Green on 19
Rotating partners

How to Play Six-Six-Sixes

Also called: Sixes · Round Robin · Hollywood · COD

Six-Six-Sixes is a 4-player team format divided into 3 six-hole matches. Partners rotate after holes 6 and 12, allowing every golfer to partner with each other golfer once.

Best for

A foursome that wants balanced partner rotation without making decisions during each hole.

Handicaps

Use net best ball for mixed abilities. Publish stroke allocation before the first match.

The clean version

Six-Six-Sixes Rules

  1. 1

    Create the 3 possible 2-vs-2 partnerships before the round.

  2. 2

    Play the first partnership on holes 1 through 6, rotate for 7 through 12 and rotate again for 13 through 18.

  3. 3

    Score each six-hole segment as a separate best-ball match.

  4. 4

    Use gross or net hole results consistently.

  5. 5

    Settle each segment independently, including any agreed presses.

Before the first tee

Set Up the Game

  • Write the 3 partner rotations
  • Choose gross or net best ball
  • Set the value of each six-hole match
  • Define presses and tied segments

Worked example

How the Scoring Works

Players A and B face C and D for holes 1–6. A and C then face B and D for holes 7–12. A and D finish against B and C on holes 13–18.

Mix it carefully

Can Six-Six-Sixes Be Played With Other Games?

The fixed partner rotation supports overlays but conflicts with Wolf's hole-by-hole team selection.

Best complementary games

SkinsRead the companion guideDots / JunkRead the companion guideSnakeRead the companion guide

House-rule territory

Popular Variations

  • Stroke-play aggregate instead of match play
  • 2 points per six-hole win and 1 for a tie
  • Nassau inside each six-hole segment
  • Carry a tied segment

Play smarter

Strategy Without the Spreadsheet

  • Reset after every 6 holes; each partnership is a new match.
  • Use compatible handicaps rather than changing allowances mid-round.
  • Avoid too many nested presses because 3 base matches are already active.

Quick answers

Six-Six-Sixes FAQ

How many players are required for Sixes?

Exactly 4 players are needed for the standard rotation.

How often do partners change?

After every 6 holes, for 3 total partnerships.

Is Sixes the same as Split Sixes?

No. Sixes is a 4-player rotating-partner format. Split Sixes is usually a 3-player points game.