There’s no wrong time to brush up on the rules of a friendly wager. Whether it’s a regular weekend match or a last-minute round with new faces, knowing your way around the most popular golf betting games can make things a lot more interesting.
Nassau
Probably the most common betting game, and one of the easiest to understand. A Nassau has three payouts: one for the low front 9, one for the low back 9, and one for the total 18. When someone mentions a “$5 Nassau,” each of those three bets is worth $5.
It’s a versatile format that pairs well with many other side bets, including the press.
What Is a Press in Golf?
A press in golf is a side bet that gives a losing team or player a chance to even things up mid-match. Think of it as a “double or nothing” wager that runs concurrently with the original bet.
Presses are most common in Nassau formats and usually get triggered when a player or team is two holes down in match play. Once a press is called, a new bet begins for the remaining holes, while the original match continues. If the pressing team wins this new wager, they can offset their earlier losses, though multiple presses can escalate stakes quickly.
Pressing keeps things interesting and gives trailing players a mental reset. Used strategically, it can completely change the dynamic of a back nine.
The Aloha Press Golf Bet
The Aloha Press adds speed and suspense to standard pressing rules. Unlike a typical press, which must be called manually, the Aloha Press triggers automatically when a team goes two down. Some versions raise the stakes again if the pressing team wins the very next hole, making for a fun, high-risk twist.
You can play the Aloha Press on its own or layer it into a traditional Nassau. Either way, it guarantees more action and often more laughter.
Note on "Forward Press"
A forward press in golf refers to a swing setup move, not a betting term. It typically involves a slight forward lean of the hands before initiating the backswing, intended to encourage better ball striking. It’s unrelated to wagering or scoring.
Wolf
In Wolf, one player per hole is designated as the “wolf” and must choose whether to play solo (as the lone wolf) or pick a partner after seeing tee shots. It’s a game for three or four players that mixes strategy, risk-taking, and a bit of psychology.
Four-player version
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Lone wolf wins = 3 points
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Lone wolf loses = all others get 1 point each
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Choose a partner = 2v2, 1 point per player on the winning team
Three-player version
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Always 2v1
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Solo win = 2 points
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Team win = 1 point per player
Sixes (or Hollywood)
This four-player game involves rotating partners every six holes, breaking the round into three 6-hole 2v2 matches. Each six-hole segment is scored independently, making every shot matter and every pairing memorable, for better or worse.
Foursomes
A classic 2v2 alternate shot format, also known as “alternate shot”, that’s more about teamwork than individual heroics. It’s often seen in Ryder Cup-style formats and is a faster way to play a four-player round.
Note: Fourball is the variation where each player plays their own ball and the best score per team is counted.
Rabbit
A simple side bet that works well within other games. The first player to win a hole outright (no ties) captures the rabbit. The rabbit remains in that player’s possession until someone else wins a hole. Whoever holds the rabbit at the 9th and/or 18th hole collects a set payout.
Vegas
This math-heavy 2v2 game can lead to big swings. After each hole, teammates’ scores are combined into a two-digit number (lower score goes first). So, a 3 and a 5 becomes 35.
At the end, subtract the winning team’s total from the losing teams and settle up based on a per-point value. The potential for large differences makes this a thrilling, and sometimes painful, game.
5-3-1
Perfect for a three-player group:
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Lowest score = 5 points
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Second lowest = 3 points
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Highest = 1 point
Ties split points. For example, a tie for lowest gets 4 points each [(5+3)/2]. Keep track of points and either assign a dollar value or pay out at the end.
Snake
Snake is all about putting under pressure. Every time a player three-putts, a set dollar amount is added to the pot. The payout can go to the player with the fewest three-putts, or the last person to commit the offense—rules vary by group.
It’s one of the best ways to simulate tournament tension on the greens.
Pick Up Sticks
Looking to inject some chaos into your round? In Pick Up Sticks, whenever a player or team wins a hole, they get to remove one club from the opponent’s bag. That club can’t be used for the rest of the round.
Some groups make the putter untouchable, others don’t. Either way, this one’s not for the ultra-serious.
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Next time your usual match starts to feel stale, try mixing in one of these games. From low-stakes laughs to high-tension presses, there’s a golf betting format here for everyone.
See you on the links.
