
Organize Your Scorecard
Before you start your Three Ball Match Play event, make sure you take some time to set up your scorecard. Know exactly where you are getting shots in each of your matches and color coordinate them if you can.
Trust me, the scorecard can get confusing when you are playing both matches, and you are stroking on one hole with one opponent but not the other. It only takes a minute, but it’s worth your time.
Focus On Shooting Low (Not Beating One or The Other Person)
In match play, it’s hard to focus on your own game and ignore what the other players are doing, but you have to give it a try. Focus on going low, making birdies, and keeping the ball in the short grass. Even if one of your opponents hits a shot out of bounds, don’t let it impact your game.
A Hole is Never a Guaranteed Win
Do not ease up on your strategy or your plan because a player has hit a shot that is no longer in play. They can take a drop, make a great shot, and sink a putt. In other words, don’t let your guard down.
In the Three Ball Match play, you always have someone you are competing against, so stay competitive.
Be Very Careful About Picking Up Unless Both Players Have Conceeded
You can pick up when a player concedes in a single match play tournament. However, when you play in this type of format, make sure that both players have conceded the hole or given you the putt.
Try Not to Be Influenced By Anyone’s Game
Match play is just as much a mental game as it is a physical game. Keep your head in your own game. Most players make mistakes when they try to play “safe.” I can tell you that most people slow their swing down when they play safe, and it causes poor shots.
Instead of considering playing safe, maybe take a club you are confident with and take a great swing. Always pick the right yardages and believe you can make any putt you step up to.
Final Thoughts
The next time you are playing a threesome and not a foursome, give this Three Ball Match Play a try. It is a fun format, and it gives you a chance to have a good round and win two matches at the same time.
Remember to adjust your mental strategy and play the course, not the person you are competing against.
