Best competition format for odd numbers

[TheBlackCat]

We have a regular Thursday group of around 10-20 seniors; we just turn up and work out the competition format based on the number of people there. It's aimed to be a fun but competitive morning and we prefer to play better ball or AM-AM's. This works fine when we have the correct number for pairs or three-balls, but is awkward when we have, for example, 13. We have in the past had 3 three-balls and 1 four-ball, with the three-balls playing off full handicap with 2 out of 3 to count and the four-ball playing off 3/4 handicap with 2 out of 4 to count. This just about works, but if you get two steady mid handicap players in the three-ball they tend to romp away with the comp. We do not want to play singles or any sort of blind pairs, as we want to be some part of a team while we are playing, since this adds to the enjoyment. Does anyone have any suggestions on the fairest way to sort out a comp for odd numbers?

 

[Deleted member 15344]

How about have a hidden pro

If for example there are 13 players you have

3 groups of 3 and then a group of 4

Its 3 out of 4 scores counting with the group of three being able to use a hidden pro who gets 2 points on every hole if needed.

The hidden pro is only used if his score bets the others

 

[TheBlackCat]

Thanks for the suggestion. The only problem with this is that most of the guys do not tend to play to their handicaps and therefore it would give the 3 ball an advantage if they can guarantee one player will get 2 points per hole.

 

[Karl102]

I can't remember the name of the game, but for a 3 ball game this is great fun.
There are basically 6 points up for grabs each hole. If you win the hole outright, you get all 6, have between you and one other, you get 3 each, halved between all of you 2 each. It's exciting as if you are well behind, you still have a chance of winning by claiming '6' pointers...!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Thanks for the suggestion. The only problem with this is that most of the guys do not tend to play to their handicaps and therefore it would give the 3 ball an advantage if they can guarantee one player will get 2 points per hole.

But the 4 ball have 3 out of 4 players to pick from ?

 

[Odvan]

I can't remember the name of the game, but for a 3 ball game this is great fun.
There are basically 6 points up for grabs each hole. If you win the hole outright, you get all 6, have between you and one other, you get 3 each, halved between all of you 2 each. It's exciting as if you are well behind, you still have a chance of winning by claiming '6' pointers...!

'Carousel' I think, Karl.

 

[Praxis]

Just play 4BBB and the groups with 3 in have a man in the middle, so the 3 ball has players A,B and C. Player A & B are one pairing, and players B & C are the other pairing. We draw lots to determine who is 'in the middle'

 

[upsidedown]

Just play 4BBB and the groups with 3 in have a man in the middle, so the 3 ball has players A,B and C. Player A & B are one pairing, and players B & C are the other pairing. We draw lots to determine who is 'in the middle'

That's what we do in our fiddle, middle man will be the lowest handicap.