With the golf season in full swing and handicaps firmly established for the summer, it’s time to explore the various ways you can claim all of your buddies hard-earned cash. There’s an unparalleled satisfaction in sinking a putt to seal the deal, only to witness your playing partner reluctantly reach for their wallet to settle the payment. Introducing a competitive element to your golf outings elevates the experience, infusing it with excitement and igniting your competitive spirit. Each shot becomes meaningful, instilling a sense of purpose on the course. Apart from the financial gain, playing for money or agreeing on other stakes (such as lunch or a drink) offers additional benefits.
As mentioned earlier, maintaining that competitive edge keeps your juices flowing. Subjecting your body to stressful situations and constant pressure during the game contributes to personal growth and improved performance. The experiences gained can be carried over to tournament play at your respective clubs, granting you a better understanding of how your body responds under pressure. Without further ado, let’s explore some of my personal favorite games to play with your group, listed in no particular order!
Nassau
The Nassau is a classic golf gambling game consisting of three separate bets: the front nine, the back nine, and the overall 18-hole match. Each bet is worth a predetermined amount. The player who wins each respective segment wins the corresponding bet. If one player wins all three segments, it’s called a “clean sweep.”
Skins
Skins is a straightforward game where each hole is worth a specific value, typically equal for all holes. Players compete to win the hole outright (have the lowest score on that hole). If there’s a tie, the value carries over to the next hole, creating a “skin.” The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the accumulated skins. If there’s a tie on the final hole, it often leads to a playoff.
Quota
Quota is a game that involves establishing a target score based on a player’s handicap. Each player starts with a specific quota of points they need to achieve during the round based on their handicap. Points are awarded based on the player’s performance on each hole (e.g., 1 point for a bogey, 2 points for a par, 4 points for a birdie). At the end of the round, players compare their actual points earned to their quota. Players who exceed their quota earn positive points, while those who fall short earn negative points. The player with the highest total points wins.
Match Play
Match Play is a classic format where players compete against each other on a hole-by-hole basis. Each hole is worth one point, and the player with the lowest score on a hole wins that point. If players tie a hole, the point carries over to the next hole, creating a potential for multiple points on subsequent holes. The player who wins the most points at the end of the round wins the match.
Stableford
The Stableford system awards points based on a player’s score relative to par on each hole. Typically, points are allocated as follows: eagle (6 points), birdie (4 points), par ( 2 points), bogey (1 point), double bogey or worse (0 points). The player with the most points at the end wins. This format allows players of different skill levels to compete on an equal footing.
Wolf
In the game of Wolf, players take turns acting as the “Wolf” on each hole. The Wolf can choose to play the hole individually or partner up with another player against the rest of the group. The Wolf makes their decision before seeing the other players’ tee shots. If the Wolf chooses to partner up, they have an advantage but must win the hole outright to score. If the Wolf plays alone, they aim to defeat all other players combined. Points are awarded based on the outcome of each hole.
Bingo, Bango, Bongo
This game focuses on specific achievements on each hole rather than overall scores. On each hole, players compete to be the first to achieve three things: “Bingo” (being the first to reach the green), “Bango” (being the player closest to the pin once all balls are on the green), and “Bongo” (being the first to hole out). Points are awarded for each achievement, and the player with the most points at the end wins.
Remember to establish the rules, bet amounts, and any modifications before starting the round. It’s essential to ensure that all players are aware and agree on the game being played to avoid confusion or disputes during the round.
There is one final aspect to discuss, which pertains to the term “press” or “pressing the bet.” It’s important to note that only the player or team currently behind in the original match or bet can initiate a press. When a press is called, a new game begins concurrently with the same agreed-upon payouts as the original bet, and it continues for the remaining duration of the round. Additionally, it’s possible to “press” the “press” throughout the round, which can lead to multiple concurrent bets. It is crucial to accurately track each press on the scorecard, treating it as a separate bet or match, to avoid any confusion or disputes.