The only thing golfers may like better than golfing are the side golf games and betting that come along with them. Golf itself is great, but it’s so much more fun to spice it up with the opportunity to take a few bucks from your playing partners. That is where golf games come in.

There are tons of fun golf games that we encourage you to try. Some require you to rethink how you approach the game while others help level the playing field for golfers of different levels. Some golf games require 4 players while others will work for groups of any size. 

We wanted to make sure every golf enthusiast can find what they’re looking for so we put together the world’s greatest list of golf betting games. We’ve intentionally kept our descriptions short to not overwhelm you. We’d love to hear from you with any questions or comments and with any other games you enjoy.

One thing to make clear before we start. When we say golf games we are not talking about the online WGT Golf game, PGA Tour 2k21, Mario Golf, the latest EA Sports golf offering, or whatever your video game of choice is. There are lots of websites out there if you’re looking for reviews of golf video games review, this just isn’t one of them. The golf games that we’re talking about involve real golf on a real golf course.

1. Nassau

Among all golf games, Nassau is the quintessential one for betting. Pick any golf course and there is a good chance you can find a foursome playing Nassau. It originated at the Nassau Country Club (thus its name) in Long Island, New York, around 1900. Part of its appeal is how flexible it is. 

  • Primary golf game
  • 2-4 players or as teams
  • Can be played using any scoring system
  • 3 bets during the round with each player wagering the same amount with payout on best front 9, best back 9, and best total for 18
  • For example, a $5 Nassau would mean each of the 3 bets is worth $5 so if have the best score on the front 9, each of the other players would owe you $5.
  • You can add one or more secondary bets called a  “press” which are predetermined bets for certain circumstances. For example, a 3-putt press would require you to add money to the pot for the current front or back 9. 

Players get awfully creative on their presses and other side bets when playing golf games like Nassau so let your imagination run wild.

2. Skins

Skins is another one of the most popular golf games and one that every golfer needs to try at some point. If you haven’t tried it before, impress the other players in your group by suggesting that you play Skins next time you’re at the golf club. Also, keep an eye out on NBC or the Golf Channel for Skins games featuring PGA Tour or Senior Tour professionals – it makes for great TV.

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players or as teams
  • Stroke scoring
  • Each hole is worth one skin
  • Players bet a predetermined amount for each ‘skin’ 
  • If a player wins the hole, they win the skin for that hole and any carryover skins from previous holes
  • If the hole is tied, the skin carries over to the next hole

3. Bingo Bango Bongo

  • Primary game or side bet golf game
  • 2-4 players
  • One point each awarded for:
    • Bingo – first on the green
    • Bango – closest to the pin
    • Bongo – first in the hole
  • The number of shots taken does not impact points so the order of play must be followed
  • Fun game when on the course with players of disparate golfing levels as weaker players have a chance for points

4. Las Vegas (or just Vegas)

  • Primary game
  • Two 2-person teams
  • Scoring is by points
  • Assign a bet amount to each point (a quarter is a fairly typical amount) 
  • At the end of each hole, combine the low score and high score for each team into a single number with the lowest score first
  • The losing team owes the winning team the point difference times the bet amount per point after each hole
  • Like Las Vegas, its namesake, this is one of those golf games that’s all about betting; be warned, things can can get out of hand if you don’t watch out
  • Illustration:
    • The bet amount is $0.25 per point
    • Team 1 scores are 6 and 4 so the combined score is 46
    • Team 2 scores are 5 and 6 so the combined score is 56
    • The difference is 10 points so Team 2 owes Team 1 $2.50
  • Rule of 10 – to player scores over 10, the higher number goes first
    • If players score 6 and 10, numbers combine to 106, not 610
  • Amigo variation:
    • Teams can change every hole
    • The team is determined by drives – two drives further left are partners for the hole

5. Daytona

  • Primary game
  • Higher risk version of Las Vegas – yikes! – this is not the game to let your competitive side get the better or you
  • If a player on a team scores par or better, the team’s score is the same as in Vegas
  • If neither player scores par or better, the numbers are reversed
  • Using the illustration above:
    • The hole is a par 4
    • Team 1 had a par so the score remains 46
    • Team 2 did not have a par so the score is reversed to 65
    • Team 2 owes Team 1 $4.75
  • Rule of 10 is still usually applied

6. Let It Ride

There are different variations of Let It Ride, particularly as it relates to what you must score on the next hole after letting it ride and point value. This is one of those golf games that may be very different depending on who you play with as lots of golfers have their own rules for this fun golf game.

  • Primary game
  • Played by 2-4 players or as teams
  • Scoring:
    • Eagle – 60 points
    • Birdie – 30 points
    • Par – 15 points
    • Bogey – 5 points
  • After earning points, players can bank points or “let it ride”
  • If you let the points ride, points on the next hole are worth double the previous hole (bogey worth 10, eagle worth 120, etc)
  • You must make the same or better score as the previous hole
  • If you score worse than the previous hole, you lose all accrued points that haven’t been banked and do not get double points
  • Banked points cannot be lost
  • Banked points are added at the end of the round and the most points win the pot

7. Wolf

Wolf seems to be one of those golf games that players either love or hate.

  • Primary game
  • 3 or 4 players
  • The ‘Wolf’ is always the last player to tee off and the initial order is determined randomly
  • Players rotate the tee-off order (on the first hole 1,2,3,4 and on the second hole 2,3,4,1 and so on fifth hole 1,2,3,4 again) so that each player becomes Wolf once every four holes. Playing in order is key.
  • The last place player is Wolf on the 17th and 18th holes.
  • After the tee shot of first player, the Wolf decides whether or not to take the first player on their. The other players follow with their tee shot. 
  • After all three other players have teed off, the Wolf can play as a ‘Lone Wolf’ if they feel they can beat all three other players. 
  • As the Lone Wolf, the player plays alone and tries to beat the lowest score on the hole of the other players. 
  • Otherwise, each hole is played best ball (only the best score of each team counts)
  • Scoring is as follows:
    • If the Wolf and their partner win the hole, they each receive 2 points.
    • If the non-Wolf players win the hole, they each receive 3 points.
    • If the Lone Wolf beats all the other players (shoots the best score), he/she receives 4 points.
    • If another player beats the Lone Wolf on a hole, all players – except the Lone Wolf – receive 1 point.
    • No points are awarded in case of a tie

8. Sixes (Six Six Six, Hollywood, Round Robin)

  • Game modifier
  • Two 2-player teams
  • This is not a golf game in itself, but instead a way of rotating partners as you’re making your way around the course – this is one of the golf games that can spice up any round
  • Decided on format or game to play as two 2-player teams
  • Rotate playing partner every 6 holes
  • The format or game can also change throughout the round and can be played with stroke play or match play
  • Great game for a foursome that regularly play together as you get to team with each other player for 6 holes (3 in a 9-hole round) during the course of the round

9. Rabbit

  • Primary game or side bet
  • 2-4 players
  • The first player to have the lowest score on a hole captures the Rabbit (no ties) 
  • If a different player has the lowest score on the next hole, the Rabbit is set free
  • Then the Rabbit can be won by the next player to earn the lowest score on a hole
  • The winner of the pot is the player that held the Rabbit for the most holes
  • There are also side bets, which pay the holder of the Rabbit after the ninth and 18th hole

10. Snake

  • Side bet – putting game
  • 2-4 players
  • A bet amount is set for the Snake
  • Whenever someone 3-putts a hole they become the Snake
  • If someone else 3-putts they become the new Snake
  • The person who is the Snake at the end of the round has to pay the bet
  • One of many side bet golf games that you can add to any round with this one adding some real pressure to putting

11. Banker

  • Primary game
  • 3-4 players
  • The low score on the previous hole becomes the ‘house’ or ‘banker’
  • Each player makes a wager with the banker and plays them head to head
  • Players set the minimum bet and the banker sets the maximum bet for the hole
  • A tie is a push – you have to beat the other players to win 
  • If there is a low score tie with the banker, the banker is replaced 
  • If the low score tie is not the banker or the tie includes more than one player, flip a coin to decide the next banker
  • Another one of those golf games that players seem to love or hate

12. Foursomes (Alternating Shot)

Foursomes is a familiar format for fans of the Ryder Cup – the ultimate team golf clash. However, it’s a new format for many players. Give it a shot and see why it’s such a popular format. Golf courses have to love golf games that reduce wear and tear on the golf course and speed up the pace of play. While a foursome match can be stroke play using any point value, foursomes is one of the classic match play golf games.

  • Primary game
  • Two 2-player teams
  • Can be used with any scoring method
  • Players alternate shots until the ball is holed out or the hole conceded; that is, Player A hits a shot and then his partner, Player B, hits the next shot
  • The tee shot is hit by the player who did not make the final stroke on the preceding hole so if Player A hit the final putt on Hole 1, Player B would hit the tee shot on Hole 2
  • This is one of the best golf games when you’re playing a round with other players that are similarly competitive and the course is not very crowded. It also save you a golf ball or two!

13. Threesome

  • Primary game
  • 3 players – 1 player against 2-player team
  • Same as Foursomes with single-player playing their or ball and team playing alternate shot

14. Greensomes (Scotch or Canadian Foursomes)

The various versions of Greensome seem to be where there is the greatest confusion on names. On this point, we have decided to largely defer to the Royal & Ancient rulebook since, well, they’re royal and ancient. Click here to see what Royal & Ancient has to say about Greensomes.

  • Primary game
  • Two 2-player teams
  • Greensomes is the same as Foursomes (alternating shot) except both players hit the tee shot on every hole then alternate shots from the better of those shots

15. St Andrews Greensomes (Chinese Greensomes)

  • Primary game
  • Two 2-player teams
  • Greensomes where both players hit tee shots on every hole which reduces the pressure on the first player to put the ball in the fairway but also increases the risk of losing some golf balls  
  • Before play begins, teams designate one player to play 2nd shot on all even holes and the other player to play 2nd shot on all odd holes
  • Shot alternate after 2nd shot

16. Pinehurst (Chapman, American Foursomes)

There are no other golf games with more confusion about its name. Here, the confusion between the names Pinehurst and Chapman relates to what 2nd ball players hit. 

Based on our research, they are two names for the same game and not two different golf games. This game was developed by Dick Chapman who donated trophies for tournaments using this format to the Pinehurst Resort. Thus the names Chapman and Pinehurst. Whatever you call it, this is one of the best games for making teams with players of different skill levels more competitive as the weaker player hits from the drive of the stronger player and vice versa.

  • Primary game
  • Two 2-player teams
  • Greensomes where both players hit their 1st shot
  • Players then switch golf balls with their teammate so Player 1 hits their 2nd shot from where Player 2’s 1st shot came to rest and vice versa
  • Players then alternate shots from the better 2nd shot

17. Gruesomes

  • Primary Game
  • Two 2-player teams
  • Greensomes where the opponent picks which tee shot is played.
  • Alternating shots are played thereafter
  • This is a game where you pray to be on a team with a golfer that puts it in the fairway.

18. Four-Ball

The other Ryder Cup format and one of the truly classic golf games. You and the other players play your own balls and your team tries to beat the best score of the other team. It doesn’t get simpler – or more competitive – than that. This is one of the most straightforward golf games out there and if you haven’t played four-ball before, you should give it a try next time you’re on the course. Four-ball works great with stroke play, but it is another one of the classic match play golf games.

  • Primary game
  • Two 2-person teams
  • Can use any scoring format
  • The better score of Player A and Player B competes against the better score of Player C and Player D – there is only one score per team

19. Three-Ball

  • Primary game
  • 3 players
  • Can use any scoring format
  • Each player plays against each other so each player is separately playing two matches

20. Best-Ball

This is another of the golf games for which we have relied on the Royal & Ancients. Take up any gripes you have with them.

  • Primary game
  • 3-4 players
  • Can use any scoring format
  • One player plays against the better score of the other two or three players – one of the few golf games that levels the playing field if you one one player that is considerably better than the other players

21. Scramble

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players
  • Can use any scoring method 
  • Players hit each shot from the location of the team’s best previous shot
  • One of the most popular golf games for club leagues and group tournaments
  • You may want to check with the pro shop on any course rules that might make a scramble less fun – like limits on carts in the fairways. Scrambles can slow down a round when trying to decide whether to use your shot or that of one of the other players on your team
  • A scramble is one of the best golf games for allowing beginner golfers to enjoy a round of golf

22. Texas Scramble 

  • Primary game
  • 4 players
  • Players hit each shot from the location of the team’s best previous shot.
  • Normally requires a minimum number of drives required for each team member (often four)
  • Sometimes players are required to play their own ball on par 3s

23. Florida Scramble (Miami, Dropout, Step Aside)

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players
  • Players hit each shot from the location of the team’s best previous shot
  • The team cannot use two shots in a row from the same player so the player who hit the best previous shot does not play the subsequent shot

24. Shamble

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players
  • Can use any scoring method
  • The team takes the best drive but each player plays their own ball thereafter
  • The best score by any player is used by the team
  • This is a fun golf game to make things more competitive when playing with golfers who hit significantly longer drives or have a tough time putting their drives in the fairway

25. Worst Ball

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players
  • Can use any scoring method
  • The team required to take the worst shot or worst score, depending on the format

26. Best Two of Four

  • Primary game
  • 4-player team
  • Only the best two scores are counted
  • One of the golf games, along with a scramble, that works well for club leagues or group tournaments

27. Putt Poker (One-putt poker)

  • Side bet – putting game
  • 2-4 players
  • All players contribute a set amount to the pot to start the round
  • Anytime you 1 putt, you draw a playing card
  • Anytime you 3 putt, you have to add a set amount to the pot
  • At the end of the round, the player with the best poker hand wins the pot

28. Hammer

  • Side bet
  • 2-4 players
  • Play is 1v1,  1v1v1, or 2v2
  • Assign a certain pot to each hole
  • At any point on the hole, any player/team can ‘hammer’ the hole, doubling the pot
  • The opposing player/team can choose to accept the hammer or fold and forfeit the original pot
  • There is no limit to the number of times a hole can be hammered
  • This is another one of those golf games that where betting can get out of hand in a hurry – it’s a really fun golf game, just know your limits if you or any of the other players is really competitive

29. Quota (Chicago)

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players; good group game
  • Requires that all players have handicaps established so it is one of the golf games that requires the most work ahead of time, particularly if you’re playing with a group with a lot of other players
  • Each player takes their handicap and subtracts that number from 36 
  • This number is their point quota for the round
  • Points are:
    • Bogey – 1 point
    • Par – 2 points
    • Birdie – 4 points
    • Eagle – 8 points
  • Points are added up and compared to the player’s quota
  • The winner is the player who totals the most points above their quota

30. High-Low (High Ball-Low Ball)

  • Primary game
  • Two 2-person teams
  • Can use different scoring methods
  • On each hole, one point to the lower of the teams’ low scores and one point for the lower of the teams’ high scores
  • Variations: 
    • The total team score on the hole is a third point
    • Below par scores are worth double

31. St. James Roll

  • Primary game or side bet
  • 3-4 players
  • Can use different scoring methods
  • Assign a dollar amount for each point
  • Points are based on the finishing position of players on each hole.
  • Receive a point for each player you beat
  • Ties are a push so there are no points
  • This is one of those golf games that can cap you losings so it’s a great betting game if you are too competitive and lack self control – just beware all the side bet golf games out there!

32. Attacking the Pin (Lagging)

This is a game that we thought we had come up with (thus the name) but we were found out that there’s a similar game that is referred to as Lagging. We’ll still keep calling it Attacking the Pin because we think it’s a much better name and golf games are as much about the name as they are about the game.

  • Side bet
  • 2-4 players
  • Assign a dollar amount for each point
  • Points are based on proximity to the pin of approach shots
  • Receive a point for each player whose shot was further from the pin than yours
  • Decide if approach shots must be in regulation to count

33. Nines

  • Primary game
  • 3-4 players
  • Assign a dollar amount for each point or just an overall pot for the winner
  • Each hole is worth nine points
  • Scoring:
    • Winner of the hole – 5 points
    • 2nd place – 3 points
    • 3rd place – 1 point
  • In the case of ties, tying players spit the points associated with their two places
  • Illustrations:
    • 1st & 2nd tie – they split 5 and 3 points so each receives 4 points
    • 3rd & 4th tie – they split 1 and 0 points so each receives 0.5 point
  • This is one of many golf games where scoring is a bit more involved – invite an accountant to the course when your’re ready to try this one

34. Flags

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players
  • All players need an established handicap
  • Each player has a stroke allotment and the goal is to finish the round or get as close to doing so as possible
  • Stroke allotment = ¾ of player’s handicap plus the course’s total par
  • Illustrations:
    • Couse total par is 72
    • Player 1 has a handicap of 20 – ¾ of 20 is 15 so stroke allotment is 87 (15 + 72)
    • Player 2 has a handicap of 8 – ¾ of 8 is 6 so stroke allotment is 78 (6 + 72)
  • The winner is whoever’s final allotted stroke advances the ball closest to the 18th pin
  • If more than one player finishes the round, the one with the most strokes remaining is the winner
  • One of those golf games that is a little tricky at first, but is a ton of fun

35. Acey Ducey

  • Primary game
  • 3-4 players
  • Can use different scoring methods
  • On each hole, the lowest score (the ace) wins 2 points each for the other players 
  • The highest score (the deuce) loses 1 point to the other three players
  • In case of a tie for either the ace or the deuce, points carry over to the next hole
  • At the end of the round, the player with more points is the winner
  • Acey Ducey is another one of those golf games that peopel either love or hate

36. Beat the Worst

  • Primary game
  • 3-4 players
  • Can use different scoring methods
  • Players rotate being “on the spot”
  • The player on the spot must beat the worst score of the other players
  • The player on the spot earns a point if they beat the worst score of the other player
  • With 4-players, leave out two holes to make holes even
  • Another one of those golf games that you’re better to try when not drinking – it can be a bit confusing, but can be really fun

37. Three Little Pigs (Strike Three)

  • Game modifier
  • 2-4 players and teams
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • Players or teams are permitted to throw out three worst holes
  • The winner is determined based on the remaining holes
  • There are a few golf games that help a player overcome the occassional melt down – this one may help shorten your memory of those disastorous holes

38. Three Blind Mice

  • Game modifier
  • 2-4 players and teams
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • Three holes are secreted selected by draw
  • No player should know which holes were selected
  • At the end of the round, the three holes are revealed
  • Scores for those holes are disregarded 
  • The winner is determined based on the remaining holes

39. Best at Something

  • Primary game or side bet
  • 2-4 players and teams
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • On each hole, one point each is awarded for any of the following:
    • Fairway hit
    • Green in regulation
    • 1-putt green
  • One point each is substracted for:
    • 3 putts or more on green
    • Hitting into a hazard
    • Out of bounds
  • The winner is the player who has more points at the end of the round
  • One of thee golf games that highlights, for better or for worse, the individual shots in a round – you actually don’t need to shoot a great score to win this fun golf game, though it will certainly help

40. Six Points

  • Primary game 
  • Two 2-player teams
  • Can be played with different scoring methods
  • On each hole, six points are available, one each for:
    • Best individual player score
    • Best team aggregate score
    • Fewest team total putts
    • Birdie or better (only point one per team even if both qualify)
    • Closest to pin in regulation
    • Sweep – if a team wins all five other points
  • A tie on any item is a push resulting in no point awarded
  • Another one of those games for which an accounting degree may be helpful

41. Criss Cross

  • Primary game or side bet
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be played with different scoring methods
  • Based on 18 holes
  • Scores by hole from front 9 are compared with corresponding holes on back 9
  • Lower scores are summed yield the combined 9-hole score
  • To illustrate:
    • The lower score between hole 1 and hole 10 is used
    • The lower score between hole 2 and hole 11 is used
    • The lower score between hole 3 and hole 12, is used, and so on
    • The resulting 9 lower scores are summed together to produce the combined 9-hole score
  • The player or team with the better 9-hole score wins
  • Another one of the golf games that is is well suited to an accountant

42. Roulette

  • Primary game
  • Two 2-player teams
  • Can use stroke or Stableford scoring
  • On each hole, the two teammates’ scores are multiplied
  • When using Stableford scoring, this can result in a score of zero
  • The product for each hole can be used as the per hole bet or the products can be added together for a total Roulette score
  • Another one of those golf games that can get out of hand if you and other players let it

43. Mutt & Jeff

  • Primary game or side bet
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • Only scores for par-3 holes and par-5 holes are counted
  • The winner is the player or team with the best scores on the par-3 and par-5 holes
  • There aren’t any other golf games we found that eliminated the par-4s from the score – if you don’t like par-4s, this may be the game for you

44. Longest Yard

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • Points for winning a hole is that hole’s yardage from the tees played by the winning player
  • Total points are summed and the winner is the player or team with the most points
  • Ties are pushes and no points are awarded
  • One of the golf games with a really unique scoring method – beware that the par-5s and long par-4s are where the money is in his game

45. Perfecto

  • Primary game or side bet
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • The Player is Perfecto and receives one point for any hole on which they:
    • Hits the fairway
    • Hits the green in regulation
    • Makes par or better on a hole.
  • A bonus point is awarded for any hone on which a player is Perfecto and makes a birdie or better
  • The most points at the end of the round wins
  • Another of the golf games that highlights shots – pars the old-fashioned way are always welcome

46. Jackpots

  • Primary game
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • Scoring:
    • Holes 1 to 3 – 1 point each
    • Holes 4 to 6 – 2 points each
    • Holes 7 to 9 – 3 points each
    • Point amounts reset for the back 9
  • If a hole is tied, then the points are moved to the next hole creating a jackpot that continues to grow until there’s a winner 
  • After a jackpot, the subsequent hole reverts back to its original point amount
  • Winner is the player or team with the most points
  • Some golf games are designed to ratchet up the pressure on certain holes or shots – Jackpots is one of them

47. 3-Pointer

This is an Attacking the Pin original. Sure, it’s not wildly different from some other golf games, but we haven’t seen anyone else explain it this same way so we’re claiming it. We think it’s tons of fun. The bonus 3-pointer is a bomb that keeps the competitive pressure on throughout the hole and really rewards a player for smoking a hole. Hope you find time to try is among all the other golf games. 

  • Primary game
  • 4 players
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • On each hole, each player starts with 3 points
  • A player wins one point from any player they beat
  • A player loses 1 point to any other players that beat them
  • If on any hole, any of the players beat all other players in the group by 2 or more strokes each, the player receives a bonus of 3 points
  • Winner is the player with the most points

48. Bounce Back

  • Side bet
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Determine a per-point bet or an overall pot
  • Players earn a point anytime they follow up a double-bogey or worse with a par or better
  • Players lose a point anytime they follow up a double-bogey or worse with a double bogey or worse

49. Trouble

  • Side bet
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Determine a per-point bet or an overall pot
  • Players get points for mistakes, adjusted for severity of the mistake, such as:
    • Hitting into a bunker – 1 point
    • Chunking a shot – 1 point
    • Three-putting – 1 point
    • Hitting into a lateral or water hazard – 2 points
    • Going out of bounds – 3 points
  • Subtractions can be made for a stellar shot, such as:
    • Sand save – 1 point
    • One-putting – 1 point
    • Chip in – 2 points
    • Reaching the green in 2 on a par 5 – 3 points
  • Payout is based on fewer points relative to the other players

50. Split Six (English)

  • Primary game
  • 3 players
  • Assign a dollar amount for each point or just an overall pot for the winner
  • Each hole is worth six points
  • Scoring:
    • Winner of the hole – 4 points
    • 2nd place – 2 points
    • 3rd place – 0 points
  • In the case of ties, tying players spit the points associated with their two places
  • Illustrations:
    • 1st & 2nd tie – they split 4 and 2 points so each receives 3 points
    • 2nd & 3rd tie – they split 2 and 0 points so each receives 1 point

51. Defender

  • Primary game or side bet
  • 3 players
  • Can be played with different scoring methods
  • One player, called the Defender, plays against the other two players
  • The Defender rotates each hole
  • The Defender’s job is to defend the hole by matching or beating the best score of the two “attacking” players.
  • Scoring:
    • Defender wins hole – Defender 3 points; other players -1 point
    • The Defender loses hole – Defender -3 points; other players 1 point
    • Defender ties – Defender 1.5 points; other players -0.5 points

52. Junk Bets

  • Side bet
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be played with different scoring methods
  • Determine a bet per shot
  • Bets can be one-sided (win if the shot is made but no loss if it is not) or two-sided (win is shot is made, lose if not)
  • Examples:
    • Greenies – green in regulation
    • Chippies – chipping in
    • Barkies – par after hitting a tree
    • Double Barkies – par after hitting trees twice (2 points)
    • Fishies – par after finding water
    • Sandies – sand save
  • Shots can be predetermined or on course wagers

53. Ghost

  • Game modifier
  • 3 players and 1 imaginary player (ghost)
  • Can be played with any scoring
  • One player is paired with the ghost playing against the other two players
  • Typically played as aggregate score, but can be played as any two-person team game

54. Bisque

  • Game modifier
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • All players must have an established handicap
  • Players can use their handicap on any hole until they run out

55. Mulligans (No Alibis)

  • Game modifier
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • All players need to have established handicaps
  • Can be played with any scoring method
  • Instead of a stroke reduction for handicaps, each player gets that number of mulligans
  • Mulligans can be used at any time during the round but only one mulligan per shot

56. Portuguese Caddy (Foot Wedge)

  • Game modifier
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be used with any scoring method
  • Pick the number of kicks each player will be allowed – can be based on handicaps or just the same number for every player
  • Determine limits, if any, on how far the ball can be kicked
  • Players can use one of their kicks when their ball is anywhere on the course except when it is on the green
  • Only one kick per shot

57. Stringball

  • Game modifier
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be used with any scoring methods
  • Determine a length of string for each player – can be based on handicaps or just the same amount for each player
  • Players can use as much of their string as they would like on any shot, but that portion of the string should be cut or otherwise rendered unusable

58. Me-Too

  • Game modifier
  • 2-4 players or teams
  • Can be used with any scoring methods
  • Determine how many “Me-Toos” each player will have during the round
  • You can play a Me-Too by moving your ball to where someone else is and hitting your next shot from there
  • You and the other player will both shoot from the same spot
  • This can be done on any shot on the course

Now You Know the Golf Games, Are You Ready to Win?

Alright, now you have 58 golf games you and your buddies can play. The question is, what are you going to do to make sure you’re not just ready to play those golf games, but ready to win? 

The best thing you can do is take a look at your fitness. A little bit more flexibility, strength, and endurance can go a long way the wagers go your way. Take a look at our article on golf fitness to learn more.

One other thing to look at is your bag setup. Having the right clubs when you need them can make a big difference in your score. Here’s an article on what clubs you should have in your bag. 

We’d love to hear from you. Let us know which of these games you like (or hate). Also, let us know if there are any that we missed. Thanks, good luck attacking the pin!

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