Top 5 Golf Games to Play This Summer: Wolf, Vegas, Stableford, Skins, and Chapman
Summer is the perfect season for golf, and adding a twist to your rounds can make the game even more enjoyable. Whether you're playing with a small group of friends or a large gathering, these five golf games—Wolf, Vegas, Stableford, Skins, and Chapman—will add fun and friendly competition to your summer golfing adventures. Here’s a detailed look at how to play each game.
1. Wolf
Wolf is a strategic and engaging game best suited for groups of four, though it can be modified for three players.
Determine the Order: Players decide the order of play on the first tee and maintain that rotation throughout the round.
The Wolf: On each hole, the player designated as the Wolf changes (e.g., Player 1 on the 1st hole, Player 2 on the 2nd hole, etc.).
Choose Partners: After each player hits their tee shot, the Wolf decides whether to partner with one of the players or go it alone. The Wolf can decide immediately after each tee shot or wait until all players have hit.
Scoring:
If the Wolf partners with another player and they win the hole, they each get 2 points.
If the Wolf plays alone and wins, the Wolf gets 4 points.
If the Wolf partners with another player and they lose, the other two players get 3 points each.
If the Wolf plays alone and loses, the other three players get 1 point each.
Why Play Wolf:
Wolf's strategy of choosing whether to play solo or with a partner adds a layer of decision-making and excitement, keeping everyone engaged throughout the round.
2. Vegas
Vegas is a team game for two-player teams that can lead to significant point swings and high-energy competition.
Form Teams: Players split into two teams of two.
Scoring:
Each team's score on a hole is combined to form a two-digit number.
The lower individual score is the first digit, and the higher score is the second digit. For example, if Team 1 scores a 4 and 5, their score is 45. If Team 2 scores a 3 and 6, their score is 36.
If one team scores a birdie on a hole, their opponents score is flipped so the higher number is first. If both teams birdie, they cancel out and the standard scoring system is used.
Points: The difference between the two scores is the number of points awarded. Using the example above, Team 2 would win 9 points on that hole (45 - 36).
Why Play Vegas:
Vegas is perfect for adding some thrilling point swings and camaraderie. The game rewards both individual performance and team dynamics, making it exciting for all players.
3. Stableford
Stableford is a popular scoring system where points are awarded based on the number of strokes taken at each hole, relative to par.
Points System:
Double Bogey or worse: 0 points
Bogey: 1 point
Par: 2 points
Birdie: 3 points
Eagle: 4 points
Albatross (Double Eagle): 5 points
Scoring: Players keep track of their points for each hole, aiming to accumulate the highest total points by the end of the round.
Why Play Stableford:
Stableford encourages aggressive play by rewarding birdies and eagles more heavily than penalizing bogeys. It’s great for maintaining a positive, competitive atmosphere.
4. Skins
Skins is a classic betting game that can be played with any number of players, where each hole has a set value, called a "skin."
Value of Skins: Decide the value of each skin (e.g., $1 per skin).
Winning Skins: The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the skin. If there's a tie, the skin carries over to the next hole.
Tiebreakers: If multiple players tie on the final hole, a sudden-death playoff can be used to determine the winner of the carried-over skins.
Why Play Skins:
Skins is straightforward and keeps every hole competitive. The potential for skins to carry over and increase in value adds excitement and pressure.
5. Chapman (Pinehurst)
Chapman, also known as Pinehurst, is a team game for two-player teams that combines elements of alternate shot and best ball.
Tee Shots: Both players on a team hit tee shots.
Switch Balls: Each player hits their partner's ball for the second shot.
Select Best Ball: After the second shot, the team selects the best ball and plays alternate shots from there until the ball is holed.
Scoring: The team with the lowest score on each hole wins the hole. Match play scoring is commonly used.
Why Play Chapman:
Chapman is unique and requires teamwork, strategy, and coordination. It’s an enjoyable way to test both individual skills and team dynamics.
Conclusion
Adding variety to your golf rounds with these fun and competitive games can enhance your summer golfing experience. Whether you choose the strategic decision-making of Wolf, the thrilling point swings of Vegas, the positive scoring system of Stableford, the straightforward competition of Skins, or the team dynamics of Chapman, each game offers a unique way to enjoy the sport with friends. So, gather your group, pick a game, and make this summer’s golf outings unforgettable!
