18 Fun Golf Games to Play with Friends
Author: Kyle Moss
Golf is fun. But sometimes, when you’re playing on the same golf course with the same friends, things can get a little stagnant. That’s why incorporating a few different golf course games might be just what you need for your next round or shot.
If you’ve ever played on a course or watched golf on television, you probably already know the formats of stroke play, match play, and hole-by-hole play. Not to mention the Ryder Cup, which teaches golfers a lot about games like foursomes (aka alternating shots) and the four-ball, which requires big swings and low scores from both players.
But there are dozens of fun games with golf-centric strategies and themes that you can play to further enjoy a round of golf at your local town hall with friends or family. In some games, skill is the name of the game, in others, luck can carry you to victory, and there are plenty in between.
Listed below are 15 (or so) fun golf games to play with friends, with suggestions for all ages and skill levels, some centered around betting while others are designed to help you play your best golf. And, let’s be honest, a lot of them have funny names. check it out!
1. fight for
Scramble is a favorite team game that allows everyone to contribute. Each player tees off and the team selects the best shot. Everyone then hits the ball from that position, and the process continues until the ball is in the hole. A great hitter can give your team an advantage off the tee, but a sharp short game and clutch putts often make the difference.
2. best ball
In “Best Ball,” each player plays his or her own ball on the hole and the team uses the lowest score between the two players. It is ideal for teams of four split into teams of two and can be played in stroke play or match play.
- solo version: A player? no problem. Hit two or three balls by yourself and only count your best; it’s great practice and a lot of fun.
- Also try it:Worst ball. If you want to make it harder, count your worst score. It’s humbling, but it gets you better faster.
3. snake
This one is simple, yet cunning. Place your bet from the start. Whenever someone 3-putts, they turn into a snake. If another player makes 3 putts, they take over the title. At the end of the round, whoever is the snake pays. Three putts on a green has never been so serious.
4. Wolf
Wolfe rotated who was last to tee off each hole, making it a good match for four players. That player, the “wolf,” decides after seeing someone’s shot whether to team up with someone or go it alone as a lone wolf against three other players. Each hole is a strategy call and the goal is to score the most points at the end of the round, as the golfer with the most points wins.
5. rabbit
Catch the rabbit and try to keep it. The first player to win a hole “captures” the rabbit. When another player wins a hole, the rabbit becomes free until someone else catches it again. The player who catches the rabbit after the last hole wins. Great for family or relaxed competition.
6. Points (aka Trash)
Flexible, customizable points game. Players earn points, or “points,” for achievements such as hitting the fairway, sinking a long putt, or making a birdie on any given hole. Create your own scoring rules before you start, calculate the scores after each hole and see who gets the most points on the most holes at the end.
7. bingo bango bongo
The perfect equalizer for mixed skill sets. Each hole offers three scores: the first on the green (bingo). Once it’s all open (Bango), closest to the pin. Be the first in the hole (bongo). The one with the highest score after 18 holes wins, and there’s no pressure to be the longest hitter here.
8. Nassau
Divide your rounds into three games: First Nine, Last Nine and Total Score. Each section awards points and is usually worth one point (or one bet). You can win two out of three games, or sweep your opponents if your game is perfect that day.
9. Six-a-side (also known as round robin)
Perfect for foursomes who like variety, players are paired up with someone new every six holes so everyone teams up with each other once. You can mix it up in any format, such as best ball, skins or stroke play for each six-hole section.
- Also try it: 3 in 1. Have variety when playing a round. The teams remain the same, but the format changes every six holes. Example: The first 6 are “Best Balls”, the next 6 are “Low Balls – Low Total” and the last 6 are “Challenge Balls”. Keeping everyone on their toes and keeping things fresh from one hole to the next.
10. stableford
A scoring system that rewards good holes and forgives bad ones. Instead of counting scores, you earn points: 1 point for a bogey, 2 points for a par, 3 points for a birdie, 4 points for an eagle, and 5 points for a hole-in-one. The one with the highest total score wins.
- Also try it: Morpheus. Similar setup, but you’ll lose points for bogeys or worse (stay away from double bogeys!). Birdies and eagles can lead to huge bonuses. This is risk-reward golf at its best and definitely rewards aggressive play.
11. Vegas
Two-person teams combine their scores for each hole, placing the lower number first (for example, 4 and 6 = 46), and the team with the lower score wins the hole. Compare the score totals with other teams and place bets based on the point difference. Some gnarly holes can rock this game fast, making it high-stakes and full of laughs – just like a trip to Las Vegas!
12. string ball
Give each player a length of rope equal to their obstacles (10 obstacles is 10 feet). You can use the rope to move your ball—avoiding obstacles, bad lies, or even sinking a short putt—no matter how much you use it, you can cut it off. The rope to win back a birdie. It’s smart, chaotic, and competitive.
13. ghost
Perfect for a threesome. The weakest player is paired with an imaginary “ghost” who shoots par on every hole to increase the team’s score. The other two team up to fight the Ghosts. It’s balanced, simple, and keeps things interesting.
14. No. 9
Each hole is worth nine points, allocated based on performance. Example: Birdie-par-bogey is worth 5-3-1 points. If the players tie, the difference is divided equally. It moves quickly and is great for small groups.
15. lag
All about distance control and bunt technique. Once everyone is on the green, points will be awarded to the player closest to the pin: 3, 2, 1 and 0 in that order. Add them up in the end and you have the best lag putter.
16. push poker
Assign a dollar value to 3 putts (for example, $2). Each 3 push increases the pot. Every time someone makes 1 putt, they win a playing card. The player with the best hand at the end of the round wins the pot. Sink putts, win cards, and collect cash.
17. green party
Only par 3 holes played. The player whose tee shot is closest to the pin (on the green) wins the “green.” You can play with points or cash, just agree on the value before kick-off. Add a carryover for even more drama.
18. Low ball – low total
Players play in teams of two, with two points up for grabs on each hole: one point for the lowest individual score (low ball) and one point for the lowest overall team score (low total). No tie points. The team with the highest score wins.
- Also try it: Low Ball – High Ball – Same setup, but the second point goes to the team with the lower score in the high score. Get everyone involved, even if you’re not the star of the hole.
Whether you’re chasing skins or dodging snakes, golf games bring people together and make every round more fun. No professionals required, just your team and a good attitude.
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