Are you the gambling type? Good, because we’ve got just the game for you. Blending skill with wild risk-taking and a unique scoring system, Vegas is a golf game that will add excitement and spice up a round with friends.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how to play Vegas, give an overview of how to win and some reasons why you should play this great golf game.
What Is Vegas?
Vegas is best played in teams of two, facing off against each other over the course of a golf round. The twist of the game comes when you get to the scorecard — instead of adding the scores of the two players together, you pair them. So if Team A gets a 5 and a 7 on hole one, their score would be 57 (the lower number always goes first.) If team B got a 4 and a 4, then their score for the hole would be 44. And so on.
To determine point totals at the end of the hole, you will subtract the lower score from the higher score — this difference will be the number of points the winning team earns.
This scoring method (and the payouts you assign to each point) is what makes Vegas such a compelling and fun golf game.
Unlike your typical golf betting games like Skins, Stableford or Nassau, Vegas significantly raises the stakes in a golf game. A trip to Las Vegas, after all, usually involves taking out your wallet and leaving your cowardice at the door. The Vegas golf game replicates this experience, forcing players to make critical decisions that will affect their payouts and the fate of their round.
How to Play Vegas
While the general premise of Vegas can seem simple, it’s still a good idea to look over some of the more specific rules of the game. Here’s how to play Vegas.
1. Form Your Teams
The first thing you’ll want to do while playing Vegas is to form your teams. Vegas works best in foursomes, with two teams splitting off to compete.
You can randomize the team or choose couples that would create the best match for all involved. You may not want to have two novice golfers going up against two scratch golfers, for instance, as one group may just be stealing money from the other team. Try to create teams that create the most fun competition for all.
2. Assign Payout Totals
This is very important — you should assign payouts and point values before the round begins. A few holes in and a few drinks later you can find yourself red-faced and bellowing on the fourth green about how much money should be exchanging hands. To counter this, assign payout totals before you start.
In most cases, each point will be worth $1. Even assigning one dollar for each point can result in a good amount of money being thrown around the course. Make it $2 and you significantly raise the price of playing — as you can probably guess, anything more should be reserved for those who know they have the cash to throw around.
You may also want to include a total payout for the winner at the end, whether it be the accumulation of points or just a flat fee for taking the crown. Again, be sure to get this cemented before the round starts so everyone knows the rules going forward.
3. Play the Hole
This is the hard part — play the hole. Each team member will play their own ball, though team members can help with strategies such as reading putts or collaborating on a chip shot. Side bets, of course, are also welcome.
4. Formulate Scores
Once everyone finishes the hole, it’s time to determine payouts. Scores in Vegas are determined by pairing each team member’s score together. So if player one gets a 4 and player two gets a 5, their score on the hole would be 45. Remember, the lower-numbered score always comes first in the pairing.
Say the other team got a pair of 3s on the hole. Their score would be 33. Then, you subtract the lower score from the higher score — 45 – 33, to get 12. 12 points are rewarded to the team with the lower score.
If you’ve assigned $1 to each point, then one team would owe $12 to the other team. If a tie on the hole occurs, then you can play it as a push. However many holes it takes to break the tie will be the number you multiply by the point differentials of the winner of the hole. So, a point differential of 10 that took a 4-hole push will amount to 40 points.
5. Keep Totals or Give Payouts
That $12 can be rewarded right on that hole or you can keep the scoring fluid throughout the round, keeping track of scores until you come to a net total at the end of the round.
Variations of Vegas
Now that you know the general framework, you might be wondering if there are variations to the traditional setup. Here are a few to try out.
“Flipping the Bird”
When a player scores a birdie, they have the option to “flip the bird,” to the other team. That is, the higher numbered score will come first in their pairing, so that a 4 and a 5 will turn into a 54 instead of a 45. If the other team gets a birdie as well, then it’s nullified.
Double-Digit Scoring
This variation is better for golfers who know they can keep their game under control, because doubles can get out of hand quickly. If a player gets a score of double digits — say a 10, then their score goes first in the paring. So if the other player got a 5, then their score would be 105. As you can see, playing in this version can start to open margins widely, especially if someone is having an off day or isn’t a regular golfer.
Birdies and Eagles
In some variations, point totals for lone birdies and eagles will be tripled. So a point difference of 10 will be doubled to 20 for a birdie or tripled to 30 for an eagle.
These are just some of the variations you can use in Vegas — feel free to add your own spin on the game and your unique twists.
How to Win the Vegas Golf Game
There can be a lot on the line when it comes to the golf game Vegas, so it’s important to have some strategies in mind as you play. Here are some tips for winning Vegas.
Understand the Betting System
You need to know the rules of Vegas before starting. Look over the variations and communicate with your group about exactly you’re going to play with regard to things like payouts and dollar assignments for points. Knowing these things, you can go into the round with more confidence about how to win.
Know Your Competition
If you know the players you’re competing against, you may already know their gameplay. For instance, are they aggressive players, or more conservative? Are they going to try to bury your team with powerful drives or slowly put you away with finesse on the approach shots and greens? And if you don’t know your opponents, pay attention throughout the round to try to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
By knowing your opponent, you may be able to see their mistakes coming and capitalize when you need to.
Strategize With Your Partner
Be collaborative out on the course. Try to go in with an overarching strategy. One player might want to play aggressively while the other plays more conservative. Help each other out on tee shots and putts. Act as a single unit to take down the other team.
Play the Mental Game
Golf, up to a point, is about skill. The rest of it is all mental. When money gets thrown in, the stakes get raised even higher, and those who can’t take the pressure will fold easily. Sometimes winning Vegas is all about who can stay cool throughout the round.
Novice Golfers Beware
A word of caution to beginner golfers: if you aren’t playing the handicap version of Vegas, you may want to stay away from the game. Losing a round of Vegas, especially with variations, could mean losing hundreds of dollars. Be sure you know who you’re playing with and the payouts before you agree to play.
Why Should You Play Vegas?
If you’ve read this far and you’re still unsure of why you’d play Vegas, here are some reasons people love to play.
It Adds Stakes
If you’re someone who enjoys raising the stakes in a golf round, then Vegas is the perfect game for you. The scoring system and the money riding on your match will make everyone tighten up their game.
It Makes Pressure-Packed Shots
Each shot takes on more importance when you’re playing Vegas. One stroke could be the difference in a double-digit payout. It’s a great way to add pressure to your shots and reveal how you play when it really matters.
It Creates a Team Environment
And lastly, Vegas produces a team atmosphere where players are relying on each for low scores. It takes a traditionally solo game and builds on the theme of camaraderie.
Vegas: The Bottom Line
Vegas is one of the most high-risk, high-reward golf games you can play. If you’re the betting type, it’s ideal for you. Feel free to refer back to this article during your round and get refreshed on strategies or general rules.