Golf Games For A Wide Range of Handicaps

As an avid golfer myself, I understand the struggle of finding the right game to play with friends and family. This is especially true when everyone has different skill levels. It can be a challenge to find a game that’s enjoyable for everyone while also being fair and competitive.

But fear not, I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll share some of my go-to golf games that are sure to please players of all handicaps. So grab your clubs, and let’s tee off!

7 Inclusive Game Ideas for Diverse Handicaps

1. Nassau

Do you get bored playing the same old golf game with your friends all the time? Why not try Nassau? This game combines both team and individual play, making it an exciting and challenging experience for all levels of golfers.

It consists of three sections: the front nine, the back nine, and 18 holes in total. Each of these is considered a separate match, played for a specific amount of money or points. This means each golfer has three chances to win money or points during the round.

Individual stroke plays with a handicap are the most common Nassau format. Golfers play their ball and count strokes on each hole. At the end of the round, their handicap is applied to determine their net score. The player with the lowest net score in each part of the game wins the match and earns money or points.

Nassau is an excellent game for golfers with different handicaps as it takes individual abilities into account through handicaps. Additionally, because the game is divided into different matches, players still have a chance to win money in other areas. This is even if they don’t do well in one.

2. ChaChaCha

To play ChaChaCha, every player’s handicaps are used to calculate the number of strokes an individual player will receive on each hole.

The game starts with each player playing with their ball on the first hole. At the end of the hole, the team’s minimum strokes to complete the hole are recorded as the Cha score. On the second hole, each player switches balls with his or her teammate. The team with the fewest shots over the previous two holes is known as ChaCha. On the third hole, players switch to a different teammate’s ball again. The team with the highest score over the previous three holes is recorded as the ChaChaCha score.

This pattern continues throughout the round, with the team’s score being based on their most consistent score over the last one, two, or three holes, depending on the hole number. In the end, whichever team scores the lowest becomes the ChaChaCha.

The coolest thing about ChaChaCha is that it’s a team game, which means players of varying skill levels can compete together. This makes it an excellent game for players with varying handicaps.

3. Wolf

Looking for a fun and competitive game on the golf course with your friends? Wolf Golf might be just what you need! As you compete against players of various handicaps, this game offers an exciting challenge that will keep you alert throughout the game. Here’s how to play.

1. Handicaps

Wolf Golf has three types of handicap players

1. Scratch Golfer (0 handicap) – golfers who can play at par or better on a golf course.

2. Average golfer (1-18 handicap) – a golfer who can play a round of golf within 90 strokes, depending on the course difficulty.

3. High Handicap Golfer (18+ handicap) – a golfer who needs more than 90 strokes to complete a round of golf.

2. Determine the order of play

To begin the game, decide how the players will play. This can be done by drawing straws, flipping a coin, or any other random method. The first player will be the wolf on the first hole.

3. The Wolf

On each hole, the wolf player will have the option to play solo or select a teammate for the hole. The wolf makes this decision after seeing the other players’ tee shots. The wolf must choose their teammate before further shots are taken.

4. Choosing a teammate

Once the wolf selects a teammate, that player becomes their partner for the hole. If the wolf chooses to play solo, it will compete against all the other players on the hole.

5. Scoring

Wolf scoring is based on each hole’s outcome. A wolf who plays solo and wins the hole scores 4 points. If they play solo and lose, they lose 1 point. In the event of a tie, no points are awarded. When the wolf chooses a partner and wins, they earn two points. If they lose, they each lose 2 points. If the wolf team ties with another team, each scores one point. The other two players get 0 points for winning or losing the hole and 1 point for a tie.

6. End of the game

The game ends after all 18 holes have been played. At the end of the round, the player with the most points wins.

For a better understanding of Wolf Golf, you can watch a video on YouTube that explains the game and demonstrates how it’s played. 

3. Rabbit 

Rabbit golf is played by 2, 3, or 4 golfers. It is an easy way to add fun to a weekend game on the greens.

Method Of Play

To start, golfers play the first hole using the standard stroke play format. The golfer who scores the lowest on the hole wins the rabbit. However, if two or more players tie for the lowest score, the rabbit is not awarded to anyone.

Once a golfer wins the rabbit, they keep it until another player scores lower than them on a hole. After that, the rabbit is released and available at the next hole. This continues throughout the round, with players competing for the rabbit. The golfer with the rabbit at the end of the 9th and 18th holes wins.

Rabbit golf is a game for golfers of all levels of expertise. If there is a large difference in skill levels, handicaps can be used to make the game fair. Rabbit golf is a fun way to make golf more exciting and competitive.

4. Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is a golf game where two teams of two golfers compete against each other. Instead of adding up their scores, they combine them to form a new number. They play for money, and the difference in points on each hole determines how much they win or lose.

For example, if Golfer A scores 4 and Golfer B makes 5 on Hole 1, their team score is 45. If their opponents make 4 and 5, their score is 45, so nobody wins the hole. But if their opponents score 6 and 7, their score is 73, and they lose the hole by 6 points, which means they must pay the other team $6 (if they play for $1 per point).

Moreover, when combining team scores, the smallest score always comes first. Except when one golfer scores 10 or more, the highest number comes first. This prevents scores from getting high.

Las Vegas can be a fun game, but it can also be risky, especially if you’re betting a lot of money. Make sure you understand the rules and agree with the prices before playing.

5. Beat the worst

In Beat the Worst, four or three players play golf. On each hole, a golfer is selected and must beat his or her opponent’s worst score. If the golfer on the spot defeats the other three, they win the bet.

Before starting the game, the group should determine the rotation of the golfers on the spot for each hole. The golfer who was on the spot on the first hole will be on it again on the fifth hole, and so on. A group should also decide on the bet and how the winner will be paid.

During the game, golfers must beat the worst score of the other three golfers to win. For example, if Golfers A, C, and D score 5, 6, and 7, respectively, and Golfer B is on the spot, Golfer B needs to score a 6 or better to win the bet.

If there are four golfers, four full rotations can be made, with two holes left over. The group can skip Beat the Worst on holes 17-18, 9-18, or 1-10. With a group of three, all 18 holes can be used for the game.

So, even if you’re a scratch golfer or a high-handicapper, playing this golf game is fun with friends.

6. Fourball

In fourball, each hole is worth a point, and the team with the most points at the end of the round wins. What’s cool about this format is that it allows players with different handicaps to compete on a level playing field. If you’re a beginner and your partner is a more experienced player, you can work together to strategize and make the most of your strengths.

The scoring system is straightforward: if Player A on Team 1 has a score of 4 on a hole, and Player B on Team 2 achieves a score of 5, then Team 1 would receive a point for that hole. If Player A and Player B both get a 4 score, both teams would earn a half-point. And if both players on each team get a score of 5 or more, neither team would earn any points for that hole.

7. Quota

Quota golf is a golf game that uses a scoring system based on a predetermined number or quota. It is usually played as a team game, with two to four golfers on a team.

To play quota golf, each team must decide what their quota will be before beginning the game. This quota should be based on the handicaps of the team members. It should be set so that almost every player has a chance to contribute to the team.

Once the quota is set, the game can begin. After teeing off, each team will play the remaining shots until they reach the green. For that hole, the team’s score is set by the maximum score of each player, minus their quota. For example, if the team quota is 5 and the best player on the team gets a 6, the team result is 1. If the highest score is 4, the team total is -1.

In the end, each hole score is added to the team’s total score, and the team with the lowest score wins.

Final Thoughts!

By incorporating these golf games into your rounds, you’ll have more fun on the course. However, you’ll also have the opportunity to improve your skills and develop new ones. Furthermore, for more golf game ideas, check out my other article Fun Golf Game Ideas. There you will find a wide range of additional games to try with your golf buddies.

So what are you waiting for? Give some of these games a try and see how they enhance your golf experience. You may just discover your next favorite game that you and your friends can enjoy for years to come.

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Edward Green

Meet Edward Green, the founder of GolfingGoal and a seasoned expert in golf. With years of experience on the course and a passion for the sport, Edward has a wealth of knowledge to share. As our Lead Writer, he contributes articles, tutorials, and resources to help readers to improve their skills and reach their full potential on the golf course. Join Our Team!