Scoring formats · 3 players
Split Sixes: how to play
Also known as Sixes (threeball), Nines, 6-point game
The best format for a threeball: six points on every hole.
Split Sixes is the answer to the awkward threeball. On every hole six points are divided between the three players: four to the best score, two to the middle and nothing to the worst. Over 18 holes that is 108 points, and the player with the most wins.
It keeps everyone involved all the way round because the middle score still earns points, so consistency beats the occasional flash of brilliance.
Score Split Sixes in Golf Daddy
Pick Split Sixes on the first tee and the app applies the strokes, keeps the live leaderboard and settles the points for the whole group. Free on iPhone and Android.
Split Sixes rules
- 1.Six points are available on each hole.
- 2.Best score takes 4 points, middle score 2, worst score 0.
- 3.Two tied for best: 3 points each, worst gets 0.
- 4.Two tied for worst: best gets 4, the other two get 1 each.
- 5.All three tied: 2 points each.
- 6.With handicaps, the order is decided on net scores.
How handicaps work
Play off the lower handicap or use full course handicaps; either way the hole is ranked on net scores. Golf Daddy marks the shot holes for each player and splits the six points automatically, so nobody argues over the arithmetic on the green.
Worked example
Hole 7, par 4: Sam makes 4, Jo makes 5, Alex makes 5. Sam takes 4 points and Jo and Alex, tied for worst, take 1 each.
Tips and variations
- Nines is the same idea with 5-3-1 points; Split Sixes is the version Golf Daddy scores.
- Attach a stake per point (10p a point is plenty) and settle the differences at the end.
- Because the worst score gets nothing, finishing the hole matters even when you are out of the running for the win.
Split Sixes FAQs
What is the difference between Split Sixes and Nines?
Nines uses 5-3-1 points per hole (nine in total); Split Sixes uses 4-2-0 (six in total). Both reward the best score and keep the middle player in the game.
Can you play Split Sixes with four players?
Not as designed: it is a three-player game. With four, try Wolf, Vegas or Sixes instead.
How do you settle up in Split Sixes?
Agree a value per point. Each player pays or receives the difference between their total and each opponent's total.
Related formats
All golf formats and games →Play Split Sixes this weekend
Download Golf Daddy and let the app do the maths while you do the talking. Guests who haven't got the app can play too.