Golf Betting Games That Keep Every Hole Interesting

When you step onto the first tee, there is always that moment when someone asks, “So, what are we playing for?” Silence often follows, because not everyone knows the rules or wants to explain complicated formats. That is where a handful of classic betting games can make the round more fun without slowing things down. These games are simple to explain, flexible for different skill levels, and most importantly, they keep every hole interesting from start to finish.

As a golf professional, I’ve seen these games liven up countless rounds. They give everyone something to play for, regardless of handicap, and they create the kind of friendly competition that makes the post-round conversation almost as good as the golf itself. Let’s break down five of the best betting games you can bring to your next tee time.

Nassau

Nassau is one of the best golf betting games, and it’s regarded as a classic. There’s good reason for that. It can be played with two, three, or four players, either individually or in teams. The game is divided into three parts: front nine, back nine, and overall 18. Each part carries its own bet.

A common setup is a “$5 Nassau,” which means the front nine is worth $5, the back nine is worth $5, and the full 18 is worth $5. The most you can lose in this format is $15, which keeps the stakes clear and manageable.

You also need to decide whether to play stroke or match play. Stroke play counts every shot, so a three-stroke lead carries from hole to hole. Match play resets at each hole, with the winner going one up. If you’re using handicaps, strokes are applied ahead of time, making the game fair across skill levels.

Presses add another layer. If you’re losing and want a fresh chance, you can press, turning the remainder of that nine into a new bet. Some groups even set up automatic presses, where going two down triggers an automatic double-or-nothing wager.

Skins

Skins had its heyday in the 1990s when PGA players competed in televised Skins Games. The format remains popular with amateurs because every hole is a new contest.

Each hole is worth a “skin,” usually assigned a dollar value. If you win a hole outright, you win the skin. If two or more players tie, the skin carries over to the next hole, building the pot.

For example, if each skin is worth $1 and the first hole is tied, the second hole is worth $2. If that ties, the third hole jumps to $3, and so on. This can create exciting swings, especially late in the round.

You can add handicaps, or even set a minimum standard such as par or better to win a skin. That prevents someone from collecting a point on a bogey when the rest of the group struggles. Just be cautious with doubling skins. If you start with ten cents and double each hole, the 18th hole could be worth over $13,000. That might add a little more stress than you bargained for.

Wolf

Wolf requires exactly four players and has become a modern favorite. It combines team play with individual scoring, and the roles rotate so everyone gets a chance to be the wolf.

Tee order is set on the first hole and rotates throughout the round. Whoever tees off first is the wolf. After each player hits, the wolf can decide to take that golfer as a partner for the hole, or wait to see the next shot. Once the next golfer has teed off, the wolf cannot go back. If the wolf waits through all three, they must play alone against the group.

Scoring is based on best ball. If the wolf picks a partner and their team wins, each gets one point. If the wolf goes solo and beats the other three, the wolf earns three points. But if even one of the other three ties the wolf, the group shares a point each.

Wolf is strategic because your choices depend on the round situation. If you’re leading, you might choose the second-place player as a partner to protect your margin. If you’re behind, going solo might be your best chance to catch up.

Bingo Bango Bongo

This one is easy to learn and works for players of all skill levels. It does not require handicaps and can be played with two to four golfers.

With Bingo Bango Bongo, each hole has three points available:

• Bingo goes to the first player on the green.
• Bango goes to the player closest to the pin once everyone is on the green.
• Bongo goes to the first player to hole out.

Because honors must be respected, the furthest player always goes first, so there’s no rushing to grab points. That keeps it fair and fun.

The beauty of Bingo Bango Bongo is that points spread naturally. It’s hard for one player to sweep all three on a single hole, so everyone stays involved throughout the round. You can set a point value in dollars or simply play for pride.

Vegas (Daytona)

Vegas, also known as Daytona, is for groups looking for a bigger challenge and bigger swings. It works best with four players split into two teams, and the same teams stay together the entire round.

Here’s how it works: each team combines their two scores by placing the lower score first. If one team makes a four and a five, their score is 45. If the other team makes a four and a six, their score is 46. The lower combined number wins the hole.

The twist comes with birdies. If a player makes a birdie, the opposing team’s score is reversed. So if the other team made a 47, it becomes a 74, creating a huge swing. If both teammates make birdie, the reversed score is doubled, potentially blowing the match wide open.

Vegas can also be played Nassau style, awarding prizes for the front, back, and overall. With big point swings possible, no lead feels safe until the final putt drops.

Other Popular Golf Betting Games

The five games we covered are some of the most widely played, but golfers are nothing if not creative when it comes to adding excitement to a round. Here are a few more formats you might come across that are worth trying with your group.

Hammer: Hammer is similar to Nassau but with a lot more pressure. At any point during a hole, one side can call “hammer,” which doubles the bet for that hole. The other side can either accept or forfeit the bet. The hammer can bounce back and forth multiple times, which makes for some dramatic finishes.

Sixes (Hollywood or Round Robin): Sixes works best for a foursome. Teams change every six holes, so each player partners with everyone once across the 18. This format keeps things fresh, balances out skill levels, and avoids the same team dominating all day.

Rabbit: The rabbit is simple and keeps everyone invested. The first player to win a hole outright “catches the rabbit.” If another player wins a later hole, they “take the rabbit” away. Whoever holds the rabbit at the end of the round wins the pot.

Snake: Snake makes every three-putt sting. The last golfer in the group to three-putt becomes the “snake” and owes the agreed bet to the others. That title can pass back and forth throughout the round, so even if you’re out of contention for other games, you’ll want to keep the flatstick sharp.

Banker: In Banker, one player takes on the role of banker for each hole, competing against the rest of the group. The banker position rotates, so everyone gets a chance. Bets are settled individually against the banker, which keeps all players engaged.

Gruesomes: This one is for pairs with a sense of humor. Both teammates hit tee shots, but the opposing team gets to choose which drive you have to play. From there, you alternate shots into the hole. Gruesomes can be frustrating, but that’s also what makes it fun.

Golf betting games aren’t just about money. They add structure, excitement, and strategy to your round. Whether you want the steady pace of Nassau, the suspense of Skins, the strategy of Wolf, the inclusivity of Bingo Bango Bongo, or the chaos of Vegas, there’s a game here that will fit your group.

The key is keeping it fun. Choose a format that works for your group’s skill levels, agree on the stakes, and let the games add to the camaraderie. After all, the best stories on the 19th hole usually start with a bet on the first tee.