Nassau
Also called 2-2-2, 5-5-5, Best Nassau
Three match-play bets in one: front nine, back nine and overall 18, with presses for double-or-nothing.
2-4 players · best with 2, 4Betting GamesEasy to scoreMoney game
How to play →Betting Games
Banker
Also called Bankers, The Bank, Hawk, Banker Game
A rotating banker tees off last and plays a separate cash match against each other player.
- Players
- 3-6 players, best with 4-5
- Play as
- One vs. the group
- Scorekeeping
- Medium
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money game
- Type
- Betting Games
How to play
Choose a banker on the first tee; the banker always tees off last. Before the banker hits, each other player declares a bet against the banker within agreed limits (for example, $1 minimum, $5 maximum), creating separate 1v1 matches on that hole. A player may press (double) after their own tee shot but before the banker hits; the banker may press back after teeing off but must press the whole group. The low score on the hole becomes the next banker; ties go to the first to hole out (or longest putt made).
Scoring
The banker wins or loses each match individually, so a hot banker collects from everyone and a cold one pays everyone. Each player's exposure is their own declared bet times any presses.
Variations
- No maximum; the banker calls the max at the start of each hole
- Fixed banker rotation instead of low score
- Carry over winnings like skins
- Gross or net play
- Defender is the related 3-player 1v2 game; some groups call this family Hawk
- No maximum: the Banker sets it
- Banker may double any bet after seeing tee shots
- Tie-break by longest putt on the previous green
Tips
- Bet big against a banker who is in trouble off the tee
- Carry cash and agree caps; the stakes can get uncomfortable fast
- Banker should press only when clearly ahead
- Appoint a scorekeeper who likes maths
- Bet big against a Banker in trouble off the tee
You set your own risk every hole and can gang up on a wobbling banker.
Works with
Each link opens every game that works for that number of players.
Related games
Skins
Also called Skins Game, Cuts, Syndicates
Each hole is worth a skin; outright low score wins it, ties carry the value forward.
2+ players · best with 3-5Betting GamesEveryone for themselvesEasy to scoreMoney game
How to play →Wolf
Also called Wolf Match, Lone Wolf, Wolfman
Rotating Wolf watches drives, then picks a partner or goes it alone against everyone for bigger points.
3-5 players · best with 4Betting GamesRotating partnersMedium to scoreMoney game
How to play →Vegas
Also called Las Vegas, Daytona
Partners' scores are paired into a two-digit number; the difference between teams is the points won.
4 players only · best with 4Betting GamesPartners (2 v 2)Medium to scoreMoney game
How to play →Sources
Rules reflect the version most groups play, cross-checked across these sources. House rules vary; agree yours on the first tee.
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