Scoring Rules

Woodmaker

A team format where the two lowest net scores are combined on each hole.
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Woodmaker is a four-player team golf format in which the team score for each hole is calculated by adding the two lowest net scores among the four players. This format emphasizes consistent contributions from multiple players rather than relying on a single low score, and it is typically played using handicaps to balance competition.

How Golfers Say It

"We’re playing Woodmaker today."
"Count the two best net scores."
"It’s two low balls on every hole."

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Origin

The format appears to be a variation of best ball formats developed in club and recreational play to encourage broader team participation. The name is informal and not tied to official governing bodies.

Rules & Context

Woodmaker is not an official format under the Rules of Golf but is commonly used in organized events and outings. It relies on net scoring with handicaps applied, and the team’s score is the sum of the two lowest net scores on each hole. This structure reduces the impact of any single player’s performance and promotes balanced team play.

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Neil's Take

"It’s a solid format because you can’t rely on just one player. You need at least two good scores every hole."

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the score calculated in Woodmaker?

The team score is the sum of the two lowest net scores from the four players on each hole.

How many players are on a Woodmaker team?

Typically four players make up a team.

Why are handicaps used in Woodmaker?

Handicaps are used to level the playing field so players of different skill levels can contribute fairly.

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