GOLF GAME FORMAT: Up the stakes with Poker Golf

August 29, 2023

Flushing it on the golf course has a new meaning with these two variants of playing poker golf.

Aussie Golfer delves into unique golf formats from time to time; Gentsomes, Bingo-Bango-Bongo, and even Tape Measure Golf. But here’s one that combines the thrill of gambling with golf – Poker Golf. While it may not be the official name, it aptly describes this version which was popularized at the World Series of Golf in Las Vegas.

1. In this first version of Poker Golf, groups of 3 to 6 players ante up before teeing off on the first hole. The order of play remains fixed throughout the hole, meaning the golfer who tees off last remains last until the hole’s end. After the initial shots, a round of betting ensues, mirroring poker-style raising, calling, or folding.

If you fold, you’re out until the next hole.

Following the first round of betting, another round occurs, where golfers must match the highest first-round bet to stay in the hole. If everyone calls during the first round, there’s no second round of betting.

The game continues, and the golfer who wins the hole takes the pot. It’s an exciting format, but for friendly games, consider lower buy-ins than the hefty sums seen at the World Series of Golf – and always bet responsibly!

2. “Poker Golf” – Another Twist on Golf and Poker

In the world of golf and poker, there’s yet another intriguing hybrid – “Poker Golf.” In this unique game, the goal is not just to navigate the golf course but to secure the best poker hand among all players and walk away with the pot.

Object of the Game:

The objective is simple: assemble the most favourable poker hand among all the golfers to claim the pot.

The Play:

Each player antes a predetermined amount (consider $1 for a fun game) at the start of the round, earning them one playing card.
As the round progresses, an additional playing card is earned every time a player achieves a one-putt (completing the hole with just one putt).
Players who three-putt contribute $1 to the pot.
If a player takes more than three putts, they add $1 to the pot and lose one card from their hand.

Example:

For instance, Player A records 3 one-putts and 2 three-putts during the round. At the end, they are dealt 4 cards (one for the ante and one for each one-putt) and add $2 to the pot due to the two three-putts.

Player B, on the other hand, has 1 one-putt, 3 three-putts, and 1 four-putt. They receive 1 card (one for the ante and one for the one-putt minus 1 card for the four-putt) and contribute $4 to the pot because of their three-putts and four-putt.

Strategy:

In “Poker Golf,” the key is to secure as many one-putts or even no-putts as possible. Accumulating playing cards enhances your chances of forming a strong poker hand. Simultaneously, aim to minimize the number of three-putts or worse. As they say, “Aim for the fringes.”

Poker Play:

After the round concludes, the poker game begins:

All cards are dealt from a standard 52-card deck.
The dealer is the player with the most one-putts and the fewest three-putts. In case of a tie, a high card determines the dealer.
The dealer shuffles and distributes one card face up to each player and deals any extra earned cards one at a time.
The best poker hand wins the pot, with no restrictions on the number of cards used. There are no wild cards.

Hand Ranking (Low to High):