Game Guide

Golf Game Formats

12 real golf games with proper rules — not simplified versions or approximations. The real thing.

Every game, done right.

Mix and match any combination. Enter scores once, every game updates automatically.

Skins

2+ Players

Each hole is worth a "skin." The low score on a hole wins it outright. If there's a tie, the skin carries over to the next hole, building a jackpot. A clean win on a carried hole can be worth multiple skins.

Greenies

2+ Players

On par-3 holes, the player whose tee shot lands closest to the pin — and who goes on to make par or better — wins a Greenie. A side game that rewards accuracy off the tee.

Nassau

2 or 4 Players

Three separate bets in one: the front 9, the back 9, and the overall 18. Each is scored as a match play competition. One of the most popular golf game formats in the world.

Best Ball

4 Players

Two teams of two. Each player plays their own ball, and the best (lowest) score on each hole counts for the team. Teams compete hole by hole in match play format.

Wolf

3–4 Players

Players rotate as the "Wolf" each hole. After watching each player tee off, the Wolf chooses a partner — or goes it alone as a "Lone Wolf." Points are won or lost based on whether the Wolf's side has the best ball on the hole.

Hammer

2 or 4 Players

A match play format where either side can "hammer" the other at any point, doubling the current stake. The opposing side must accept or concede. Adds significant pressure and strategy to every hole.

Las Vegas

4 Players

Two-man teams combine their scores into a two-digit number (lower score first). The difference between teams determines the payout. Includes the birdie flip — a birdie lets you flip the opponent's scores to their disadvantage — and an eagle doubles the entire hole's value.

COD / 6-6-6

4 Players

A rotating format where the scoring method changes every 6 holes — keeping every part of the round interesting. In BetCaddie, COD is always played as Best Ball, with teams rotating across the three 6-hole segments.

Amigos

3+ Players

Similar to Las Vegas but with rotating partners each hole and escalating point values as the round progresses. The shifting alliances and growing stakes make every hole matter — especially on the back nine.

5-3-1

3 Players

Each hole is worth 9 points, distributed 5-3-1 based on finish order. First place earns 5, second earns 3, third earns 1. A great equalizer for 3-player groups — everyone always earns something.

5-Point Scotch

4 Players

Two teams of two, playing for five points a hole: 2 for low ball (the best individual score), 2 for low total (the two scores combined), and 1 for closest to the pin — awarded to the nearest ball that finds the green in regulation. Turn on the optional birdie bonus for an extra point, and sweeping all five doubles what the hole is worth.

Left-Left Right-Right

4 Players

Your tee shots pick the teams. The two players whose drives finish left pair up against the two who go right, so partnerships are decided fresh on every hole by where the balls actually end up. There's no rotation and no guarantee of balance — you might ride with the same partner three holes running, or never team up with someone all round. One flat wager per hole, played as a two-on-two match.

Mix and match any combination.

BetCaddie tracks every format simultaneously. Enter scores once and every game updates automatically.

Popular Combinations

Skins and Greenies pair naturally with any of the group games — Nassau, Best Ball, Las Vegas, or COD. They add individual incentives on top of team competition. For 3-player groups, Wolf and 5-3-1 are the standout formats. In a full foursome, 5-Point Scotch runs two fixed teams chasing points on every hole, while Left-Left Right-Right hands the pairings over to your tee shots.

Automatic Payout Calculations

At the end of the round, BetCaddie combines all active games and shows the minimum number of transactions to settle everything. No mental math required.

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