Ask any regular fourball what keeps their weekly game fresh and you will probably hear about the side games. A skins game on the back nine, a Nassau between old rivals, or a round of wolf where partnerships change on every tee can turn an ordinary round into something memorable. Side games add a little competition, give everyone a reason to concentrate on every hole and keep golfers of different abilities involved until the very last putt.
This guide explains how to play the most popular golf side games, how to use handicaps so they are fair, and how to keep stakes friendly. Many of these games are played for small amounts of money, a round of drinks or simply bragging rights — the fun is in the competition, not the prize.
Before you start: agree the rules on the first tee
Most arguments about side games come from misunderstandings. Before teeing off, agree:
- Which game or games you are playing.
- Gross or net scores — and how handicap strokes are allocated.
- The stakes, if any — keep them small and comfortable for everyone.
- Special rules, such as carry-overs, presses or "validation" in skins.
- Who keeps score.
Write it down on the scorecard if the game is complicated. A two-minute conversation saves a lot of debate in the clubhouse.
Skins
Skins is one of the simplest and most exciting side games. Each hole is worth one "skin". The player with the lowest score on a hole, outright, wins the skin.
How it works
- Each hole is worth one skin (or a set value).
- The lowest score on the hole wins the skin.
- If two or more players tie for the lowest score, nobody wins the skin — it carries over to the next hole.
- Carry-overs accumulate until someone wins a hole outright.
Example
| Hole | Player A | Player B | Player C | Player D | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | Tie — skin carries over |
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | Player A wins 2 skins |
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | Tie — carries over |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 3 | Player D wins 2 skins |
Variations
- Validation: to collect carried-over skins, the winner must tie or win the next hole as well. This adds drama on the closing holes.
- Escalating values: later holes are worth more skins, so the round stays exciting even if someone wins early.
- The final hole: if the last hole is tied, play off on extra holes, split the remaining skins, or carry them to the next round.
- Net skins: use handicap strokes so everyone has a chance.
Why golfers love it
Skins rewards birdies and bold play. A golfer having a poor round can still win the big carry-over with one great hole.
Nassau
A Nassau is three separate bets in one round:
- The front nine.
- The back nine.
- The overall 18 holes.
Each bet is usually played as match play (holes won), though it can be played as stroke play. Because there are three bets, a poor front nine does not ruin your day — there is still the back nine and the overall to play for.
Presses
Many groups add presses. When a player or team falls two holes behind in a bet, they can "press", starting a new side bet for the remaining holes of that nine. Agree in advance whether presses are automatic or optional.
Example
If you lose the front nine but win the back nine and the overall match, you win two out of three bets.
Wolf
Wolf is a four-player game in which partnerships change on every hole.
How it works
- Decide a tee order. The player in the designated position on each hole is the Wolf (the role rotates).
- The Wolf tees off last and watches the other tee shots.
- After each opponent tees off, the Wolf decides immediately whether to choose that player as a partner. Once the next player hits, the previous one cannot be chosen.
- If the Wolf does not choose a partner, they play as a Lone Wolf — one against three — for higher points.
- The best-ball score of each side decides the hole.
Scoring
| Outcome | Typical points |
|---|---|
| Wolf and partner win the hole | 2 points each |
| Other two players win the hole | 3 points each |
| Lone Wolf wins | 4 points |
| Lone Wolf loses | 1 point to each opponent |
Agree your own points system in advance. Some groups also allow a "Blind Wolf", declared before anyone tees off, for even higher points.
Why it works
Wolf keeps every player involved and rewards strategy as well as skill.
Bingo bango bongo
Bingo bango bongo awards three points on every hole — none of them for the lowest score:
- Bingo: first player to get the ball on the green.
- Bango: closest to the hole once all balls are on the green.
- Bongo: first player to hole out.
Play must follow strict honours — the player furthest from the hole plays first — for the game to be fair.
Why it is great for mixed abilities
A beginner can win points by hitting a good approach or holing a long putt. It is ideal for family games and groups with very different handicaps.
Nines (split sixes)
Nines is played by three players. Nine points are available on each hole:
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Outright best score | 5 |
| Second best | 3 |
| Worst | 1 |
| Two tie for best | 4, 4, 1 |
| Two tie for worst | 5, 2, 2 |
| All three tie | 3, 3, 3 |
The player with the most points after 18 holes wins.
Snake
Snake is a putting game. The first player to three-putt "holds the snake". Whoever three-putts next takes it from them. At the end of the round, the player holding the snake pays an agreed amount or buys the drinks.
It adds tension to every putt — especially near the end of the round. See putting drills to stop three-putting if you are worried.
Other popular side games
Closest to the pin
On par 3s, the player whose tee shot finishes closest to the hole wins. Often the ball must finish on the green.
Longest drive
On a chosen hole, the longest drive that finishes on the fairway wins.
Sandies
A point for getting up and down from a greenside bunker. See how to hit bunker shots.
Greenies
On par 3s, a player who hits the green and is closest to the hole wins — but often only if they then make par.
Barkies and arnies
Fun extras: points for making par after hitting a tree, or for making par without hitting the fairway. Agree names and rules within your group.
Three-club challenge
Each player carries only three clubs and a putter. It rewards creativity and short-game skill.
Using handicaps fairly
Handicaps make side games fair between players of different abilities.
- Net scoring: players receive strokes on holes according to the stroke index.
- Allowances: many groups use a percentage of the Course Handicap for side games, similar to competition allowances.
- Off the low player: in match-based games, strokes are often given based on the difference between players' handicaps.
For handicap basics, read the World Handicap System explained and how golf scoring works.
Choosing the right game for your group
| Group | Good games |
|---|---|
| Four players of similar ability | Skins, Nassau, wolf |
| Mixed abilities | Bingo bango bongo, net skins, scramble |
| Three players | Nines, skins |
| Two players | Nassau, match play |
| Families and beginners | Bingo bango bongo, closest to the pin |
| Golf days and societies | Closest to the pin, longest drive, team skins |
For full formats such as scramble and fourball, see golf formats and games explained. For event ideas, see how to organise a golf day.
Etiquette for side games
- Keep stakes friendly. The game should add fun, not pressure.
- Play by the Rules of Golf unless you agree otherwise.
- Keep pace of play. Side games should never slow your group down. Use ready golf where the game allows.
- Settle up graciously — and buy the winner a drink with good grace.
- Do not let games distract other groups.
- Respect club policies on gambling and competitions.
See golf etiquette 101 for general etiquette.
Keeping score
- Use a separate line on the scorecard for each game.
- Record points as you go, at the next tee.
- Golf apps can track skins, Nassau and other games automatically. See golf apps and online tools.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a skins game ends in a tie?
Agree in advance. Common options are a playoff, splitting the remaining skins or carrying them forward to the next round.
How do handicaps work in skins?
In net skins, each player's handicap strokes are applied on holes according to the stroke index, and the lowest net score wins the skin.
What is a press in golf?
A press is a new side bet started by a player or team who is behind — usually by two holes — covering the remaining holes of that nine.
Is bingo bango bongo good for beginners?
Yes. Points are awarded for being first on the green, closest to the hole and first to hole out, so beginners can win points even if they take more strokes.
Do side games slow down play?
They should not. Agree the rules before the round, keep scoring simple and use ready golf where possible.
The bottom line
Side games add excitement, banter and a reason to concentrate on every shot. Skins rewards bold, outright wins; the Nassau gives you three chances; wolf keeps partnerships changing; and bingo bango bongo lets every golfer in the group compete. Agree the rules and handicaps on the first tee, keep stakes friendly and pace brisk, and your weekly game will never feel routine again.