Golf Side Games for Weekend Golfers: Nassau, Wolf, Skins, Shamble, and Scramble

Stroke play is fine. It is also not always the best format for a casual Saturday round, a golf trip, or a group with mixed handicaps.

Golf side games make the round more interesting because they give players something to compete for besides one final score. They can also keep a bad front nine from ruining the whole day.

Quick Take: Best Golf Side Games

Best for mixed handicaps: Scramble or shamble.

Best for competitive groups: Nassau, match play, or skins.

Best for four-player chaos: Wolf.

Best for golf trips: Team formats with rotating partners.

Best shirt fit: If your group turns side games into team events, the Fairway Bandits Moisture-Wicking Tee or Club Syndicate Soft Tri-Blend Tee fits the vibe.

Nassau

Nassau is one of the classic golf bets. It usually has three matches: front nine, back nine, and total 18. Each match can be worth the same amount, or your group can adjust it.

Why it works: a bad front nine does not kill the entire round. You still have the back nine and total match to play for.

Best for: regular groups, two-player teams, match play, and golfers who like structure.

Skins

In skins, each hole has a value. If one player wins the hole outright, they win the skin. If the hole is tied, the skin can carry over.

Why it works: one great hole can matter. It also creates pressure when multiple skins carry into the next hole.

Best for: groups with similar skill levels or groups that use handicaps.

Wolf

Wolf is a rotating partner game for foursomes. One player is the Wolf on each hole and decides whether to partner with another player or go alone.

Why it works: it creates strategy, pressure, and enough chaos to keep everyone paying attention.

Best for: four-player groups that like games, talk, and mild confusion.

Scramble

In a scramble, everyone hits, the team picks the best shot, and everyone plays from there. It is the most beginner-friendly team format.

Why it works: bad shots do not destroy the hole, and weaker golfers can still contribute with one good shot.

Best for: charity events, company outings, beginner groups, family golf, and social rounds.

Shamble

In a shamble, everyone tees off, the team picks the best drive, and then each player plays their own ball from there.

Why it works: everyone benefits from a good team drive, but players still play their own golf after that.

Best for: golf trips, mixed handicaps, and groups that want a team element without losing individual scores.

Match Play

Match play scores each hole as a separate contest. Win the hole, gain a point. Lose the hole, lose a point. Tie the hole, nothing changes.

Why it works: one blow-up hole does not ruin the round. That makes it great for weekend golfers.

Stableford

Stableford uses points instead of raw score. Depending on the version, bogeys, pars, birdies, and eagles earn or lose points.

Why it works: it encourages players to keep moving and makes giant numbers less destructive.

Best Side Games by Group Type

Beginner group

Use scramble, shamble, or max-score stableford. Do not punish new golfers with strict stroke play for five hours.

Golf trip group

Use rotating partners, shamble, skins, and team points. Add a daily winner and an overall trip winner.

Competitive group

Use Nassau, match play, skins, or fourball. Make the rules clear before the first tee shot.

Company outing

Use scramble. It is easy, fast, and more inclusive.

Make the Game Match the Mood

The biggest mistake is picking a format that does not fit the group. A group of beginners does not need alternate shot. A group of competitive low handicappers might get bored in a scramble.

For golf trips and team weekends, shirts can add to the format. A team-style shirt like the Green Gladiators Soft Tri-Blend Tee makes sense when the group has names, points, and inside jokes.

If the group leans funny, the Golf We Trust Moisture-Wicking Tee keeps the mood casual without turning the round into a costume party.

Final Recommendation

The best side game is the one that keeps everyone engaged without slowing the round down. For most weekend golfers, scramble, shamble, Nassau, and skins are the safest starting points.

Keep the rules simple. Agree before the round. Use handicaps when needed. Do not let a $5 game become a legal proceeding on the 14th tee.

FAQs: Golf Side Games

What is the easiest golf side game?

A scramble is the easiest because everyone hits and the team plays from the best shot.

What is Nassau in golf?

Nassau usually includes three matches: front nine, back nine, and overall 18-hole match.

What is skins in golf?

Each hole has a value. A player wins the skin by winning the hole outright. Ties can carry over.

What is Wolf in golf?

Wolf is a rotating partner game where the Wolf chooses a partner or plays alone depending on the tee shots.

What is the best side game for mixed handicaps?

Scramble or shamble usually works best because weaker players can contribute without every shot counting.

Source Notes

Sources used for format context: USGA Four-Ball Rule 23; USGA Foursomes Rule 22; Golf Monthly Zurich Classic Team Format.