Golf Betting Rules & Etiquette

Nassau Bets

The Nassau is the most popular golf bet in the world. It's actually three bets in one: front 9, back 9, and overall 18. Each is played as match play.

How it works: Agree on a per-bet amount (e.g., $5). That means $5 on the front, $5 on the back, and $5 on the overall — $15 total at stake. Each segment is scored hole by hole in match play format.

Pressing

A press is a new side bet that starts when one player falls behind by a set number of holes (usually 2). It's like a "double or nothing" for the remaining holes in that 9.

• Auto-press: A press is automatically triggered when you fall 2 down (or whatever threshold you agree on)
• Manual press: The trailing player chooses when to press
• Press limit: Some groups cap the number of presses to control exposure

Typical Nassau Stakes

Calculate your Nassau bets →

Skins Games

Each hole has a set monetary value (a "skin"). The player with the lowest score wins that hole's skin outright. Ties carry the value forward to the next hole.

Carryover rules: With carryover, tied holes roll their value to the next hole. A $5 skin game with 3 carried holes means the next winner takes $20. Without carryover, tied holes are simply voided.

Settlement: Each player contributes equally to the pot. At the end, winners collect from those who won less than their share. Net settlements simplify the payouts.

Calculate skins payouts →

Common Side Bets

These can run alongside any main bet or format. They add extra excitement to individual holes and shots.

• Closest to the pin (CTP): On par 3s, the tee shot closest to the pin wins. Usually $2-5 per hole.
• Long drive: On designated holes (usually wide par 4s/5s), the longest drive in the fairway wins.
• Birdie/Eagle bonuses: A set payout for any birdie (e.g., $2 from each player) or eagle ($5 from each).
• Greenies: On par 3s, hitting the green off the tee and making par or better wins.

Dots, Trash & Junk

These are small bonus bets that reward specific achievements during the round. They're usually $1-2 each and paid by all other players.

• Sandy: Making par or better from a greenside bunker
• Poley: One-putting from outside a set distance (usually 15+ feet)
• Chippy: Chipping in from off the green
• Barky: Making par after hitting a tree
• Ferret: Making par or better from off the green without putting

Wolf

Wolf is a 4-player game where the "wolf" rotates each hole. After watching each player tee off (in order), the wolf chooses a partner or goes "lone wolf" for double stakes.

How it works: Players rotate the wolf position. After each player tees off, the wolf can immediately pick that player as their partner (before seeing the next tee shot). If the wolf doesn't pick anyone, they go it alone — 1 vs 3 for double the payout.

Best for: Groups of exactly 4. Creates interesting strategic decisions and shifting alliances throughout the round.

Settlement Etiquette

• Pay promptly. Settle up immediately after the round or at the 19th hole. Don't make people chase you.
• Track digitally. Verbal agreements get forgotten. Use an app or at minimum a group text to confirm amounts.
• Net settlements. If Player A owes Player B $10 and Player B owes Player A $6, settle the net ($4). This simplifies multi-bet payouts.
• Agree before the round. All bets, rules, and stakes should be confirmed on the first tee, not after the round.
• No shaming. Keep stakes at a level everyone is comfortable with. The goal is fun and competition, not financial stress.

Tips for Your Group

• Start small. If your group is new to betting, start with $2-5 Nassau and build from there.
• Use handicaps. For mixed skill levels, apply handicap strokes to keep bets fair.
• Cap your exposure. Set a maximum loss limit. No one should feel anxious about how much they might owe.
• Mix it up. Rotate between Nassau, skins, and side bets to keep every round fresh.
• Automate the math. Manual tracking leads to disputes. Use calculators or an app to keep things transparent.