When you're on a golf trip with friends or family, adding some fun and competitive golf games can elevate the experience, making it more memorable and engaging. Whether you’re looking to spice up your regular rounds or want something new to challenge your group, here are some of the best golf games to play on a golf trip:
1. Skins
How it works: Skins is a classic game that adds excitement to every hole. Each hole is worth a "skin" or point, and whoever wins the hole outright net of handicap earns the skin. If no one wins the hole outright (if there’s a tie), the skin carries over to the next hole, making it more valuable.
Why it’s great for a trip: It keeps every hole competitive, and even if you’re having a bad round, you can come back strong by winning a few skins later in the game. Plus, it adds a lot of tension and fun to each shot, especially when the skins accumulate.
2. Scramble
How it works:Â In a scramble, all players tee off, and the best shot is selected. From there, everyone hits from that same spot, and the process continues until the ball is in the hole. Scrambles are typically played in teams of 2, 3, or 4 players.
Why it’s great for a trip: It’s a fantastic team game that lets everyone contribute, even if some players have higher handicaps. It’s great for golfers of all skill levels, allowing for collaboration and fun, relaxed play.
3. Best Ball
How it works: In a Best Ball format, everyone plays their own ball throughout the round, but only the best score on each hole from a team is counted. If you’re playing in a group of 2 or 4, this means your team can pick the lowest score from the players on each hole.
Why it’s great for a trip: Like Scramble, Best Ball lets everyone on the team contribute but still allows for individual play. It's perfect for competitive groups with varying skill levels because stronger players can carry the team on tougher holes while everyone still gets to play their own ball.
4. Nassau
How it works:Â Nassau is essentially three separate bets in one round: the front nine, the back nine, and the overall 18 holes. You can win each segment separately, which keeps the game competitive throughout the round.
Why it’s great for a trip: It allows players to have a fresh start on the back nine, even if they had a rough front nine. The segmented nature of the game keeps players motivated, and it’s easy to adjust the stakes or format for different skill levels.
5. Wolf
How it works:Â Wolf is a rotation-based game where players take turns being the 'wolf.' Players select an order that then rotates throughout the round, with the wolf the last to tee off. The wolf watches everyone tee off and chooses the play for the hole. Lowest net score for the hole wins. The options are:
Partner: After watching tee shots the wolf chooses a partner and they play the hole together. If they win they both players earn points (e.g. 1 pts). If they lose the other non-wolf players receive the points. Â
Solo Wolf: If the Wolf chooses to play alone and wins, they earn more points (e.g. 2 points.)Â
Lone Wolf: If the Wolf chooses to be a Lone Wolf, which must be declared before any tee shots are taken and wins, they earn triple points (e.g. 3 points)Â
Ties: If the hole is tied, it's considered a wash and no points carry over.
Why it’s great for a trip: It’s a strategic game with plenty of opportunities for big swings in points, especially when a player chooses to go it alone. It’s fast-paced and keeps everyone engaged throughout the round. This game can also be played with 3 players making it a great option if there are some odd numbered groups.
6. Stableford or Quota
How it works:Â In a Stableford format, players are awarded points based on their scores relative to par. The scoring typically works as follows:
1 point for bogey
2 points for par
3 points for birdie
4 points for eagle
0 points for worse than bogey.
In quota format players are assigned a number of points that they need to accumulate based on their handicap. The general formula is take the players course handicap (can be found in the GHIN app when adding player to the selected course in the GHIN app) and subtract it from 36. For example a player with a course handicap of 12 would need to make 24 points over the course of 18 holes. Then compare the quota points achieved + or - to their required amount to determine the winnner.
Why it’s great for a trip: Stableford allows for aggressive play since poor shots don’t penalize you as much, and it keeps golfers of varying skill levels competitive. This format is especially good for casual or social golfers since it rewards risk-taking. Quota helps pace of play where the hole is over once bogey is exceeded.
7. Vegas
How it works: In Vegas, two-player teams compete against one another, but the scoring is a little different. Instead of combining their scores, the two players' scores are paired together to create a two-digit number. For example, if Player A scores 4 and Player B scores 5, the team’s score for that hole is 45. The lowest score wins the hole, and points are awarded accordingly.
Why it’s great for a trip: The scoring format keeps things interesting because a small mistake can quickly become a big problem. It also gives lower-handicap players an advantage, but there’s always the chance for a comeback.
8. Bingo, Bango, Bongo
How it works:Â This game awards points for three different accomplishments on each hole:
Bingo:Â The first player to reach the green.
Bango:Â The player closest to the pin once everyone is on the green.
Bongo:Â The first player to hole out.
Player with the most points at the end of the round wins the pool.
Why it’s great for a trip: This is a fun game that doesn’t rely solely on score. It can level the playing field between golfers of varying skill levels and adds a lot of fun and competitiveness to each shot.
9. Closest to the Pin (CTP)
How it works:Â This is a simple competition where players try to land their ball closest to the hole on a par-3 or designated hole. Whoever hits the closest shot wins a prize or bragging rights.
Why it’s great for a trip: Closest to the Pin is a quick, fun way to add some extra competition on certain holes. It’s a great side game to play during the round and can be played in conjunction with any other format.
10. Team Match Play (Four Ball or Best Ball)
How it works: Each player plays their own ball throughout the hole. The team then records the lowest score achieved and the team with the lowest score wins the hole. In the event of a tie the players move to the next hole. A team wins when it acquires a lead that cannot be overcome by the opposing team. For example is team A is up 2 holes and there is only one hole to play, team B cannot win the match and team A is declared the winner 2 and 1 (up 2 with 1 hole to play.)
Why it’s great for a trip: It’s a great format for head-to-head competition and provides chances for comebacks. Since you only need to focus on winning each hole rather than worrying about the entire round’s score, it’s a popular format for competitive but fun golf trips. The format also adds an exciting strategic element for the captain, there is a lot of consideration about which players pair well together and provide the best matchup against an opposing team.
10. Bonus game for a group of 3 - Nines (aka 5-3-1)
Only have 3 players?? Here is a simple game for groups of 3 golfers. Easy to keep track of and keeps the competition flowing. Per the name - there are 9 points available on each hole. Best score gets 5, followed by 3 and highest score receiving 1 point. Player with the most points at the end of the round wins. Of course there will likely be some ties. When a single player has the low score they receive 5 points and the other two each get 2 points. If two players have the low score they each get 4 points and the high score receives 1. If all three players tie, they each receive 3 points. Enjoy your next round and let us know how it went or add some of your favorite games in the comments.
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