Jackson Reid
Golf leagues are a great way to compete, network, and build relationships with other golfers. Golf leagues are usually limited to 60 players (15 foursomes) but tend to have around 40 players. Golfers will play with and against the same people week after week. Golf leagues are often played with co-workers as an after-work activity. Golf leagues are usually 9 holes, and golfers earn points by reaching the hole in the fewest strokes. Golf leagues should not be confused with golf tournaments, which are one-off events held at different courses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | Golf leagues are limited to 60 players, but usually have around 40. The LIV Golf League features 54 players. |
| Number of teams | The LIV Golf League has 13 teams. |
| Number of holes | Golf leagues usually consist of 9 holes. The TGL golf league is played across 15 holes. |
| Format | Golf leagues are played on a consistent basis against the same group of people. |
| Scoring | In the TGL golf league, a team earns one point for reaching the hole in the fewest strokes. No points are awarded if a hole is tied. |
| Timing | Golf leagues are usually played after work. |
| Handicap | A handicap is usually required to play in a golf league. |
| Prizes | Prizes are awarded in golf tournaments, but it is unclear if prizes are awarded in golf leagues. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf leagues vs. golf tournaments
Golf leagues and golf tournaments are both excellent ways to compete, network, and build relationships on the golf course. However, there are some significant differences between the two formats that golfers should be aware of.
Golf leagues are typically held at the same course each week, providing a consistent group of people to play with on a regular basis. They usually take place at a set time each week, often in the evenings after work, although some leagues may be held during the day for retirees. Golf leagues usually have an upfront league fee and a weekly greens fee, with membership and greens fees varying depending on the golf facility and mode of transport. The number of players in a golf league is generally limited to around 60, and the format usually consists of 9 holes.
On the other hand, golf tournaments are one-off events held at different courses. Successful tournaments are often run annually at the same course. They usually take place on both weekdays and weekends and consist of at least 18 holes, with 9-hole tournaments being rare. Tournaments typically have entry fees and associated costs for travel, lodging, and caddie hire. Additionally, prizes and awards are usually included in the tournament fee, making it generally more expensive than a single round in a golf league.
In summary, golf leagues offer consistency in terms of the people you play with and the course you play on, while golf tournaments provide a variety of courses and opponents. Golf leagues are ideal for those seeking a regular group of golfing companions, whereas tournaments are better suited for those who enjoy exploring different courses and meeting new golfers.
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Scoring and points
Golf leagues are usually played with 9 holes, although some leagues, such as the LIV Golf League, play with 18 holes. In a golf league, you will play with and against the same group of people week after week. Golf leagues are often played with coworkers as an after-work activity and are a great way to network.
TGL (Team Golf League)
In TGL, each team earns one point for reaching the hole in the fewest strokes. No points are awarded if a hole is tied, and points do not carry over to the next hole. Each match is played across 15 holes, divided into two match play-style segments, with each team selecting three of its four players to compete.
TGL also features a "hammer" rule, where a team can throw a "hammer" at any point during play to add one point to a hole's value. If the opposing team declines the hammer, they forfeit the hole. Each team is given three hammers to use at their discretion during the match.
LIV Golf League
The LIV Golf League features 13 teams of four players each, competing for the Individual Championship and Team Championship. Over three days of competition, all 54 players compete with no cuts, and the top 24 golfers on the leaderboard earn points. The winner earns 40 points, second place earns 30 points, third place earns 24 points, and a sliding scale of points is used for places 4th to 24th.
For the Team Championship, points are awarded to the top eight teams: 32 points for first place, 24 points for second, 16 points for third, and a sliding scale of points for teams ranked 4th to 8th. These points are crucial for determining seeding on Championship Weekend.
Nextgengolf City Tour
While specific scoring and points rules are not mentioned for the Nextgengolf City Tour, it is noted that golf leagues typically require a handicap to play and usually consist of 9 holes.
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Number of players and teams
Golf leagues can vary in size, but they typically have a limited number of players and teams. For example, the LIV Golf League features 54 players and 13 teams, with each team consisting of four players. This league format creates a competitive environment with 13 powerhouse teams battling it out for the top spot.
In contrast, some golf leagues may have a smaller scale. Traditional golf leagues often have around 40 to 60 players, which equates to about 15 foursomes. These golfers compete consistently throughout the year, fostering a sense of familiarity and camaraderie within the league.
The TGL golf league, presented by SoFi, showcases top players from the PGA TOUR. Each TGL team is comprised of four PGA TOUR players, with three players competing in each match. This league format ensures that viewers and fans can witness the skills of these top players in action during the two-hour primetime competitions.
It's worth noting that golf leagues and tournaments are distinct. Tournaments are typically one-off events held at different courses, featuring at least 18 holes. They attract a larger number of participants and are often more expensive to enter due to the inclusion of awards, prizes, and gifts. Golf leagues, on the other hand, provide a consistent group of golfers who compete against each other regularly, often at the same course, fostering a sense of community and networking opportunities.
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Format and rules
Golf leagues can vary in format and rules depending on the specific league and the organising body. However, there are some common elements that are often found in golf leagues. One common format is the use of a stroke play or match play system, or a combination of both. In stroke play, all holes count towards a collective total, and the winner is determined by the lowest final score. In match play, two teams compete head-to-head, with each hole resulting in a simple win or loss. The winner is the team that accumulates the most points by the end of the match.
Some leagues, such as the LIV Golf League, feature a combination of both match play and stroke play formats. The LIV Golf League consists of 13 teams and 54 players competing over a 14-event season for the Individual Championship and Team Championship. The season takes place from February to August, with events occurring from Friday to Sunday. There are no cuts, so all players remain in the game throughout the competition. Points are accumulated throughout the season, and these points play a crucial role in determining seeding for the Championship Weekend.
Another example is the TGL format, which consists of 15 holes of golf per match, divided into two sessions: 9 holes of Triples (3 vs. 3 alternate shot) and 6 holes of Singles (head-to-head play). Each hole is worth one point, and if there is a tie after all 15 holes, the match goes to Overtime, which is a best-of-three, closest-to-the-pin competition. The TGL format also includes playoffs, with single-elimination Semifinals and a "best-of-three" Finals Series.
Golf leagues may also incorporate handicaps into their scoring systems. Handicaps can be determined based on players' actual scores, with calculations made weekly or using a specific formula. Some leagues may have specific rules regarding tee-off times, substitutions, and eligibility criteria. It is important for players to familiarise themselves with the local rules of the course and any additional rules provided by the league committee.
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Venues and courses
Golf leagues and tournaments are often confused with each other. While tournaments are one-off events held at different courses, golf leagues are usually played by a limited number of players and consist of 9 holes. Golf leagues are played on a weekly basis, with the same group of people, competing against each other throughout the year.
Golf leagues are played at a variety of venues and courses. For instance, the TGL (a golf league presented by SoFi) takes place at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The SoFi Center is a purpose-built venue that combines a data-rich virtual course with a first-of-its-kind short game complex. It measures nearly 250,000 square feet and can hold up to 1,500 people. The TGL's inaugural season concluded in March 2025, with Atlanta Drive GC winning the championship against Jupiter Links GC.
The LIV Golf League is another example of a golf league that takes place at various venues and courses around the world. The 2026 schedule includes 14 global locations, with 13 regular-season events followed by a Team Championship finale. Each event in the LIV Golf League begins with a shotgun start, meaning there are 18 groups of players spread around the course, all teeing off at the same time.
The venues and courses for golf leagues can vary depending on the league and the location of the participants. Some leagues may partner with specific golf courses or venues to host their events, while others may rotate between different locations to provide a variety of experiences for their players and spectators.
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Frequently asked questions
A golf league is a competition where a limited number of players or teams compete against each other over a period of time, usually a season. Leagues usually have a smaller number of participants compared to tournaments and involve playing a smaller number of holes.
Golf leagues typically involve teams or individuals earning points based on their performance in matches. Points are awarded based on the number of strokes taken to complete a hole, with the team or individual accumulating the most points across the season being crowned the winner.
Golf tournaments are typically one-off events held at different courses, usually consisting of at least 18 holes. Tournaments are often more expensive to enter due to prizes and awards, and participants will play with different golfers on weekdays and weekends. Golf leagues, on the other hand, provide consistency as you will play with the same group of people throughout the season.
The number of players in a golf league can vary, but they are usually limited. Traditional golf leagues consist of 15 foursomes (60 players) but often have around 40 players. Other leagues, such as the LIV Golf League, feature 54 players across 13 teams.
