Golf Side Games
Add excitement to your round with classic golf betting games. Buddies on the Green automatically tracks scores and calculates settlements.
Sign Up Free to Get StartedSign Up FreeAutomatic Calculations
Scores calculated in real-time as you play
Handicap Support
GROSS or NET scoring for fair competition
Settlement Tracking
See exactly who owes what at round end
What Are Golf Side Games?
Golf side games are small games and friendly wagers layered on top of your round to make every hole matter. Instead of only counting your total score, you compete hole-by-hole or in mini-matches — for points, drinks, or small stakes. They keep everyone in the group engaged from the first tee to the last putt, and they level the playing field so a high-handicapper can still win the day.
The catch has always been the math. Tracking a Nassau, a few Skins, and a Wolf game at once is a headache with a pencil and scorecard. Buddies on the Green calculates every game automatically as you play — including fair NET scoring for mixed-handicap groups — and shows exactly who owes what at the end. Pick a game below to learn the rules.
Choose Your Game
Nassau
The Classic Three-Bet Game
Three separate bets in one: Front 9, Back 9, and Overall 18. The most popular golf betting game because you can always win the back nine!
Skins
Winner Takes All
Win a hole outright, win the skin. Ties carry over to the next hole, building up dramatic pots. One of the most exciting formats in golf.
Match Play
Head-to-Head Battle
Compete hole-by-hole against your opponent. Win the hole, win a point. Supports both individual (1v1) and team (2v2) formats.
Wolf
Strategic Partnership Game
Each hole, one player is the Wolf who picks a partner or goes solo against the group. Risk vs reward decisions on every tee box.
Banker
Rotating House Game
One player is the "house" each hole and bets against the field. Features multiple betting phases and multiplier options.
Snake
Avoid the Three-Putt
Three-putt and you hold the snake. The player holding it at the end pays everyone. Encourages solid putting under pressure.
Nines
Point Distribution Game
Nine points distributed each hole (5-3-1) based on scores. Perfect for threesomes. Also known as "5-3-1" or "9 Points".
Sixes
Round Robin Partners
Partners rotate every 6 holes so everyone plays with everyone. Great for groups of 4 who want fair matchups throughout.
Vegas
Team Score Showdown
Two-person teams combine scores to create a two-digit number. Lower combined number wins the point differential.
Bingo Bango Bongo
First, Closest, In
Three points per hole: first on green, closest pin, first to hole out. Event-based scoring — no strokes counted.
Train
Ride the Streak
Board with a par, earn points hole-by-hole, lose everything if you derail. Pure momentum drama from start to finish.
Golf Side Games FAQ
What are golf side games?
Golf side games are small games or friendly wagers layered on top of your regular round to make every hole matter. Instead of just counting your total score, you compete hole-by-hole or in mini-matches — like Nassau, Skins, or Wolf — for points, bragging rights, or small stakes. They keep higher-handicap players in the action all day and add a little drama to ordinary rounds.
What is the most popular golf betting game?
Nassau is the most popular golf betting game. It splits the round into three separate bets — the front nine, the back nine, and the overall 18 — so even if you lose the front, you can still win the back nine and the overall. Skins and Match Play are close behind in popularity.
How many players do I need to play side games?
It depends on the game. Nassau, Skins, Match Play, and Banker work with as few as two players. Wolf, Vegas, and Bingo Bango Bongo shine with a foursome. Nines (also called 5-3-1) is built for a threesome. Buddies on the Green tells you which games fit your group size when you set up a round.
Do I have to play side games for money?
No. Side games work just as well for points, drinks, or pure bragging rights. The app tracks the standings and settlements either way — you decide whether anything is on the line.
Can players with different handicaps play side games fairly?
Yes. Buddies on the Green supports both GROSS and NET scoring for side games. With NET scoring, each player's course handicap is applied and strokes are allocated by hole difficulty, so a 20-handicap can compete fairly against a 5-handicap.
Does the app calculate who owes what?
Yes. As you enter scores, the app calculates each side game in real time and shows the running standings. At the end of the round it produces a clear settlement summary — exactly who owes whom — so there's no math or arguing on the 18th green.
Ready to Add Some Competition?
Join Buddies on the Green to track your side games automatically. We'll handle the math so you can focus on your game.