How to Play Skins
Skins is a classic and competitive golf betting game where each hole is worth a certain amount of money or points (the “skin”), and players compete to win each hole outright. If no player wins a hole outright, the skin carries over to the next hole, making for exciting high-stakes moments.
Basic Rules
- Each hole is worth a predetermined value (a “skin”).
- Players compete to win the hole outright (lowest score wins).
- If two or more players tie for the lowest score, the skin carries over to the next hole.
- The game continues until all 18 holes are played, and the player with the most skins wins.
How to Play
1. Set the Value of a Skin
- Each hole has a set value (e.g., $1, $5, or $10 per skin).
- The total pot can be a fixed buy-in, or players contribute per hole.
2. Play Each Hole Normally
Each golfer plays the hole, and the lowest score wins the skin.
Example:
- Player A: 4
- Player B: 5
- Player C: 3 (Winner) → Player C wins the skin.
3. Carryovers for Tied Holes
If two or more players tie for the lowest score, nobody wins the skin, and its value is added to the next hole.
Example:
- Hole 1: Skin worth $5 → Player A & B tie → Skin carries over.
- Hole 2: Now worth $10 → If someone wins outright, they take all carried-over skins.
4. Final Skin Rule (Optional)
Some groups play that the final hole must be won outright, meaning if it’s tied, the skins don’t count.
Variations of Skins
- Back Nine or Front Nine Skins: Some players reset skins after 9 holes.
- Greenies & Extras: Players can add side bets like “Greenies” (closest to the pin on par-3s) or “Sandies” (saving par from a bunker).
- Presses: Some players add bonus skins for birdies or eagles.