How to Play Nines
Nines is a fun and strategic golf betting game typically played in a foursome where 9 points are available to be won on each hole. Players earn points based on their ranking on each hole, and the player with the most points at the end of the round wins.
Basic Rules
- Played with 3 or 4 players (best with 3).
- 9 points are distributed per hole based on the players’ scores.
- The player with the lowest score gets the most points.
- Points are tallied throughout the round, and the player with the highest total wins.
- Side bets or monetary values can be attached to each point.
How to Play
1. Assign Point Distribution per Hole
The 9 points are divided based on how players finish the hole:
If all four players have different scores:
- 1st place (lowest score) → 5 points
- 2nd place → 3 points
- 3rd place → 1 point
- 4th place (highest score) → 0 points
If two players tie for 1st:
- They split 8 points (4 each)
- 3rd place gets 1 point
- 4th place gets 0 points
If three players tie for 1st:
- They split 9 points (3 each)
- 4th place gets 0 points
If two players tie for 2nd:
- 1st place gets 5 points
- 2nd place players split 4 points (2 each)
- 4th place gets 0 points
If all four players tie:
Each player gets 2.25 points (though some groups round it to 2 each and leave 1 point to carry over).
2. Continue Scoring for All 18 Holes
- Points accumulate throughout the round.
- At the end, the player with the most points wins.
3. Optional Betting Rules
- Each point can be assigned a monetary value (e.g., $1 per point).
- Some groups pay only the winner or split payouts based on ranking.
Variations of Nines
- Three-Player Format: Works well with 3 players, adjusting the point system to 5-3-1 instead of 5-3-1-0.
- Doubling Points on Par-3s: To add excitement, some groups double the points on par-3 holes.
- Presses & Side Bets: Bonus points for birdies, sand saves, or hole-in-ones.