Golf isn't just about stroke play and keeping score. One of the best ways to make a round more exciting, especially among friends, is by playing informal golf games that introduce new rules, side bets, and strategic twists. Whether you’re looking to have more fun, add a friendly wager, or level the playing field for golfers of different skill levels, these games deliver.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll explore the most popular golf games, including how to play them, tips for winning, and which ones work best for different group types.
What Are Golf Games and Why Do Golfers Play Them?
Golf games are side formats or competitions played alongside a standard round. While tournament formats like stroke play and match play dominate the pro circuit, recreational golfers love adding games for:
- Variety and engagement
- Friendly competition or betting
- Leveling the playing field
- Keeping high handicappers involved
These games often bring laughter, strategy, and fun—and they make even a poor round memorable.
The Most Popular Golf Games and How to Play Them
1. Wolf
Best For: Groups of 4
Objective: Rotate players each hole as the "Wolf," who chooses whether to play solo or pick a partner based on tee shots.
How to Play:
- Each hole, one player is designated the Wolf (rotates every hole).
- The other players tee off first.
- The Wolf watches their shots and decides:
- Pick one player as a partner.
- Go solo as a Lone Wolf.
- If partnering, the hole is played as 2v2 best ball.
- If solo, the Wolf competes against all 3.
Scoring (example):
- Team win: each player on winning side gets 1 point.
- Lone Wolf win: 2 or 3 points.
- Lone Wolf loss: each opponent gets 1 point.
Variants: Blind Wolf, Progressive Wolf, Double Points on Back 9
Tips:
- Wait for others to hit to evaluate their shots.
- Go Lone Wolf only when confident you can beat the field.
2. Skins Game
Best For: Any group size (2–4 works best)
Objective: Win holes outright to earn "skins," which are points or monetary stakes.
How to Play:
- Each hole is worth a skin (one point or fixed dollar amount).
- To win a skin, a player must have the lowest unique score on the hole.
- If two or more players tie, the skin carries over to the next hole.
- Carry-overs can make one hole worth several skins.
Scoring Example:
- Hole 1: two players tie — no skin awarded.
- Hole 2: one player wins outright — wins 2 skins (carry-over + current).
Betting Option:
- $1 or more per skin; carry-overs can raise the stakes quickly.
Tips:
- Play aggressively on carry-over holes.
- Know when to take risks to break ties.
3. Nassau
Best For: 2 or 4 players, individual or teams
Objective: Win three separate match play competitions in one round.
How to Play:
- Round is split into 3 segments:
- Front 9
- Back 9
- Total 18
- Each segment is a separate match.
- Can include automatic or manual "presses" (side bets).
Scoring Example:
- Front 9: Player A wins 1 point
- Back 9: Player B wins 1 point
- Total: Player B wins another point
- Final: Player B wins 2–1
Betting: Common to bet $5–$10 per segment
Tips:
- Keep matches competitive with strategic presses.
- Reset mentally at the turn.
4. Bingo Bango Bongo
Best For: Mixed skill groups
Objective: Earn points on each hole for 3 achievements:
- Bingo: First player on the green in regulation.
- Bango: Closest to the hole once everyone is on the green.
- Bongo: First player to hole out.
Scoring:
- Each of the 3 is worth 1 point.
- Tally points after each hole.
Why It Works:
- Doesn’t favor low handicaps.
- Keeps everyone engaged on every shot.
Tips:
- Play quickly and accurately.
- Great for casual or beginner-friendly games.
5. Vegas
Best For: Teams of 2 (4 players total)
Objective: Combine team member scores into a 2-digit number to determine the lowest team score.
How to Play:
- Each player records their score.
- Lower number is placed first in the team’s total.
- Example: Player A = 4, Player B = 5 → team score = 45
- Opponent team scores 6 and 4 → 46
- Lower combined number wins.
Twists:
- Birdies or eagles can subtract points.
- Blow-up holes can drastically increase score.
Tips:
- Minimize high numbers.
- Pair strong and steady players together.
6. Stableford (Traditional or Modified)
Best For: All skill levels, especially high handicappers
Objective: Earn points per hole based on performance relative to par.
Traditional Stableford Scoring:
- Double Bogey or worse: 0 points
- Bogey: 1 point
- Par: 2 points
- Birdie: 3 points
- Eagle: 4 points
- Double Eagle: 5+ points
Modified Scoring Example:
- Bogey: -1
- Par: 0
- Birdie: 2
- Eagle: 5
- Double Eagle: 8
Why It’s Great:
- Aggressive play is rewarded.
- Blow-up holes don’t destroy the scorecard.
- Can speed up play (pick up when out of the hole).
Tips:
- Focus on birdie opportunities.
- Pick up when you can’t score.
7. Side Bets and Add-On Games
These can be layered onto any game for extra fun or small stakes.
Greenies
- Closest to the pin on par 3s wins a point or dollar.
Sandies
- Make par or better from a bunker.
Arnies
- Par without hitting the fairway or green.
Snake
- Last person to 3-putt holds the “snake” and owes a set amount.
Dots (aka Trash)
- Points for birdies, sand saves, up-and-downs, etc.
Best Games for High Handicappers
- Bingo Bango Bongo
- Stableford
- Scramble
- Dots (Trash)
Best Games for Competitive Players
- Wolf
- Nassau
- Skins with carry-overs
- Vegas
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Game for Your Group
When picking a golf game, consider:
- Group size
- Handicap range
- Time available
- Competitiveness level
- Betting comfort
Try rotating formats weekly to keep rounds fresh. Adding just one new twist can turn a regular round into a memorable competition.
Golf is already fun—but the right game makes it even better.
Recommended Reading:
- Golf Etiquette for Beginners
- Best Putting Practice Drills
- Top Golf Scorekeeping Apps
- How to Set Up a Friendly Golf Tournament
