Golf outings game to play with friends provide an excellent opportunity to relax, enjoy the great outdoors, and engage in some friendly competition. While traditional golf formats like stroke play and match play are always fun, trying out unique and less common games can add an extra layer of excitement to your golf outing. In this article, we’ll explore five not often played golf outing games that are sure to make your day on the course memorable.
Nassau – The Classic Betting Game with a Twist
Nassau is a classic betting game that adds an element of excitement to your golf outing. The game is usually played in three parts: Front 9, Back 9, and Overall 18. Before you start, all players agree on an amount to wager for each part of the game. The twist comes in the form of “presses.” After the front nine, a player can “press” the bet, effectively doubling the wager for the back nine. Additionally, a player can “press the press” after the back nine, doubling the bet again for the overall 18 holes.
This game rewards both consistent play and the ability to handle pressure. If a player has a strong front nine, they might press to capitalize on their form, but they also risk losing more if they perform poorly on the back nine. Nassau is an exciting game that keeps the stakes high and fosters friendly banter among players.
Wolf – The Hunter and Prey Game
Wolf is a strategic and entertaining game for golfers who enjoy a mix of teamwork and individual play. To start, the players decide on a rotating order for who becomes the “Wolf” on each hole. The Wolf tees off first, and after seeing the other players’ tee shots, the Wolf must choose a teammate for that hole. The twist is that the Wolf can choose to play the hole alone against the other three players. If the Wolf wins, they earn points equal to the bet from each player; if they lose, they pay each player.
The strategy lies in deciding when to be aggressive and go solo or when to team up with a partner. Being the Wolf can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, as the pressure to make the right decision on teaming up is crucial. This game promotes camaraderie and decision-making skills on the course.
Skins – High-Reward Game of Individual Holes
Skins is a high-reward game that adds an element of excitement to every hole. Each hole is worth a predetermined amount of money, and the player who scores the lowest on the hole wins that skin. If two or more players tie for the lowest score, the skin carries over to the next hole, making the subsequent hole even more valuable.
The game is best played with a group of four or more golfers. Skins can lead to a roller-coaster of emotions, as players might win multiple skins on one hole and lose them all on the next. It rewards consistency, but a single great hole can turn a player’s day around. This format keeps the competition alive on every hole, even if someone is having a rough round.
Bingo Bango Bongo – Points for Everyone
Bingo Bango Bongo is a golf game that values different aspects of the game, rather than just the final score. On each hole, three points are up for grabs:
- “Bingo” is awarded to the player who is first to reach the green, regardless of the number of strokes taken.
- “Bango” goes to the player with the closest approach shot to the pin once all players are on the green.
- “Bongo” is given to the player who sinks the putt first.
At the end of the round, points are tallied, and the player with the most points wins. This game rewards players with various strengths, including accuracy off the tee, precise approach shots, and putting skills. It’s a lighthearted game that keeps everyone involved on every hole, no matter their skill level.
Stableford – Points-Based Scoring System
Stableford is a points-based golf game that allows players of different skill levels to compete on an equal footing. In this format, players earn points based on their scores relative to a predetermined point system on each hole. For example:
- Double bogey or worse: 0 points
- Bogey: 1 point
- Par: 2 points
- Birdie: 3 points
- Eagle: 4 points
The player with the most points at the end of the round wins. The beauty of Stableford is that even if a player has a disastrous hole, they can still recover and contribute positively to their overall score. It also speeds up play since players can pick up their ball if they can no longer score points on a hole.
Conclusion
Great golf outings games with friends are an excellent opportunity to explore unique and exciting games beyond the traditional stroke play and match play formats. Games like Nassau, Wolf, Skins, Bingo Bango Bongo, and Stableford offer a blend of competition, camaraderie, and strategy, making your time on the course more enjoyable and memorable. Remember to agree on the rules and stakes before starting the round and, most importantly, have fun with your friends on the fairways!
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