Golf Course Games

24 Fun Golf Course Games

Golf is more than just hitting balls—it’s about having fun, challenging yourself, and laughing with friends. Here’s a detailed guide on 24 popular golf course games and exactly how to play each one.

1. Scramble – All players tee off on each hole. Pick the best shot among the group. Every player hits their next shot from that spot. Repeat until the hole is finished. Record the team’s score. Works best with 2–4 players per team.

2. Best Ball (Four-Ball) – Each player plays their own ball for the entire hole. After finishing, the lowest score of the team counts as the team’s score for that hole. Repeat for each hole. Everyone gets a chance to contribute individually.

3. Bingo Bango Bongo – Award points for three achievements per hole: first player on the green (Bingo), closest to the pin once on the green (Bango), and first player to hole out (Bongo). Keep track of points for the round.

4. Wolf – Rotate the Wolf each hole. The Wolf tees off first, then decides whether to partner with one player or go alone. If the Wolf goes alone, they earn double points if they win the hole. Count points each hole to see who wins.

5. Skins – Each hole is a “skin” worth a set number of points or money. Player with the lowest score wins the skin. If there’s a tie, the skin carries over to the next hole. Continue until the round ends.

6. Long Drive Contest – Choose a hole, usually a par 5. Each player hits their tee shot. Measure distance from the tee to where the ball comes to rest. The longest drive wins.

7. Closest to the Pin Contest – On par 3 holes, each player hits their tee shot. Measure distance from the pin. The closest ball to the hole wins the point or prize.

8. Alternate Shot (Foursomes) – Two players share one ball. Player A tees off, Player B hits the second shot, and they alternate until the ball is holed. Repeat for all holes. Team score counts per hole.

9. Around the World – Choose multiple holes as “stations.” Players must reach the green in par or better at each station. Failure to do so means starting over or adding a penalty. First player to complete all stations wins.

10. Nassau – Split the round into three separate bets: front nine, back nine, and total 18 holes. Players or teams win each segment based on score. Points or money can be assigned to each bet.

11. One Club Challenge – Each player chooses only one club for the entire round. Tee shots, fairway shots, chips, and putts must all be played with that club. Most creative or lowest score wins.

12. Reverse Bingo Bango Bongo – Instead of rewarding normal achievements, give points for unusual ones: last player on the green (Bingo), furthest from the pin (Bango), and last to hole out (Bongo). Keep track of points.

13. Match Play – Players or teams compete hole by hole. Whoever has the lower score on a hole wins that hole. Ties result in no points. Player or team winning the most holes at the end of the round wins.

14. Bingo 2.0 (Par Points) – Assign points for par performance: birdie = 3 points, par = 2 points, bogey = 1 point, double bogey = 0. Tally points each hole. Player or team with the most points wins.

15. Pick Your Partner (Texas Scramble) – Each player picks a partner each hole. Teams do a two-player scramble on that hole. Score the team. Partners can change each hole, adding variety.

16. Speed Golf Challenge – Each player keeps track of their strokes and total time. The score is the sum of strokes plus minutes played. Lowest combined score wins. Encourages fast play and fitness.

17. Horse (Golf Version) – Like basketball HORSE. One player attempts a creative shot (e.g., trick chip, unusual lie). Other players must replicate the shot. Failure earns a letter. First to spell H-O-R-S-E loses.

18. Bingo Bango Bongo Handicap Version – Same as standard Bingo Bango Bongo, but each player’s points are adjusted based on handicap to level the playing field. Record points each hole.

19. Target Golf – Place markers or cones in fairway or on greens. Players earn points for landing within the target area. Can be done for tee shots, approach shots, or putts. Highest total points wins.

20. Color Ball Challenge – Assign each player a unique colored ball. Track achievements (first on green, closest to pin, holed out first) using points. Makes it easy to identify balls and track scores.

21. Low Ball / High Ball – On selected holes, record the lowest or highest drive or shot. Longest or shortest distance wins points. Encourages creative play and bragging rights.

22. Par 3 Roulette – On par 3 holes, assign random challenges like hitting one-handed, using a different club, or starting from a different tee. Players attempt the challenge; points or penalties awarded.

23. Ghost Hole – Pick a hole where players cannot see the green directly (e.g., hidden by trees or terrain). Players must judge distance and direction using markers, GPS, or feel. Closest to pin wins.

24. Team Point Series – Award points for various achievements: closest drive, longest putt, birdie, par, etc. At the end of the round, sum all points. Team or player with most points wins.

Tips for making golf games more fun: mix games during a round, keep stakes light (small prizes or drinks), match games to your group’s skill level, and focus on fun over perfection.