Whenever someone on the first tee mentions a gambling game, I shuffle my feet, reach into my pocket, check the money clip and say something to the effect of, “Let me know what I owe at the end.”
Some games are fun; some are confusing; some require a business degree and others are simple. If you’re a player who needs something on the line to keep things interesting, you likely have a favorite game or two to suggest each round. Here are a few I recall. Perhaps you’ve played them or have another name for one. Perhaps I’ve donated to your child’s college fund while in your group.
Whatever the case, read responsibly.
GRUESOMES
How: This is the opposite of two-man best ball because each team decides what tee shot the other team must use.
Why: It’s a good way to rile an opponent who is shaky off the tee.
Personal: An appropriately named game for my overall game.
BISQUE
How: Players can use their handicap strokes on any hole until they run out, with a two-stroke minimum per hole. The handicap stroke (or two) must be declared before the tee shot on that hole, and the player with the low net score wins the pot.
Why: Good for players who struggle on a particular hole.
Personal: Every hole is a struggle for me.
WOLF
How: Players rotate being the wolf, which allows a player on his hole to choose a partner or play his own ball. The wolf can’t wait until all three players have hit, though. If he wants to partner with the first guy off the tee, he must declare that after the tee shot. The side with the lowest better-ball score wins the hole. If the wolf thinks he can win the hole on his own after everyone’s tee shot, he says so before hitting and wins or loses triple the points. The player with the most points at the end of the round is the winner.
Why: A good way to find out what your partners really think about your game.
Personal: Why does everyone intentionally hit bad tee shots when I’m the wolf?
QUOTA
How: Each player takes his handicap and subtracts that number from 36, which becomes the point quota to make. Typical scoring is one point for a bogey, two for a par, four for a birdie and eight for an eagle. The player with the most points above his quota wins a predetermined pot.
Why: Birdies mean more than usual to the average golfer.
Personal: What’s a birdie?
STRIKE THREE
How: Each player gets to throw out his score on three holes, with the best 15-hole score winning the pot.
Why: This is fun for players who typically have a few blow-up holes each round.
Personal: Is there a game called Strike 18?
LET IT RIDE
How: A typical point distribution is five for a bogey, 15 for a par, 30 for a birdie and 60 for an eagle. After earning points on a hole, players have the option of banking the amount or “letting it ride,” meaning the points are doubled for the next hole. But if a player taking that option makes a double bogey or worse, his non-banked points revert to zero. Banked points can’t be taken away and are credited at the end of the round. Players with the highest point totals are paid a predetermined amount for every point they’ve earned in relation to the other players.
Why: Someone in the group is a math nerd and can’t help himself.
Personal: Is there an ATM nearby?
