Vegas

Play 2v2, own ball (fixed partners, or a rotating version where the two drives farthest left pair up against the two farthest right). Instead of adding scores, put the lower score first to form a two-digit number: 4 and 5 = 45. The team with the lower number wins the hole and collects the difference in points. Handicaps are commonly 100% off the low handicapper. Agree a per-point value first; 25 cents keeps a bad day near $30, $1 per point gets expensive.

55 vs 46 = 9 points to the 46 team. Flip the bird: a natural birdie forces the opponents' number to be written high digit first (4-7 becomes 74, so 34 vs 74 = 40 points); if both partners birdie, some groups flip and double (33 vs 74 = 41, doubled to 82). A score of 10 or more goes first (5 and 10 = 105). Settle low point total paying high, third paying second, times the per-point value.

• Daytona: par protects the low digit. If at least one partner makes par or better the low score leads (4-5 = 45); if neither makes par the high score leads (5-6 = 65), so points pile up fast
• Newtown: the two middle drives are partners
• 3-player Vegas: the solo player's score is doubled (5 = 55; a birdie 3 = 33)
• Junk: 4 points for greenies, sandies, birdies and longest fairway drive on par 5s
• After 16 holes the trailing player sets the order and may double, triple or quadruple points
• Agreed loss caps
• Birdie flip

• One partner's blow-up is what kills you, so play for bogey when in trouble
• Agree the flip and 10-plus rules before teeing off
• Keep the per-point value small; swings of 40-80 points happen
• Blow-up holes cost double figures; play safe
• Agree a cap per hole