Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, adding a little competitive twist can bring a whole new level of excitement to your game. Here's a comprehensive list of 27 golf games adn side bets to spice up your next round.
Classic Golf Betting Games
Skins
Each hole is worth a predetermined amount. The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the skin. If no one wins the hole outright, the skin carries over to the next hole, increasing the stakes.
Example: If the first nine holes are worth $1 each and no one wins a hole outright, the tenth hole might be worth $10. This can create dramatic moments, especially on the final holes. The player who wins the most skins by the end of the round takes home the pot.
Nassau
Nassau is essentially three separate bets: one for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the total score. This format allows for more opportunities to win, keeping the competition lively throughout the entire round.
Example: Bet $5 on the front nine, $5 on the back nine, and $5 on the overall score. If you win the front nine but lose the back nine and total, you're only down $5. This structure keeps players engaged even if they have a bad front nine.
Bingo Bango Bongo
Points are awarded for being the first to reach the green (Bingo), being closest to the pin once everyone is on the green (Bango), and being the first to hole out (Bongo). This game rewards different aspects of play.
Example: On a par-4 hole, Player A reaches the green first (Bingo), Player B hits closest to the pin (Bango), and Player C is the first to hole out (Bongo). Each accomplishment earns one point. The player with the most points at the end of the round wins.
Sixes (Round Robin)
Players switch partners every six holes, creating dynamic and changing competition throughout the round. This format ensures everyone gets to play with and against each other.
Example: Players A and B team up against Players C and D for the first six holes. For the next six holes, A partners with C against B and D, and for the final six holes, A partners with D against B and C. This constant change keeps the game fresh and exciting.
Stableford
Points are awarded based on the number of strokes taken in relation to par. Higher points are given for better performance (e.g., birdies, eagles) while fewer points are given for bogeys or worse.
Example: On a par-4 hole, you earn 2 points for a par, 3 points for a birdie, and 1 point for a bogey. If Player A scores a birdie, they get 3 points, while Player B’s par earns them 2 points. The player with the highest total points at the end wins.
Best Ball
Each team member plays their own ball throughout the round, but only the best score among the team members counts for the team score on each hole. This format encourages teamwork and strategy.
Example: On a par-4 hole, Player A scores 5 and Player B scores 4. The team uses Player B’s score of 4. This format allows each player to contribute to the team’s success.
Alternate Shot
Teams of two players take turns hitting the same ball. This format requires excellent teamwork and strategy, as each player relies on their partner’s shots.
Example: Player A hits the drive, Player B hits the approach shot, Player A hits the next shot, and so on. This game can be challenging but rewarding as it forces partners to work closely together.
Match Play
Players compete to win individual holes. The player with the most holes won by the end of the round wins the match. This format emphasizes hole-by-hole competition rather than overall score.
Example: If Player A wins 10 holes and Player B wins 8, Player A wins the match. This format allows for dramatic comebacks and keeps players focused on each hole.
New Games
Wolf
Players take turns being the "Wolf," who decides after each drive whether to play alone or team up. Points are higher if the Wolf goes solo and wins the hole.
Example: If Player A is the Wolf and chooses to go solo on a par-4 hole, they could earn 2 points for a win. If they lose, each opponent gets 1 point. This game adds strategic depth and excitement as players must decide when to take risks.
Hammer
Players can "hammer" their opponents at any time, doubling the bet for the hole. The opponent must accept the challenge or forfeit the hole.
Example: If Player A hammers Player B on hole 5, the bet doubles. Player B must either accept the hammer or concede the hole. This game adds an element of surprise and strategic betting.
Quota
Each player starts with a quota based on their handicap. Points are earned for achievements such as birdies, pars, and bogeys, and the player who exceeds their quota by the most wins.
Example: A player with a quota of 18 aims to score 18 points. If they achieve 20 points, they exceed their quota by 2. The player with the highest excess points wins.
Acey Deucey
The player with the lowest score on a hole wins points, while the player with the highest score loses points. Specific point values are pre-determined.
Example: If Player A scores a 3 (birdie) and Player B scores a 5 (bogey), Player A wins 2 points while Player B loses 1 point. This game rewards consistency and penalizes mistakes.
Nines
Points are awarded based on the outcome of each hole, with the goal of accumulating the most points by the end of the round. The game is typically played with four players divided into two teams. Each hole is worth a total of nine points, divided as follows:
5 points for the lowest individual score
4 points for the second-lowest score
If two players tie for the lowest score, they each get 4.5 points
If two players tie for the second-lowest score, they each get 2 points, and the lowest score still gets 5 points
Example: On a par-4 hole, Player A scores 3 (birdie), Player B scores 4 (par), Player C scores 5 (bogey), and Player D scores 6 (double bogey). The points for that hole would be:
Player A: 5 points
Player B: 4 points
Player C: 0 points
Player D: 0 points
Rabbit
The first player to have the lowest score on a hole catches the "rabbit." The rabbit changes hands if another player wins a hole outright, creating ongoing competition.
Example: Player A catches the rabbit on hole 1 by having the lowest score. If Player B wins hole 2 outright, the rabbit goes to Player B. The player holding the rabbit at the end of the round wins.
String Game
Players get a certain length of string to move their ball without penalty. The string can be used at any time but must be cut according to the distance moved.
Example: A player with 5 feet of string can move their ball up to 5 feet once per round. Each time they use the string, they cut off the length used, adding a strategic element to when and how to use it.
Scotch (Five-Point Scotch)
This is a team game with multiple ways to win on each hole. In the most popular version, five separate bets are ongoing simultaneously:
The lowest score on the hole
The total score on the hole for the team
Closest to the pin in regulation (must be on the green)
The lowest number of total putts
Birdies
Example: On a par-4 hole, Team A’s Player 1 scores a 4 and Player 2 scores a 5, while Team B’s Player 1 scores a 3 and Player 2 scores a 4. Team B wins the lowest score (3), but Team A might win the total score if their combined score is lower. Closest to the pin and lowest putts are additional bets that can be won by either team. If both teams make a birdie, that bet is canceled.
Single Shot Games
Longest Drive
The player with the longest drive on a designated hole wins. This game rewards power and accuracy off the tee.
Example: On hole 9, the player with the longest drive wins the bet. If Player A’s drive goes the furthest, they win the prize for that hole.
Closest to the Pin
The player whose shot lands closest to the pin on a par-3 wins. This game rewards precision and accuracy with approach shots.
Example: On hole 7, the player with the closest shot to the pin wins. If Player B’s shot lands 5 feet from the pin and no one gets closer, Player B wins.
Sandy
Getting up and down from a bunker in two strokes wins the bet. This game rewards skill and composure under pressure.
Example: If you hit out of a bunker and one-putt, you win the Sandy bet. If Player A makes a sand save, they win the prize for that hole.
Barkies
Hitting a tree and still making par or better wins the bet. This game adds a fun twist and rewards recovery shots.
Example: If your shot hits a tree but you still make par, you win the Barkie bet. If Player B hits a tree and makes par, they win.
Chippies
Chipping in from off the green wins the bet. This game rewards short game precision and skill.
Example: Chipping in from the fringe or rough wins the Chippie bet. If Player B chips in on hole 6, they win the prize.
Side Bets/ Individual Round Achievement
Birdies
The player to finish the round with the most birdies wins the pot. This game rewards excellence and adds excitement to an already exciting round.
Example: Each player agrees to put in a certain amount before the round. Whoever makes the most birdies on the course collects the winnings.
Greenies
Hitting the green in regulation wins the bet. This game rewards consistent and accurate approach shots.
Example: On a par-4, hitting the green in two strokes wins. If Player A hits the green in regulation and others don’t, Player A wins.
Hogans
The player who finishes the round with the fewest "alibis" wins. An "alibi" is a mulligan or do-over shot. Each player starts with a set number of alibis (e.g., 3), and the player who uses the fewest by the end of the round wins.
Example: Each player is given 3 alibis at the start of the round. Throughout the game, players can use these alibis to retake shots, but the goal is to use as few as possible. If Player A uses 1 alibi and Player B uses 2, Player A wins the pot.
Par 3 Challenge
Hitting every fairway in a round wins the pot. This game rewards accuracy and consistency off the tee.
Example: Hitting the fairway on all 18 holes wins the Hogan bet. If Player A hits every fairway, they win the pot.
Three-putt Avoidance
The lowest combined score on all par-3 holes wins. This game emphasizes precision and control on short holes.
Example: Add up scores from all par-3 holes; lowest total wins. If Player A scores 3, 3, 4, and 3 on the par-3s, their total of 13 could win the challenge.
No Alibis
Players contribute to a pot each time they three-putt. The player with the fewest three-putts wins the pot.
Example: Each three-putt costs $1, and the player with the fewest three-putts at the end wins the accumulated pot. If Player A has no three-putts and others do, Player A wins.
Betting Scorecard
Playing these games are fun... tracking them not so much. Understanding this, we've developed a betting scorecard that allows you to effortlessly mark down scores, create side bets and enjoy the round. It also keeps you off the phone, which allows you to focus on golf and the people you're playing with.
Conclusion
Next time you hit the course, try incorporating some of these games to add excitement and friendly competition. Who knows, you might end up with some great stories and a few extra dollars in your pocket! Golf is all about enjoying the game and the company - these games can help you do both.
As always - Low Scores & High Spirits 🤙
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