18 Fun Golf Games to Play With Friends
November 11, 2025
By Kyle Moss
Golf is fun. But sometimes, when you’ve been playing the same golf course with the same friends, things can get a little stagnant. That’s why incorporating some different golf course games could be just what your next round – or next shot – needs.
If you’ve spent any time on the links or watching golf on TV, you probably already know about the standard stroke play, match play, and skins game formats. Not to mention The Ryder Cup, which has taught golfers plenty about games like Foursomes — aka alternate shot — and Four-ball, which requires big swings and low scores from both team members.
But there are dozens more fun games with golf-centric strategies and themes you can play to further enjoy a round of golf with friends or family at your local muni. Some where skill is the name of the game and others where luck could carry you to victory, with plenty in between.
This list below with 15 (or so) fun golf games to play with friends has suggestions for all ages and skill levels, some revolving around betting and others designed to help you play your best golf. And, let’s be honest, many of them have funny names. Check it out!
1. Scramble
A crowd favorite for team play, the Scramble lets everyone contribute. Each player tees off, and the team picks the best shot. Everyone then hits from that spot, and that process continues until the ball’s in the hole. Big hitters give your team an edge off the tee, but sharp short games and clutch putting usually make the difference.
2. Best Ball
In Best Ball, each player plays their own ball for the hole, and the team uses the lowest score between the two. It’s great for teams of four split into pairs, and can be played as stroke play or match play.
Solo version: One player? No problem. Play two or three balls yourself and only count your best score; it’s great practice and surprisingly fun.
Also Try: Worst Ball. For a tougher twist, count your worst score instead. It’s humbling, but makes you better fast.
3. Snake
This one’s simple — and sneaky. Set a bet at the start. Every time someone 3-putts, they become the Snake. If another player 3-putts, they take over the title. Whoever’s the Snake at the end of the round pays up. Taking three putts on one green has never hurt so badly.
4. Wolf
A good game to play with four players, Wolf rotates who tees off last each hole. That player, the “Wolf,” decides whether to team up with someone after seeing their shots or go solo as the Lone Wolf against the other three players. Every hole is a strategy call, and the goal is to rack up the most points by round’s end because the golfer with the most points wins.
5. Rabbit
Catch the Rabbit and try to keep it. The first player to win a hole “captures” the Rabbit. When another player wins a hole, the Rabbit goes free until someone else catches it again. The player holding the Rabbit after the last hole wins. Perfect for families or lighthearted competition.
6. Dots (a.k.a Garbage)
A flexible, customizable points game. Players earn points or “dots” for achievements like hitting the fairway, sinking long putts, or making birdies on any given hole. Create your own scoring rules before you start, tally points after each hole, and see who racks up the most dots on the most holes by the end.
7. Bingo Bango Bongo
A perfect equalizer for mixed-skill groups. Each hole offers three points: First on the green (Bingo). Closest to the pin once all are on (Bango). First to hole out (Bongo). Highest score wins after 18 holes, no pressure to be the longest hitter here.
8. Nassau
Divide your round into three matches: front nine, back nine, and total score. Each section awards points and is usually worth one point (or one bet). You can win two out of three, or go for the sweep if you have your perfect game that day.
9. Sixes (a.k.a Round Robin)
Great for foursomes that like variety, pairing players up with someone new every six holes, so everyone teams up with each other once. You can mix in any format like best ball, skins, or stroke play for each six hole segment.
Also Try: 3 in 1. Play one round with variety built in. Teams stay the same, but the format changes every six holes. Example: first six as Best Ball, next six as Low Ball–Low Total, last six as Scramble. Keeps everyone on their toes and guarantees a fresh feel from one hole to the next hole.
10. Stableford
A scoring system that rewards good holes and forgives bad ones. Instead of counting strokes, you earn points: 1 for bogey, 2 for par, 3 for birdie, 4 for eagle, and 5 for a hole-in-one. The highest total wins.
Also Try: Murphys. Similar setup, but you lose points for bogeys and worse (stay away from double bogeys!). Birdies and eagles earn big bonuses. It’s risk-reward golf at its finest and could definitely reward aggressive play.
11. Vegas
Two-player teams combine their scores for each hole, placing the lower number first (e.g., a 4 and a 6 = 46), and the team with the lower score wins the hole. Compare totals against the other team and bet based on the point difference. A few rough holes can swing this game fast, making it high stakes and lots of laughs—just like a trip to Las Vegas!
12. Stringball
Give each player a length of string equal to their handicap (a 10-handicap gets 10 feet). You can move your ball using the string — out of hazards, bad lies, or even to sink a short putt — cutting off however much you use. Earn back string for birdies. It’s clever, chaotic, and competitive.
13. Ghost
Perfect for a threesome. The weakest player gets paired with an imaginary “Ghost” who makes par on every hole to add the team’s score. The other two team up against the Ghost team. It’s balanced, simple, and keeps things interesting.
14. Nines
Each hole is worth nine points, distributed by performance. Example: birdie–par–bogey earns 5–3–1 points. If players tie they split the difference. It’s fast-moving and great for small groups.
15. Lagging
All about distance control and short game skills. Once everyone’s on the green, points go to the players closest to the pin: 3, 2, 1, and 0 in order. Add them up at the end to crown your best lag putter.
16. One-Putt Poker
Assign a dollar value (like $2) to a 3-putt. Each 3-putt adds to the pot. Whenever someone 1-putts, they earn a playing card. The player with the best poker hand at the end of the round wins the pot. Sink putts, win cards, collect cash.
17. Greenies
Played only on par-3s. The player whose tee shot lands closest to the pin (on the green) wins the “greenie.” You can play for points or cash, just agree on the value before teeing off. Add carryovers for more drama.
18. Low Ball – Low Total
Players compete in teams of two, where each hole has two points up for grabs: one for the lowest individual score (Low Ball) and one for the lowest combined team total (Low Total). No points for ties. Highest team score wins.
Also Try: Low Ball – High Ball — Same setup, but the second point goes to the team with the lower score of the high scores. Keeps everyone in the mix, even if you’re not the star of the hole.
Whether you’re chasing skins or dodging the Snake, golf games bring people together and make every round more fun. No pros needed—just your crew and a good attitude.
Pick a game, hit the tee, and when you’re ready to play, book it fast and easy with GolfNow. Book today >
