Pick a game by group
Golf games add a layer of competition on top of a normal round. The right one depends on your group:
- Mixed skill levels: scramble, Bingo Bango Bongo, Stableford, best ball.
- Foursomes: Wolf, Sixes, Vegas, alternate shot.
- Match-style rounds: Skins, Nassau, Rabbit.
- Large outings: scramble with side contests.
Agree on the format and the scoring before the first tee, and write it on the scorecard if needed. Rules differ slightly between groups and courses, so treat the descriptions below as common versions.
Easy games for mixed skill
Scramble. Everyone in a team tees off, the team picks the best shot, and all players play from that spot. Repeat until the ball is holed. It is popular at outings because it shortens play and helps beginners contribute.
Best ball (fourball). Each player plays their own ball. On each hole, the team’s score is the lowest individual score among its members.
Bingo Bango Bongo. Three points are available on each hole: one for the first ball on the green, one for the ball closest to the hole once all are on the green, and one for the first player to hole out. Because points depend on order rather than total strokes, it is friendly to beginners. Play the ball farthest from the hole first, as usual, so the game doesn’t slow things down.
Stableford. Players earn points based on their score relative to par on each hole, for example one point for a bogey, two for par and three for a birdie. Bad holes cost less because you can’t score below zero for a hole, so blow-up holes do less damage.
Foursome games
Wolf. The order of play rotates each hole. The player who tees off last is the Wolf. After each of the others hits their drive, the Wolf can choose a partner for that hole or go “Lone Wolf” against the other three. Points are awarded based on who wins the hole, and Lone Wolf usually pays more. Groups often set the details beforehand.
Sixes (Round Robin). Partners change every six holes, so each player partners with each of the others once over 18 holes. Each six-hole segment is a separate match.
Vegas. Two-player teams combine their scores on each hole into a two-digit number, with the lower score first. For example, a 4 and a 5 become 45. The team with the lower number wins the hole, and the difference may be the points. Many groups add a flip rule: when a team makes a birdie, the opposing team’s number is reversed (a 3 and a 5 become 53 instead of 35), which can swing results dramatically. Agree on this in advance.
Alternate shot (foursomes). Partners share one ball and take turns hitting it. It is a good test of teamwork.
Match-style games
Skins. Each hole has a value. The lowest score on a hole wins the skin, and ties carry the value over to the next hole.
Nassau. Three separate matches in one round: the front nine, the back nine and the overall 18 holes. Each is worth an agreed amount.
Rabbit. The “rabbit” is held by the player who has won a hole outright, and others try to take it away. The player who holds the rabbit at the end of the front nine or back nine wins that segment. There are many local variations.
Side contests for outings
These work well for large groups, since they don’t affect the main score:
- Longest drive on a designated hole.
- Closest to the pin on a par 3.
- Straightest drive with a marked fairway.
- Putting contest on the practice green before or after the round.
- Mulligan or “gimme” tickets that players can use at their own discretion.
- Team name and costume prizes for a bit of fun.
Check with the course about which contests are allowed and where.
Keeping stakes friendly
Many golf games are traditionally played for money, but it is not a requirement. Consider:
- Playing for points, bragging rights or a trophy.
- Capping any bets at a small, agreed amount.
- Agreeing on handicap strokes so a weaker player isn’t discouraged.
- Rotating teams so no one feels stuck with the weaker side.
Gambling rules vary by location. Make sure you follow local rules and the course’s policies, and only play for money if everyone is comfortable.
Pace of play and etiquette
Games with a lot of calculation can slow the group down. To keep the round moving:
- Tally scores at the end of each hole, not mid-hole.
- Play ready golf where the course allows it.
- Choose games that don’t require a lot of waiting.
- Rake bunkers and repair divots and ball marks.
- Keep conversation and cart noise down when others are hitting.
Other activities for a golf day
If not everyone wants to play 18 holes, add other activities:
- A putting or chipping contest on the practice area.
- A nine-hole scramble followed by lunch.
- A driving range closest-to-the-target game.
- Lawn games afterward. See our guide to picnic games for large groups for ideas that work on a clubhouse lawn.
- A prize ceremony with silly awards.
For the clubhouse afterward, see in-person happy hour games and the washer toss rules and how to build a set.
FAQ
What is the 3-3-3 golf game? There is no single widely used game by this name that we can describe confidently. Different groups use it for different formats, so check the rules from wherever you found it and agree on them before playing.
What is a 3-2-1 golf game? This name also varies. Some groups use it for a point system, but there is no standard version we can confirm. Ask the group to define the points before starting.
What’s the 70/30 rule in golf? We can’t point to a standard rule by that name. It may refer to a practice split or a local custom, so check the source where you saw it.
What are some fun activities for a golf day? A scramble, side contests, a putting competition and a lunch afterward make an easy format for a group.