18 fun golf games to play with friends
November 11, 2025
By Kyle Moss
Golf is fun. But sometimes, when you’ve played the same golf course with the same friends, things can get a little intense. That’s why putting in some different golf swings might just be your next round – or your next shot.
If you’ve spent any time on the links or watched golf on TV, you probably already know about the standard stroke play, play game, and skins game formats. Not to mention that the Ryder Cup, which has taught many golfers about games like 4asomes – Aka Alternate Shot – and four-ball, needs a big change and team members.
But there are several fun games with golf-centric strategies and themes that you can play to also enjoy a round of golf with friends or family in Muni or your family in Lomi. Some where skill is the name of the game and others where luck can carry you to victory, with many in between.
This list below of 15 (or so) fun golf games to play with friends has suggestions for all ages and skill levels, some stimulating betting and others open to help you enjoy your best golf. And, let’s be honest, many of them have funny names. Check it out!
1. Krokbable
A crowd favorite for team players, the crew allows everyone to contribute. Each player is blocked, and the team chooses the best shot. Everyone then hits that spot, and that process continues until the ball is in the hole. Big hitters give your team an edge off the tee, but sharp short games and clutch putting often make the difference.
2. A very good ball
In good football, each player plays their own ball in the hole, with the team using the lower score between the two. It is good for groups of four divided into two, and can be played as a stroke game or a play game.
- A solo genre: Single player? No problem. Play two or three balls yourself and count only your best score; It’s a good habit and it’s surprisingly fun.
- And try: The worst football. For a tougher twist, calculate your worst score instead. It’s humbling, but it makes you better quickly.
3. A snake
This is easy – and soft. Set the bet at the start. Whenever a person holds 3, he becomes a snake. If another player 3-putts, they take the title. Whoever snakes at the end of the cycle pays. Taking three putts on one green never hurts.
4. A wolf
A great game to play with four players, the wolf rotates the closed tues to keep each hole. That player, the “Wolf,” decides whether to team up with someone after seeing their shot or solo as a lone wolf against three other players. Every hole is a strategic stroke, and the goal is to accumulate the most points by the end of the round because the golfer with the most points wins.
5. You have a rabbit
Catch the rabbit and try to save it. The first player to conquer the dungeon is to “capture” the rabbit. When one player wins the hole, the rabbit goes free until someone else catches it again. The player who catches the rabbit after the last hole wins. Perfect for families or light-hearted competition.
6. Dots (Aka Garbage)
A flexible, customizable point game. Players earn points or “dots” for achievements such as hitting the fairway, sinking long putts, or making bindies on any given hole. Create your own scoring rules before the start, tally points after each hole, see who connects the most dots in the most bowls at the end.
7. Bingo Bango Bongo
A great equalizer for mixed teams. Each hole gives three points: first on the Green (Bingo). Next to the pin and all in (Bango). First is the bath (Bongo). Highest score wins after 18 holes, no pressure to be the longest hitter here.
8. Nassau
Break your round into three games: front nine, back nine, and total count. Points for each Category are shown and are usually worth one point (or one bet). You can win two out of three, or walk away with a sweep if you have your perfect game that day.
9. Six (aka round robin)
It is suitable for 4somes such as variety, to match players with a new person every six holes, so everyone groups together. You can mix in any format such as best ball, skins, or stroke play for each of the six parts of the hole.
- And try: 3 in 1. Play one round with built-in variety. The teams stay the same, but the format changes every six holes. Example: First six as a best ball, next six as a low ball chip, always six as a breakdown. It keeps everyone on their toes and ensures a fresh experience from one hole to the next.
10. – It’s hard
A scoring system that rewards good holes and forgives bad ones. Instead of counting strokes, you score: 1 for bogey, 2 for bogey, 2 for par, 3 for birdie, 4 for birdie, 4 for eagle, and 5. Wins are very high.
- And try: Murphys. Same setup, but you lose points for bogeys and it’s bad (Stay away from Double bogeys!). Birds and Eagles get big bonuses. It’s a very high-risk game of golf and it can clearly be rewarding to play aggressively.
11. Some kind of small car
The two teams of players add up their scores for each hole, placing the lowest number first (eg, A 4 and 4 = 46), and the team with the lowest score wins the hole. Compare prices against another team and bet based on Point difference. Several difficult holes can be exchanged in this game quickly, making for high scores and a lot of laughs – like a trip to Las Vegas!
12. The stack
Give each player a length of rope equal to their handicap (a 10-handicap gets 10 feet). You can move your ball using the string – without hazards, bad lies, or even sinking a short Puttt – cut however much you use. Get the Back String for birdies. It’s smart, busy, and competitive.
13. Bad wind
Complete with threes. The weakest player gets paired with an imaginary “ghost” who makes each hole to add to the team’s score. The other two teams are against the ghost team. It’s balanced, simple, and keeps things interesting.
14. Colors
Each hole is worth nine points, which are distributed to the performance. Example: Birdie-par-bogey scores 5-3-1. If the players tie they split the difference. It’s fast and great for small groups.
15. – Go
It’s all about distance control and short game skills. When everyone is green, points go to the players closest to the PIN: 3, 2, 1, and 0 respectively. Add them to the end to remove your lag putter crown.
16. One-putt poker
Assign a dollar amount (like $2) to a 3-putt. Each 3-Putt adds to the pot. Whenever someone 1-putts, they get a playing card. The player with the best poker hand at the end of the circle wins the pot. Sink batts, win cards, collect money.
17. In the green language
Played only on par-3s. The player with the closest tee shot to the pin (green) wins the “Greedie.” You can play for points or money, just agree on the amount before you arrive. Add tryrovers for more drama.
18. Low ball – low value
Players compete in two teams, where each hole has two points to hold: one for the lowest score (lowest ball) and one for the lowest combined team (lowest combined). There are no tie points. The team with the highest score wins.
- And try: Low ball – high ball – same setup, but the second point goes to the team with the lowest number of high scores. It keeps everyone in the mix, even if you’re not a pit star.
Whether you’re chasing hides or putting in a snake, the game of golf brings people together and makes it all around fun. No benefits required – your team and a good mood.
Choose a game, hit the tee, and when you’re ready to play, booking is quick and easy with golfnow. Book today>
