Golf is undeniably the most gentlemanly game in the modern world. It offers a great balance between a healthy outdoor activity and a platform for networking and communication.
But gambling goes hand in hand with a true gentleman. Over the decades, the game community has developed many gambling games.
So even when you stretch your legs and have a fun outdoor game with your colleagues or friends, you can get almost as much thrill as in the ninecasino.com online casino based in the UK and enabling login from across the world and win quite a valuable prize if you’re good.
The 10 best golf gambling games
Golfers play dozens of various gambling games all over the world. Some clubs even have unique rule sets that provide unique experiences. We’ve picked 10 games familiar to any seasoned golfer or referee. Moreover, you can learn these games’ ins and outs on the world’s largest golf portals, such as golf.com.
Nassau
Due to its simple rules and straightforward scoring, Nassau has become the most well-known and widespread gambling game for golf course regulars worldwide.
The rules divide the match into three independent contests: one for the entire match and separate ones for the front and back halves. Players bet separately on every part, so it is possible to have three different winners in the end.
Interestingly, the Nassau rules were initially designed to help gentlemen avoid embarrassment—it is impossible to lose harder than 3:0. Nowadays, embarrassment over a game is not such a big deal, so the rules were adopted for gambling.
Scramble
Scramble is among the more relaxed games ideal for charity events or other casual occasions.
Golfers split up into four-man teams. After every player makes their shot, the team’s captain picks the best one, and the team uses this spot for their next shot. The cycle repeats for every hole.
Bingo, Bango, Bongo!
It is a fun and casual game where even complete beginners can win some money from pros. Points are awarded independently from the actual score:
- The first golfer to reach the green earns Bingo
- The closest ball to the pin on the green earns Bango
- The first ball into the cup earns Bongo
Betting is usually symbolic – only a few dollars per player. After all, the primary goal is to have fun and relax.
Wolf
Wolf is a rather complicated four-player golf gambling game.
One golfer is named the “Wolf.” After the first shots, the “Wolf” either picks a partner or plays solo as a “Lone Wolf.”
- “Wolf”’s team wins – both players get 2 points. If they lose – the opposing golfers get 3 points per player.
- “Lone Wolf” wins – they are awarded 4 points.
- Anybody beats the “Lone Wolf” – everybody except the “Lone Wolf” get 1 point.
For the next hole, another golfer becomes the “Wolf”. The player with the highest score at the end wins. Alternatively, the game can be played on a per-hole basis. The winning “Lone Wolf” will get an agreed amount from every other player (say, $5). But if the “Lone Wolf” loses, they must pay the same $5 to every other golfer.
Vegas
It is a 2vs2 game for people who love huge margins and are ready to take risks. It uses unique scoring mechanics.
If both players in a team score 5 on a hole, their score is 55. Suppose they score 4 and 5 – it comes up to 45. The lower number goes first unless somebody goes into double digits – 11 and 3 equal 113, not 311. But if both go into double digits – nothing will save them, since every point has a pre-arranged dollar value.
The final payout can be huge, even with $1 per point, since even one slip-up can have catastrophic consequences. Thus, it is common practice to have a cap agreed upon.
Chicago
Chicago is a nice mindset change for seasoned golfers—instead of competing for the lowest score, you aim high.
Bad play is still not encouraged. Every outcome of a hole has a point value: eagles or better – 8 points, birdies – 4, pars – 2, bogeys – 1.
Every player contributes an agreed sum to the pot, which is divided into two parts. One half goes to the highest-scoring team to share, and the other goes to the individual player with the highest score.
Stableford
Stableford is extremely similar to Chicago. The scoring mechanics is identical. The only difference is that Stableford is strictly individual—nothing is shared with the team; the winner takes all.
6-6-6 (Sixes)
Sixes is a fun way for four friends to play a casual match. The group splits into two teams. However, partner rotation happens every six holes.
As a result, instead of one long match, players have three short 6-hole matches, with different team compositions every time.
Bets are placed on the result of every short game separately or the final result of all games. However, keeping score for the latter can be difficult.
Defender
Defender is a “rotating teams” game for three players.
Two golfers play together against the third one. If a solo player (the “defender”) wins – they get 2 points per hole. If they tie – the defender gets 1 point. The “attackers” get points only if they win outright – 1 point each.
After every hole, the roles change, so everyone plays six holes as a defender and 12 as an attacker. The golfer who earned the most points by the end of the match wins.
Betting in Defender is very straightforward – the winner is paid according to the point difference with a certain sum attached to every point.
Skins
Skins, also known as “syndicates” or “scats,” is another extremely popular golf gambling game, rivalling Nassau in this regard. It is commonly played during pro tournaments.
Plenty of local variations exist, but the basic idea is rather simple. All players contribute an agreed amount of money per hole. The bet can be symbolic, like $1 per hole (a slang name for a one-dollar note, even giving the game its name – “skin”) or quite substantial. The lowest-scoring player wins the prize pool for the hole. But they have to win it outright – nobody wins if two golfers have equal scores. The money is added to the next hole’s pot instead. Thus, if there was a series of ties, it could eventually lead to a huge win.
Simple and straightforward nature of Skins ensured its longevity and undying popularity.
Summary
A golf course offers plenty of exciting opportunities to spice up the game. Just ensure everybody is on the same page and keep the score honestly. And remember: when the weather does not suit outdoor activities, you can always return to the old, reliable ninecasino.