Play together
Play golf with friends, wherever they live
Your friend is in Tokyo and you're in Toronto. On One Fairway you can still play the same 18 holes together, taking turns in real time with one shared scorecard. It's a multiplayer golf game that runs in your web browser, so there's nothing for anyone to install. And it's free.
How it works
- Both of you open the game and create a free account. Choose a username, your country and your golfer.
- Add each other as friends by username. Your country flag shows next to your name, so you always know who you're playing.
- Start a match. Make a lobby, pick the format and the holes, and invite your friends. When the line-up is complete, the host starts.
- Take turns. The first tee shot goes in order, then the golfer with the honour (the best score on the previous hole) tees off first. After that, the ball farthest from the hole plays. You watch your friends' shots fly on your own screen.
- Finish at the 19th hole. See the result, say well played, and hit Rematch.
You can play on a computer, phone or tablet, and you don't all need the same kind of device.
Choose a format
| Format | Players | How you win |
|---|---|---|
| Stroke play | 2 to 4 golfers | Lowest total score wins. |
| Match play | 1 v 1 | Win more holes than your opponent. How match play works. |
| Alternate shot | 2 v 2 | Partners share one ball and take turns hitting it, as a match against the other team. Our featured format. How alternate shot works. |
Play any of them over a quick three, the front nine, the back nine or all 18 holes of Stonepine.
Groups of three or four play stroke play. Match play is for two golfers, or two teams of two.
Fair across abilities
Friendly matches use handicaps, so a beginner can enjoy a close game against a good player.
- Your in-game handicap is worked out from your rounds.
- In stroke play, each golfer receives their handicap's strokes, scaled to the holes you're playing.
- In match play, the higher handicap receives the difference.
- In alternate shot, each team plays off half its partners' combined handicap.
- New golfers without a handicap play off 24 until they have one.
Match play manners, built in
In match play the game handles the courtesies real golfers use.
- Gimmes. When a putt stops within about 3 feet (1 metre) of the hole, the other side can give it to you. You can also ask for it once. All about gimmes.
- Conceding a hole. If you're having a bad hole (double bogey or worse off the green, or two shots in a hazard), a quiet offer to concede appears. One tap and you're on to the next tee.
- Lost holes end by themselves. Once you can't tie the hole any more, it ends, so nobody has to watch you putt out for nothing.
- Matches end when they're decided. If one side is 3 up with 2 to play, the match is over: "3 & 2".
In stroke play there are no gimmes. You hole everything, but you can pick up a struggling hole at its maximum score.
Not online at the same time?
Challenge a friend to the same holes. You play now; they play whenever it suits them. Then you compare scores. It's the easy way to play across time zones.
Talk while you play
- Quick chat and reactions for everyone: Applause, Tip of the cap, Great shot and Unlucky.
- Typed chat between friends. Typed messages go only to players in the match who are your friends. They're filtered, links are blocked, and you can mute or report anyone.
- Chat is switched off on your own shot, so it can never cost you a turn.
When someone drops out
Connections fail. Here's what happens:
- Disconnected? You have about two minutes to come back with no penalty. The others play on, and your turn waits or is skipped.
- Turn timer. Each turn is timed by our server. If time runs out, it costs a stroke and play moves on.
- Someone leaves an alternate shot match? Their partner plays on alone, hitting every shot.
Players who stay are never penalised for someone else leaving.
Rewards for playing together
You earn extra XP for every friend in a match, and more for playing golfers from a country you haven't played before. Each new country is a stamp in your passport.
Want a tougher test? Try ranked
When you're ready, ranked play matches you with golfers near your level and handicap, in 1v1 match play or 2v2 alternate shot over three or nine holes. You bring your own clubs, and we only pair bags no more than one equipment tier apart, so skill decides.
Questions
Is it free to play with friends?
Yes. Friendly matches, ranked play and challenges are all free.
How many people can play together?
Up to four golfers in one stroke-play match, or two teams of two in alternate shot.
Can I play with friends in other countries?
Yes, that's what One Fairway is for. Add them by username wherever they live.
Do my friends need to download anything?
No. They open the game in their web browser and sign up.