If Only

If Only:

If Only is a format for a recreational round or a bet in a stroke play. It is designed to avoid your buddy complaining after the round with the words “if only …” (e.g. I hadn’t hit into the water…). This format allows a player to throw out two of theirs worst scores. They can be forgotten and the total score is calculated using the remaining 16 holes.

Technically, this is the same gameplay as Strike Two format. It minimizes the impact of major mistakes in a round while the score is still a fairly reliable representation of the game. This format can be played with or without handicaps

You can also introduce an additional stipulation: one discarded hole must come from the first nine holes and the other from the second nine.

Other names: Strike Two, Throw Out 2, Best 16 Holes