Sure, you play for the love of the game and a relaxing day on the course, disconnected from your phone and work, is tough to beat.

But let’s be honest, one of golf’s primary appeals is the competitive outlet it provides, especially as we age. You and your buddies aren’t heading to the court for a high intensity game of 2-on-2, but golf allows you to renew old rivalries and create new ones, while telling stories of conquest and heartbreak long after your Myrtle Beach golf trip is over.

With that in mind, here are five games that can make your next trip even better.

● We will begin with low hanging fruit: a Ryder Cup format is hard to beat. Appoint two captains, let them select teams and reveal matchups, like the “real” Cup captains do. It’s a blast, as there is a little better than a team match play event.

● Play two-person 6/6/6 matches for a predetermined amount of money, winner takes all. The three formats are best ball, captain’s choice and alternate shot. For the record, I’d highly recommend a true alternate shot format, not the modified version where both players tee off. For regular schlubs like us, the pressure of alternate shot is real and great.

● Many Myrtle Beach golf trips feature a wide range of handicaps, and a net Stableford event will allow everyone to be competitive. Players get one point for a bogey, 2 points for a par, 3 for a birdie and 4 for an eagle. It’s easy to keep track of and there is something to be said for the positive aspect of accruing points.

● Create a match play tournament, allowing the excitement to build throughout the weekend, before culminating with a championship round. This is perfect for a three-day, eight-man trip. Make sure you come up with a trophy that can be handed down from year to year.

● Easiest of all is an aggregate, net stroke play tournament. Stroke play events are always fun, allowing you to sleep on a lead or the realization that you may have blown an opportunity to win. This isn’t the sexiest of formats, but it has stood the test of time for a reason.

Any Myrtle Beach golf trip is a good one, but a little competition makes everything better, and these five formats will deliver excitement.