How It Works
Each hole is worth one "skin." The player with the lowest score on a hole wins that skin. If two or more players tie for the lowest score, no one wins the skin and it carries over to the next hole.
Rules
- Each hole has a set value (typically $1-$5 per skin)
- The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the skin
- If there's a tie, the skin carries over to the next hole
- Multiple skins can accumulate, making later holes very valuable
- Carryovers on hole 18 can either push to a playoff hole or be split
Example: At $2 per skin, holes 1 and 2 are tied, so hole 3 is worth 3 skins ($6). If Player A wins hole 3 outright with a birdie, they win $6.
Variations
- Validation Skins: Must make par or better to win
- No Carryover: Ties result in no payout for that hole
How It Works
The Nassau is actually three separate bets: one for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall 18 holes. It's one of the most popular formats in golf.
Rules
- Front 9: Best score on holes 1-9 wins
- Back 9: Best score on holes 10-18 wins
- Overall: Best total score for all 18 holes wins
- Each bet is worth the same amount (e.g., a "$5 Nassau" means $5 for each bet, $15 total possible)
Example: In a $10 Nassau between two players, if Player A wins the front (+$10), Player B wins the back (+$10), and they tie overall (push), the match is even.
Press
A "press" is a new bet that starts from the current hole. If you're losing the front 9 by 2 down after 5 holes, you can press to start a new front 9 bet from hole 6. This can get expensive quickly!
How It Works
Animals is a penalty-based game where you earn an "animal" for making certain mistakes. At the end of the round, whoever holds each animal pays the group.
The Animals
- 🐍 Snake: 3-putt from anywhere
- 🐪 Camel: Hit into a bunker and fail to get out in one shot
- 🦍 Gorilla: Hit a tree
- 🐸 Frog: Hit into the water
- 🦅 Pelican: Take more than one shot to get out of water (optional)
Rules
- When you commit an offense, you take the animal
- If someone else commits the same offense, the animal transfers to them
- Whoever holds each animal at the end of the round pays (e.g., $5 per animal)
- The goal is to pass the animals to others or avoid them entirely
Example: You 3-putt on hole 5 (get the Snake). Your buddy 3-putts on hole 9 (Snake transfers to him). If no one else 3-putts, he pays at the end.
How It Works
Every time you 3-putt, you draw a card from the deck. At the end of the round, whoever has the worst poker hand pays.
Rules
- Each 3-putt earns you one card
- 4-putts earn two cards
- At the end of the round, everyone makes their best 5-card poker hand
- The worst hand pays the pot (or pays everyone)
- If someone has no cards, they're safe!
Example: Player A has 3 cards (2, 7, Jack), Player B has 2 cards (King, King), Player C has 4 cards (3, 5, 8, Queen). Despite having fewer cards, Player B has a pair, so Player A's "high card Jack" is the worst hand. Player A pays.
Variations
- One-Putt Redemption: One-putts let you discard a card
- Draw 2: Each 3-putt draws 2 cards for higher stakes
How It Works
Each hole offers three points, awarded for three different achievements. It's great for groups with mixed skill levels since it rewards course management, not just low scores.
The Three Points
- 🎯 Bing: First player on the green
- 🎯 Bango: Closest to the pin once all players are on the green
- 🎯 Bongo: First player to hole out
Rules
- Players must play in order (farthest from the hole plays first)
- Each point has a set value (e.g., $1 per point)
- At the end of the round, tally up points and settle the difference
Example: At $1/point over 18 holes (54 points total), if you earn 22 points and your opponent earns 14 points, they owe you $8.
How It Works
One player is the "Wolf" each hole. After watching each player tee off, the Wolf decides whether to partner with them or go alone. It's all about reading the tee shots and making smart choices.
Rules
- The tee order rotates, with the Wolf going last
- After each player hits, the Wolf can choose them as a partner immediately or pass
- If the Wolf passes on everyone, they go "Lone Wolf" against the other three
- Lone Wolf wins/loses double or triple
- The team with the best ball score wins the hole
Example: Player B hits a great drive. The Wolf (Player D) says "I'll take B." Now it's A+C vs B+D for this hole. Lowest score between B and D vs lowest score between A and C determines the winner.
How It Works
Dots (also called Trash or Garbage) awards points for various achievements during the round. It adds excitement to every shot.
Common Dots
- ⚫ Greenie: Closest to the pin on par 3s (must make par)
- ⚫ Sandie: Up and down from a bunker
- ⚫ Barkie: Hit a tree and still make par
- ⚫ Arnie: Make par without hitting the fairway
- ⚫ Birdie: Make a birdie
- ⚫ Eagle: Make an eagle (usually worth 2-3 dots)
- ⚫ Polie: One-putt from outside the flagstick length
Rules
- Agree on which dots are in play before the round
- Each dot has a value (e.g., $1 per dot)
- Track dots throughout the round
- Settle up at the end based on total dots earned
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