Jackson Reid
Am-Am golf is a golf tournament format that typically involves teams of amateur golfers competing together. The term am-am is shorthand for amateur-amateur, indicating that the tournament is for non-professional golfers. In an Am-Am tournament, golfers of varying skill levels are usually paired together, with one highly skilled amateur golfer acting as the team captain. The format often includes four golfers per team, with two scores from team members combined for the team's score on each hole. Am-Am tournaments are particularly common in the United Kingdom and often include social elements such as food, drinks, and prizes. Am Golf Trips also provides elite golf experiences for passionate golfers looking for competition and camaraderie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tournament format | Teams of 2, 3 or 4 amateur golfers |
| One highly skilled amateur golfer acts as captain | |
| Scoring | Stableford scoring |
| Two team members' scores are combined for the team score on each hole | |
| Scoring format should be communicated to participants in advance | |
| Best 2 from 4 (or 3) format | |
| Bisque format | |
| 2-3-4 waltz format | |
| Tournament characteristics | Fun, casual tournament |
| Food, drinks, prizes, event tickets | |
| Charitable element | |
| Includes a day with a PGA TOUR Champion |
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What You'll Learn
- Scoring: Stableford points, with the lowest score winning
- Team composition: Four golfers, with two scores combined per hole
- Player ability: One highly skilled amateur, the remaining with varying abilities
- Tournament types: Pro-Am, charitable, or casual
- Trip planning: All-inclusive trips, with no membership fees
Scoring: Stableford points, with the lowest score winning
Am-am golf tournaments are typically played using Stableford scoring, where golfers convert their stroke totals into Stableford points and add those points together. Stableford is a scoring system used in golf that assigns points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole, rather than simply counting the total number of strokes. This means that the objective is to have the highest score, which is the opposite of traditional scoring methods where the aim is to have the lowest score. The Stableford system was developed to deter golfers from giving up after just one or two bad holes, and it can also speed up the pace of play.
In the Stableford scoring system, the number of points awarded on each hole is determined by comparing the number of strokes taken to a fixed score, usually par. This fixed score is then adjusted in relation to the player's handicap. Once players have taken two strokes more than the adjusted fixed score, they may abandon the hole and move on to the next as it is no longer possible to score any points. At the end of the round, the points scored on each hole are totalled to give a final score, and the winner is the player with the highest point total.
The standard Stableford system can be modified to use different point levels, which is commonly referred to as the Modified Stableford system. This system encourages aggressive play since the reward for scoring under par is higher than the penalty for scoring over par. The maximum score is usually set at two strokes over par, and once a player has made their shot and is one stroke over par, they may concede, pick up the ball, take a double bogey, and proceed to the next hole without penalty.
In an Am-Am golf tournament, teams typically consist of four golfers, with the highly skilled amateur acting as the captain. On each hole, two of the team member's scores are combined for one team score. For example, on Hole 1, the four team members record their scores, and the two lowest scores are added together to create the team's score for that hole. This scoring format incentivises risk-taking and makes the game more fun for many players.
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Team composition: Four golfers, with two scores combined per hole
Team composition is a key strategic element in any golf competition, and in an Am-Am tournament, this is no different. With a team of four golfers, there is a good balance between having enough players to cover any skill gaps and allowing for a variety of scoring strategies.
When it comes to combining scores, the format of two scores per hole being counted provides an interesting dynamic. This means that on each hole, the team will need to decide which two golfers are best suited to tackle it, taking into account their individual strengths and weaknesses.
A common strategy is to pair a consistent, accurate player with a longer hitter who might be more erratic. This way, the team can benefit from distance off the tee, while still having a safety net of a steadier golfer to ensure a decent score. For example, if one of the longer hitters has a wayward drive, the team still has three balls in play, and the steadier player can often provide a bail-out option.
Another approach is to have two similar players paired together, with the other two operating as a separate unit. This can foster a sense of competition between the pairs, providing motivation and a clear division of roles and responsibilities, which can streamline decision-making on the course.
The team composition of four golfers, with two scores combined per hole, encourages strategic thinking and provides a good platform for a competitive yet enjoyable format. It is a popular format for Am-Am tournaments, catering to a range of skill levels and promoting camaraderie.
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Player ability: One highly skilled amateur, the remaining with varying abilities
Am-am golf tournaments are for amateur golfers only, meaning that no golf pros are involved. The term "am-am" is shorthand for "amateur-amateur", with teams typically consisting of four golfers. One interpretation of the am-am format is that a highly skilled amateur golfer, or "low am", is paired with other amateurs of varying abilities. In this scenario, the "low am" usually acts as the team captain.
On each hole, two team members' scores are combined to create a team score. This version of the am-am format is played using Stableford scoring, which means points are added and subtracted based on the result of the hole. The golfers' stroke totals are converted into Stableford points, which are then added together. This is similar to an Irish Four Ball.
Another variation on the am-am format is the Best 2 from 4 (or 3) format. In this format, each team member is designated as player A, B, C or D. On the first hole, one of the two scores that count must be from player A, on the second hole from player B, and so on. On the first hole, the team's best score is recorded, on the second hole the two best scores, and on the third hole, the three best scores. This pattern is repeated over subsequent sets of holes.
The am-am format can also imply that golfers will be paired with a celebrity, or that the tournament is a big-time amateur event in which low-handicappers compete.
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Tournament types: Pro-Am, charitable, or casual
Am-Am golf tournaments can be of various types, including Pro-Am, charitable, or casual events. Each type of tournament has distinct features and objectives, catering to different participants' needs and interests.
Pro-Am tournaments, such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, originated in the 1930s when singer Bing Crosby hosted a charity golf event with his celebrity friends, known as The Crosby Clambake. This tournament type often features a mix of professional golfers and celebrities, creating a unique experience for participants and spectators alike. The event offers a substantial purse, attracting top players from the PGA TOUR, while also providing entertainment and a platform for charitable fundraising.
Charitable golf tournaments are another popular type of event, often organised by charities or non-profit organisations to raise funds for their causes. These tournaments can vary in scale and format, from casual to competitive, depending on the organiser's objectives. Platforms like Charity Golf Today offer resources and tools to simplify the planning and management of such events, including online transactions, data tracking, and sponsorship opportunities.
Casual golf tournaments cater to golfers seeking a less competitive environment while still offering a fun and challenging experience. These tournaments are often organised locally and may be charity-run or amateur events. Local newspapers, golf course clubhouses, and online searches for "Your City" Amateur golf can be great resources for finding casual tournaments. Scramble or best ball formats are commonly preferred in casual tournaments, as they emphasise fun and reduce stress.
Additionally, Am-Am tournaments can also refer to amateur-amateur events, particularly common in the United Kingdom. In this format, a highly skilled amateur golfer, known as the "low am," captains a team of amateurs with varying abilities. The team's scoring is based on the Stableford system, combining the best two scores among the team members on each hole. This format promotes teamwork and inclusivity, allowing golfers of different skill levels to participate together.
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Trip planning: All-inclusive trips, with no membership fees
Planning a golf trip can be a tedious task, especially if you're looking for an all-inclusive trip with no membership fees. However, there are a few options available that can help you plan your dream golf trip without any hassle.
Am Golf Trips
Am Golf Trips offers elite golf experiences for passionate golfers looking for competition and camaraderie. They provide golfers with the opportunity to compete in tournaments at some of the best golf courses globally, with teammates and large prize pools. Their National Trips are all-inclusive getaways with no membership fees, where teams of 2 players compete in a stroke play format. Am Golf Trips takes care of course reservations, accommodations, tournament setup, and other details, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for golfers seeking a memorable trip.
US Am Tour
The US Am Tour is another option for amateur golfers seeking competition and camaraderie. It offers a wide range of amateur golf tournaments across local, regional, and national levels, allowing golfers to compete against others with similar abilities. The USAT is unique as it allows golfers to set their schedules and choose venues, cities, or regions they want to play in. The tour fosters friendships and a sense of community among golfers, making it a popular choice for those seeking a well-organized amateur golf experience.
Amateur Players Tour (APT)
The APT is open to all amateur golfers and offers an inclusive community dedicated to competition and camaraderie. It features 5 divisions based on skill levels, ensuring equitable opportunities for all players. With a membership fee of $135 for 365 days, golfers can compete in over 800 local events and 15 National Majors at top golf courses in the United States and Canada. APT provides an extensive network of tournaments and the chance to develop lifelong friendships, making it a great option for those seeking an affordable and inclusive amateur golf tour experience.
Golf Resorts
For those seeking a more relaxed golf vacation, all-inclusive golf resorts are also an option. For example, the Casa De Campo resort in the Dominican Republic offers unlimited golf on their courses, with additional food, drinks, and resort credits included in the package. Moon Palace Cancun is another option, featuring 3 Phil Mickelson 9-hole courses and all-inclusive amenities. These resorts provide a combination of golf, relaxation, and luxury, allowing golfers to enjoy their favorite sport while on vacation without the structure of a formal tournament.
In conclusion, there are several options for golfers seeking all-inclusive trips without membership fees. Whether you're looking for elite golf experiences, amateur tournaments, or relaxing resort getaways, these options cater to golfers' diverse needs and preferences. So, get ready to pack your clubs and enjoy some unforgettable golfing adventures!
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Frequently asked questions
Am-am golf is shorthand for "amateur-amateur" golf, where amateur golfers are paired together to form a team. Am-am teams typically consist of four golfers, one of whom is a highly skilled amateur who acts as the captain.
On each hole, two of the team members' scores are combined for one team score. For example, if the four team members record scores of 4, 5, 6 and 7, the team score for that hole is 9 (4 + 5).
In a pro-am tournament, golfers know that one professional golfer will be included on each team. In an am-am tournament, the best golfer is a low-handicap amateur rather than a professional.
Am Golf Trips are golf vacations tailored for elite golfers looking for competition and camaraderie. These trips offer golfers the opportunity to play at some of the best golf courses in the world, compete for large prize pools, and qualify for championships.
