Mario Golf Modes: tournament, match play, skins and mini-golf
Choose scoring rules that match your objective.
Edition covered
Original Nintendo 64 Mario Golf. Japanese and international rosters differ; GBC Transfer Pak characters need original compatible hardware.
Tournament drives course progression
A tournament compares your round against a leaderboard and awards Course Points. Birdie-or-better holes can also contribute badges, making careful scoring valuable beyond a single trophy.
| Mode | Winner decided by | Progression use |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament | Round standings | Course Points and Birdie Badges |
| Stroke Play | Fewest total strokes | Standard casual round |
| Get Character | Holes won against a rival | Single-player character unlocks |
| Match Play | Holes won | Head-to-head practice |
| Skins Match | Most hole rewards | Ties carry rewards forward |
Match play rewards holes instead of totals
A terrible hole costs one hole, not an entire round’s stroke total. Once a hole is lost, plan the next tee instead of trying to recover every wasted stroke.
| Mode | Goal | Special rule |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Shot | Pass all rings and make par or better | Puzzle route within stroke budget |
| Speed Golf | Finish the course quickly | Time matters |
| Mini-Golf | Fewest putts | Putter-only shaped courses |
| Club Slots | Win skins with random clubs | Available clubs change |
| Training | Repeat selected holes | Adjust practice conditions |
Skins carries tied rewards forward
When a hole is tied, its value moves forward. The next decisive hole can therefore be worth more, which changes how much risk a player may accept.
Training isolates weather and holes
Use Training to repeat a difficult approach under controlled conditions. Mini-Golf and Club Slots do not offer CPU opponents, so check mode support before setting up a solo match.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Original-edition mechanics and reference | www.mariowiki.com |