Golf Side Games for Casual Foursomes: Fun Ways to Spice Up Your Round

Whether you're out on the course with longtime friends or new golfing buddies, casual rounds can sometimes feel a bit routine. Adding side games to your outing is a fantastic way to infuse some friendly competition, create memorable moments, and keep everyone engaged regardless of skill level. Here are some of the best golf side games tailored for casual foursomes that add excitement without the pressure.

1. Skins Game: Simple and Competitive

The Skins Game is a classic golf side game that's easy to understand and perfect for all skill levels. Each hole is assigned a monetary value or point value known as a "skin." The player who wins the hole outright claims the skin. If two or more players tie for the lowest score on a hole, the skin carries over to the next hole, making it more valuable.

How to Play

• Agree on a stake or point value per skin before starting.
• Play your round as usual.
• The player with the lowest score on a hole wins that skin.
• If a hole is tied, the skin carries over to the next hole.

Why It's Great for Casual Foursomes

The Skins Game keeps everyone invested in every hole, even if they have a bad start. It encourages aggressive play on some holes and strategic decisions on others. Since skins can carry over, the excitement can build, leading to dramatic finishes.

2. Nassau: Three Bets in One

The Nassau is another popular side game that breaks the round into three separate bets: the front nine, back nine, and overall 18 holes. This format creates multiple opportunities to win and keeps the game lively throughout.

How to Play

• Decide on a wager amount for each segment.
• Keep score for the front nine, back nine, and total 18 holes.
• The player with the best score for each segment wins that portion of the bet.

Customizing for Casual Play

If playing a full 18 holes feels long, you can modify this to a 9-hole Nassau with bets on the front and back 9 holes or even designate sets of holes such as 3-3-3 for more frequent scoring opportunities.

3. Bingo Bango Bongo: Points for Every Skill

Bingo Bango Bongo is a great way to reward different types of shots beyond just the lowest score. It encourages well-rounded play and keeps everyone involved.

How to Play

On each hole, players compete for three points:

• Bingo: The first player to get their ball on the green.
• Bango: The player whose ball is closest to the pin once all balls are on the green.
• Bongo: The player who holes out first.

Each point is worth one, and at the end of the round, the player with the most points wins.

Why It Works for Casual Foursomes

Since points are awarded for different skills, even players who don’t score the best overall can win by excelling in aspects like approach shots or putting. It’s a great way to keep all players motivated and engaged.

4. Wolf: Strategic and Social

Wolf is a dynamic game that introduces team strategy and turns the usual competition on its head. It’s ideal for groups looking for a more social and tactical side game.

How to Play

• Assign a rotating "Wolf" each hole. The Wolf tees off last and decides whether to team up with one player or go solo against the other two.
• After each tee shot, the Wolf chooses a partner or remains alone.
• The team with the lowest score on the hole wins the points.

Benefits for Casual Groups

Wolf encourages players to form alliances and strategize, fostering camaraderie and laughter. It’s also great for mixing up the dynamic between partners and opponents.

5. Throwback: Easy to Track, Fun to Play

Throwback is a simple points-based game where players start with zero and accumulate points based on their finishing position on each hole.

How to Play

• The player with the lowest score on a hole earns 4 points.
• Second place gets 3 points, third place 2 points, and the last place 1 point.
• After all holes, the player with the most points wins.

Why Choose Throwback

This game keeps everyone competitive throughout the round because every position counts. It's easy to keep track of, making it perfect for casual rounds where you want a straightforward but fun challenge.

Tips to Enhance Your Side Game Experience

• Agree on Stakes Ahead of Time: Whether you’re playing for fun, points, or small wagers, setting expectations beforehand keeps things friendly.
• Use Apps to Track Scores: Apps like Golf Is Hard help track scores and side games seamlessly, so you can focus on playing and enjoying the round.
• Mix It Up: Try different side games each time you play to keep your rounds fresh and exciting.
• Keep It Light: Remember the goal is fun and camaraderie. Don’t let competition turn into frustration.

Final Thoughts

Adding side games to your casual foursome rounds is a fantastic way to boost enjoyment, encourage friendly competition, and create stories you’ll laugh about long after the round ends. Whether you prefer the classic challenge of a Skins Game or the strategic fun of Wolf, these games are designed to engage players of all skill levels.

Now that you have some fresh ideas, it’s time to hit the course with your friends and bring these side games to life. Don’t forget to check out Golf Is Hard app — players play free; hosts go Pro. It’s the perfect companion to keep your games organized and your golf rounds full of fun.

Happy golfing!