Split Sixes

Three players, six points to share on every hole. Best on the hole takes four, second takes two, third gets nothing. Tied positions split the points evenly.

By Gustaf Bratt · Updated 2 September 2026

3 players Hole by hole

What is Split Sixes?

Split Sixes is the three-player format above all others. Six points are available on every hole, awarded according to how you finish that hole. It means something is at stake on every single hole, and a strong third place still bleeds points. The tension holds all the way round.

How to play, and how the points divide

Six points per hole, awarded by position:

Outright first: 4 points. Outright second: 2 points. Outright third: 0 points.
Tied first: the leaders share 4 plus 2, so 3 points each. Third gets 0.
Tied second: first takes 4, the two in second share 2, so 1 point each.
All three tied: 6 points shared, 2 points each.

Split Sixes can be played off gross or net depending on how evenly matched the group is.

How it is settled

At the end of the round everyone's points are totalled. The settlement is pairwise: each pair of players is compared, and the points difference times the stake changes hands. Whoever collected the most takes from the other two, and it all balances out. With three players the swings are substantial, which is part of the charm.

Wager Golf awards the six points correctly on every hole, including tied positions, and works out the pairwise settlement automatically.

Common questions

How many players does Split Sixes need?

Split Sixes is played with exactly three players. Six points per hole divide perfectly across three positions, which is the whole appeal of the format.

How are the points split when players tie?

If two players share first, the four and the two are combined and split, three points each, and third gets nothing. If two share second, first takes four and the other two get one point each. If all three tie, everyone gets two points.

Is Split Sixes played off handicap?

Either way works. Gross keeps it simple, while net levels things out if the three of you play off very different standards. The points allocation itself is unchanged.

Stop working out Split Sixes by hand

Wager Golf works out the game and settlement automatically with the right WHS handicap, then shows exactly who owes whom.

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