Playing golf is not only a great way to enjoy the outdoors and challenge yourself, but it can also be an opportunity to have some fun with friends or fellow golfers. While the traditional game of golf is exciting in itself, there are several golf games you can play on the course to add an extra element of competition and enjoyment. In this post, we will explore some popular golf games that can make your rounds more interesting and keep you engaged throughout the course.
- Bingo Bango Bongo
Bingo Bango Bongo is a game that families of any size can enjoy, whether they have an odd or even number of members. It’s a simple game to play, suitable for everyone. Players earn three points for each hole where they achieve a bingo, bango, or bongo. The first player to land their ball on the green gets a bingo. The player farthest from the green takes the first shot, followed by the others in turn. After all players have landed their ball on the green, the player with the ball closest to the pin earns a Bango. Finally, the player who successfully lands their ball in the hole first receives a bongo. This game is particularly enjoyable for players of varying skill levels because it only requires being the first at something, especially when it comes to “Bango.” For instance, stronger players are likely to hit more greens in regulation, leaving themselves with longer birdie putts. In contrast, weaker players may take more shots to reach the green but find themselves closer to the hole once on the green. In a scenario where stronger players have lengthy birdie putts while the weaker player is within a short distance for a high score, the weaker player wins the point.
Golf Games: to Play On the Course
- Wolf
Wolf is a game that requires four players. Each player competes independently with the objective of earning the highest number of points by the end of the round. Here’s how it works: At the start, the order of play is determined on the first tee. The last player to tee off is designated as the ‘Wolf.’ The teeing order, regardless of honor, rotates every hole so that each player becomes the Wolf once every four holes.
Once all players have hit their tee shots, the Wolf decides whether to form a team with any of the other players for the hole. If not, the Wolf plays the hole alone as the ‘Lone Wolf.’ In this case, the aim is to outperform the other three players, with the lowest net score on the hole. The game follows a net best ball format, using only the best score from each team. If the Wolf chooses a partner and they win the hole, each of them receives two points. If the non-Wolf partners win the hole, they each earn three points. If the Lone Wolf outperforms all the other players, he or she receives four points. However, if the Lone Wolf is beaten by any player in the group, everyone except the Lone Wolf obtains one point.
Different variations of this game exist. For example, there’s a variation called “Blind Wolf,” where a player declares before the hole that they will play alone without a partner, even before the tee shots are taken, similar to a poker player going all in without looking at their cards. Overall, Wolf is an engaging game that requires a high level of concentration. - Skins
Skins is a popular game that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. In this game, each hole is worth a predetermined amount of money or points called “skins.” The player who wins a hole outright, without ties, earns the skin for that hole. If there is a tie, the skin carries over to the next hole, increasing its value. The objective is to win the most skins by the end of the round. Skins is a game that keeps players engaged on every hole, as winning a single hole can potentially earn you a significant number of skins. - Vegas
Vegas is a golf betting game that can get ugly quickly, even if you’re careful. Two teams of two players each compete for the lowest team score on each hole. The twist is that scores are paired, with the lower score in front. For example, if Player A makes a 4 and Player B makes a 5, their team score is 45, not 9. The team score represents the number of points each team earns per hole. Points are tracked throughout the round, and the team with the differential at the end wins the pot.
The value of each point can be set to anything, but it’s typically $1 for high rollers and a nickel for the average Joe. For example, if Team A’s paired score on one hole is 45 and Team B’s paired score is 55, Team B owes Team A $10 for that hole. To prevent things from getting too out of hand, there is one safeguard in Vegas: if a player scores a 10 or higher, that score comes before the lower score when they’re paired together for points. So, if a team has a 7 and a 10, their team score is 107, not 710. This is the only instance in Vegas where the larger number is paired in front of the lower number. - Flaps
Flaps is an enjoyable game suitable for all ages. When teeing off from the green, players can shout “FLAP” before their ball lands. If they successfully land their ball in the hole with their next shot, they win the hole. If they fail to do so, they lose the hole. Another fun aspect of the game is that when a player shouts “FLAP,” another player can shout “DOUBLE” before the ball lands, doubling the win or loss.
- Ghost
Ghost is a game suitable for all ages and requires three players and an imaginary player called the ‘ghost.’ For each hole, one player teams up with the ghost, who pars every hole. The ghost plays to a scratch handicap, and the game works best when the player with the highest handicap plays with the ghost. To keep the game exciting, teams should be switched regularly, allowing everyone to play with the ghost and improve their golf skills. - Six Six Six
Six Six Six is a highly enjoyable game when played with a group of four. Players rotate every six holes, ensuring that by the end of the round, everyone partners up with each other. Scores are recorded in sets of six, with each set constituting a separate game. This game is particularly appealing because everyone has a chance to win, even if they lose the first game.
- Stringball
Stringball is perfect for those who dislike losing. Instead of playing to a handicap, each player is given a foot of string for every shot of handicap. Players move the ball by measuring the distance of each shot and cutting the corresponding amount from their piece of string. This approach provides everyone with a better chance of success and adds a creative element to the game. It can also prevent penalties when the ball goes out of bounds. All you need to play this game is some string and scissors. - Rabbit
Rabbit is a fun and creative game that the whole family can enjoy. The first player to achieve the lowest score on a hole captures the Rabbit. If another player achieves the lowest score on the next hole, the Rabbit is released. The player who then achieves the lowest score captures the Rabbit, and so on. The player who holds the Rabbit at the end of the game is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the game continues until a winner is determined. This competitive yet enjoyable game is sure to be a hit with the family. - Stableford
Stableford is a scoring system that allows golfers to play against their own abilities rather than head-to-head against other players. In this game, players earn points based on the number of strokes taken on each hole, with the objective being to accumulate the most points by the end of the round. The scoring system awards points for achieving a score better than a predetermined number for each hole. For example, a score of one over par might be worth one point, while a birdie (one under par) could be worth three points. Stableford is a game that provides handicapped players an equal chance to compete with those of different skill levels, making it inclusive and intriguing for all participants.
These are just a few examples of the many golf games you can play on the course. Each of these games brings its own unique elements of competition, strategy, and excitement to the game of golf. Whether you are a seasoned golfer looking for a new challenge or a beginner seeking a fun way to enjoy the sport, these games can add a whole new dimension to your golfing experience. Next time you hit the links, consider trying out one of these games and make your round even more memorable.
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