Odd Numbers on a Golf Trip: What to Do With 5, 7 or 9 Players
How to run a fair golf trip with 5, 7 or 9 players. Tee time splits, formats that work with odd numbers, and when to recruit one more.
Golf loves even numbers. Foursomes. Two-person teams. Two teams for a cup. Then your group ends up with seven people.
Do not panic. Here is how to make odd numbers work.
Option 1: find one more
The easiest fix is the obvious one. Find one more player.
- Ask each person to suggest one friend.
- Pick someone easy-going. A trip is a long time with a stranger.
- Be clear about cost and schedule up front.
If you can get to an even number, especially 4, 8 or 12, everything gets simpler.
Option 2: split into uneven groups
Courses usually allow groups of two, three or four. Use that.
| Players | Tee time split |
|---|---|
| 5 | A three and a two, or a three and a two behind |
| 7 | A four and a three |
| 9 | Two threes and a three, or a four, a three and a two |
| 10 | Two fours and a two, or two threes and a four |
| 11 | Two fours and a three |
Ask the course if they will pair a single into your group. Some will.
Formats that work with any number
These formats do not need even teams.
Individual stroke play
Everyone plays their own ball. Lowest total over the trip wins. Works with any number.
Skins
Each hole is worth a skin. Win the hole outright, take the skin. Ties carry over. Works in groups of any size.
Points per round
Rank every player each round. Give points for finishing positions. Add them up over the trip.
Rotating partners
In a group of three, the two lower scores on each hole could form a team against the third. Rotate who is on their own each hole.
Formats that need even numbers
These are harder with odd numbers:
- Ryder Cup style team cups. Two equal teams are the whole point.
- Two-person best ball. One player is left without a partner.
- Singles match play. Someone sits out.
Making a team cup work anyway
If your group really wants two teams, there are workarounds.
The floater
One player plays for both teams. Their score counts for whichever team needs it least, or they play as a neutral with no points. Rotate the floater each round.
Captain's ghost
The short team gets a "ghost" score. For example, the average of their team's scores on each hole. It is not perfect. It works.
Weight the points
The team with fewer players gets their points multiplied. It is math-heavy but fair.
All three of these are hard to set up in most apps. You may end up tracking them on paper.
A note on apps
Many apps work best with even numbers or fixed team sizes. Check before you plan.
- MATCHUPS tournaments need exactly two equal teams of 4, 8 or 12 players. With 5, 7 or 9, you cannot run a MATCHUPS tournament for the whole group. You can still score casual rounds in smaller groups.
- Squabbit's free plan lists unlimited players and every game format.
- Golf GameBook's Reds vs Blues mode lists up to 72 players in two teams, with a Gold membership.
- 18Birdies lists free tournaments and many side games, and runs on Android too.
See them side by side in our golf buddies trip app comparison.
Sample plan for 7 players over 3 days
- Day 1: individual stroke play. A four and a three. Skins in each group.
- Day 2: points per round. Mix up the groups.
- Day 3: individual stroke play. Final standings decide the trip.
Awards: lowest total, most skins, best single round.
Sample plan for 9 players over 3 days
- Day 1: three threesomes. Skins across all groups.
- Day 2: three-person scramble teams. Draft the teams.
- Day 3: individual stroke play. Points decide the champion.
A three-person scramble is a hidden gem. It is fast, social and fair.
Do not leave anyone out
The biggest risk with odd numbers is one person feeling like an extra. Avoid it.
- Rotate who is in the smaller group.
- Make sure everyone plays every round that counts.
- Give the floater or the single a fun title. "Free agent" works.
What about uneven skill, too?
Odd numbers often come with a wide skill range. A five-person group might have a 4-handicap and a 28.
Lean on formats that level the field:
- Scramble days, where every player can contribute.
- Net scoring with agreed handicaps.
- Skins, where anyone can win a hole.
And pair the strongest players apart when you split tee times. It keeps each group competitive.
Plan for next year
If you hit odd numbers this year, plan for even next year. Start the invites earlier. Aim for 8 or 12. It opens up the best formats, including a proper two-team cup.
Planning the full trip? See our 3-day golf buddies trip itinerary.
We are the MATCHUPS team. Our app runs the scoring, teams and side games for a buddies trip on iPhone and Apple Watch. It is free to download. App Store | matchupsgolf.com
FAQ
How do you split 7 golfers?
Book a four and a three. Play individual stroke play, skins or points per round.
Can you play a team cup with odd numbers?
Yes, with a floater or a ghost score, but most apps need even teams.
Does MATCHUPS work with 7 players?
Not for a tournament. MATCHUPS tournaments need exactly two equal teams of 4, 8 or 12.