Harper Lin
Golf is a social sport, and many golfers enjoy playing with their friends. While there is no official ruling against golfing in groups of more than four, many golf courses don't allow five-player groups, or fivesomes, due to the risk of slowing down the game for other players. However, some courses are happy to accommodate five-player groups, and there are also fun games designed specifically for five players, such as Wolf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a fivesome | A group of five golfers playing together |
| Acceptability | Many golf courses don't allow fivesomes, but some do |
| Reasons for non-acceptability | Slowing down the game, disturbance in the flow of the course, requiring three carts |
| Games that can be played with fivesomes | Wolf |
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses that allow 5-somes
Golf courses generally prefer foursomes—a group of four golfers playing together. Many golf courses don't allow fivesomes, which is a group of five golfers playing together, as it starts to slow things down. Fivesomes take longer to play each hole, causing backups and bottlenecks. Additionally, fivesomes require three carts, with one of those carts only having one rider.
However, some golf courses do allow fivesomes, particularly if the course is not typically busy. For instance, American Golf allows 5-somes on every course in SoCal that they manage. Similarly, some people play in groups of 5 on private courses and quiet public courses.
If you want to play in a fivesome, it is best to call ahead and ask the pro shop if they allow it. They might say yes, no, or that it depends. If the course is not typically busy at the time you want to play, they might allow a fivesome.
To avoid inconveniencing other groups, it is important to maintain a good pace when playing in a fivesome. This can be achieved by playing ready golf, which means that players take their shots as soon as it is their turn, instead of waiting for their turn while others are playing.
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Slower gameplay with 5-somes
Golf courses generally prefer groups of four, and many courses do not allow five-player groups, or "fivesomes", due to the potential for slower gameplay.
The more players in a group, the longer it takes to complete a hole, and thus the longer the wait for the group behind them. This can cause bottlenecks and backups across the entire course. Fivesomes also require three golf carts, leaving one golfer to ride alone, which can further slow down the game.
Some golfers are naturally adept at maintaining an efficient pace, but others may struggle to manage their group's pace, especially when it comes to playing "ready golf", or playing at a quick pace by taking strokes out of turn when ready.
To maintain an optimal pace of play, the R&A recommends specific tee time intervals. The starting interval between groups should not be shorter than the time it takes to play the quickest hole on the course. Marshals can also help groups keep pace and guide them through known choke points.
While some courses may allow fivesomes, it is generally advised to check with the course before arriving with a group of five.
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Golf games for 5-somes
Golfing with five people isn't a common occurrence at most golf courses, and many courses don't allow fivesomes. This is because a group of five can slow down the pace of play, causing backups and bottlenecks. However, some private or semi-private country clubs do allow groups larger than four, especially during off-peak times. If you are playing at a less busy time, some clubs will permit five or more players as long as you keep up with the course rules.
If you are able to play with a fivesome, there are some fun games to try out. One option is to play Wolf, which is a fun betting game for four or five players. You can also try Skins, which is a quick game where bad holes are quickly forgotten as holes are often halved, and everyone has something to play for on the next hole.
Another option is to play a team event with two, two-man teams and one single player or "ghost" who switches partners throughout the round. This creates a winning team and a losing team, adding some extra energy to the game.
When playing with a fivesome, it's important to be mindful of the pace of play and to let other groups play through if needed. Keeping up with the group ahead of you and playing ready golf will help ensure that your fivesome doesn't cause any delays on the course.
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Riding carts for 5-somes
A "fivesome" in golf refers to a group of five golfers playing together. Many golf courses do not allow fivesomes, as they can slow down the game for everyone. Fivesomes take longer to complete each hole, and this can cause backups and bottlenecks.
In addition, fivesomes present a challenge when it comes to riding carts. In a foursome, golfers typically pair off with two per cart. However, a fivesome requires three carts, and one of those carts will only have a single rider. This can be inefficient, as it requires more carts and can result in one golfer bearing a higher cost for the cart.
Some golf courses offer SoloRider carts, which are single-rider adaptive golf carts designed for golfers with disabilities. These can be used in various situations, including for three-somes as the second cart, but they are not a common solution for fivesomes as they are designed for a specific purpose and may not be available at all courses.
To ensure a smooth experience for all golfers, it is advisable to check with the golf course before arriving with a fivesome. Some courses may accommodate fivesomes during quieter times or by adjusting tee times to avoid causing delays for other groups. Ultimately, the decision to allow fivesomes may depend on the course's policies, the day's traffic, and the group's pace of play.
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5-somes on weekends
Golf is a social sport, and it can be fun to play with a group of friends. However, when it comes to 5-somes on weekends, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that not all golf courses allow 5-somes, as the preferred grouping is typically a foursome. This is because, with a larger group, the gameplay tends to slow down, causing backups and bottlenecks on the course. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the golf course in advance to inquire about their group size policy, as some courses may always allow it, while others may never permit it.
If you are planning to play with a group of five, it is essential to be mindful of the pace of play. An extra player can significantly increase the time taken to complete each hole, potentially holding up other groups. To maintain a good pace and not disrupt the flow of the course, it is recommended to let smaller groups play through if they catch up to your group. Additionally, some courses may require you to adjust your tee time to avoid having groups right behind you.
While there is no official ruling against golfing groups of more than four, the general consensus is that course administrators should exercise restraint regarding group size allowance. This is especially important on weekends, when the course may be busier and the impact of slow play more pronounced. Therefore, if you plan to play with a 5-some on a weekend, it is crucial to respect the course's policies and other players' experiences.
However, there are also some games designed specifically for five players, such as Wolf, which can add a fun element to your round. In this game, one player is designated as the “wolf” and can choose to team up with another player or play as a lone wolf, trying to beat the group's score. The teams change every hole, keeping the game dynamic and engaging. So, while 5-somes may not be allowed or practical on busy weekend days, with proper planning and consideration for other players, it is possible to enjoy a round of golf with a group of five friends.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no official ruling against golfing groups of more than four. However, many golf courses don't allow 5-somes as they can slow down the game for other players.
With five golfers playing strokes on each hole, a fivesome takes longer to play each hole. This can cause backups and bottlenecks on the golf course.
Yes, some courses may always be open to 5-somes. It's best to call up the golf course ahead of booking to enquire about their group size policy.
