Best Golf Side Bets + Tools to Play With Swagger

Golf has always been a game of skill, etiquette, and mental toughness—but let’s be real. Sometimes, it’s also about a little side action, a few friendly wagers, and the swagger you bring to the green. For golfers who love a bit of adrenaline with their approach shots, golf side bets aren’t just optional—they’re essential.

This ultimate guide explores the best golf side bets to energize your next round, plus the tools and gear that level up your presence. Whether you’re putting for birdie or playing for bragging rights, this blog dives deep into strategy, etiquette, and high-end accessories that make every match unforgettable.

Introduction: Why Golf Side Bets Are a Game-Changer

Side bets—often called "junk games"—inject energy, camaraderie, and friendly competition into your round. They keep everyone engaged, turn bogeys into battle cries, and make even a lost match memorable. At their best, they also bring out your style and personality on the course.

And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to walk off the 18th green with a pocket full of winnings and a golf ball marker that screams, “I came to play”?

Explore Kraken’s Ball Markers Collection

Classic Golf Side Bets

1. Nassau

What It Is: One of the most iconic side bets in golf, Nassau breaks your round into three parts: front nine, back nine, and overall 18.

How to Play:

• Set a wager for each segment (e.g., $10 front, $10 back, $10 total).
• Lowest score wins each segment.
• You can also press—a double-or-nothing challenge—at any time.

Pro Tip: Add a twist with automatic 2-down presses for a high-stakes experience.

2. Skins

What It Is: Each hole is worth a point or dollar amount. Win a hole outright to claim the skin. If no one wins outright, the skin rolls over.

How to Play:

• Set skin value (e.g., $5 per hole).
• Tie? Skin carries to next hole—raising the stakes.
• Keep score with a physical token (like a Kraken marker) or app.

Kraken’s Limited Edition Golf Markers

3. Wolf

What It Is: A strategy-heavy, 4-player game where players take turns being the “Wolf” and choosing whether to go solo or pick a partner.

How to Play:

• Players rotate as Wolf each hole.
• After each tee shot, the Wolf decides whether to pick that player or go solo.
• If the Wolf wins alone, they get double points.

4. Bingo Bango Bongo

What It Is: A points-based game with 3 ways to win per hole.

• Bingo: First to hit the green.
• Bango: Closest to the pin once all balls are on.
• Bongo: First to hole out.

Creative & Fun Side Bets

5. Greenies

What It Is: On par 3s, the player who hits the green and makes par or better wins the pot.

Black Anodized Die Marker

6. Sandies

What It Is: Par or better after hitting from the sand. Only counts if the sand save is natural—no extra strokes.

7. Barkies

What It Is: Hit a tree but still make par? That’s a Barkie.

8. Chippies

What It Is: Chip in from off the green for birdie or par.

High-Stakes & Unique Side Bets

9. Vegas

What It Is: A team game with wild score swings.

• Teams of 2. Combine scores into a 2-digit number (e.g., 4 & 5 = 45).
• Lower number wins the hole.
• Add point values per hole or over the round.

10. Umbrella

What It Is: A five-point system per hole. Points awarded for:

• Longest drive
• Closest to the pin
• Lowest score
• Birdie
• Win the hole

11. Three-Putt Poker

What It Is: Each 3-putt = a card. Best 5-card hand at end of round wins.

Tools to Play With Swagger

1. The Right Golf Ball Marker

Stand out on the green with high-end, limited-edition golf ball markers that make a statement.

• $100 Bill Marker in Brass
• Tiffany Blue Inlay Marker Die

2. Betting Dice

Use Kraken’s custom aluminum dice to determine game types, settle ties, or add bonus side bets.

Shop Kraken Tools

3. Marker Wallets & Leather Accessories

Keep your markers, tees, and tools organized in luxury leather gear.

4. Limited Drops

The ultimate flex? Showing up with a tool from a sold-out Kraken drop.

Explore Limited Drops

Tips for Responsible Golf Betting

• Keep it friendly. Side bets should enhance, not overshadow, the round.
• Agree on terms before teeing off.
• Pay up. Always.
• Know your group. Read the room before introducing higher stakes.
• Don’t let money ruin friendships.

Conclusion: Your Swagger Starts Here

The right bet, the right crew, and the right gear can transform a standard round into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're chasing skins or pressing your buddy on 18, bring your A-game—and your style—with Kraken Golf’s rebellious, heirloom-quality tools.

So next time you step on the tee, ask yourself: Are you just playing the course? Or are you playing the game?

Internal Links Recap:

• Shop Ball Markers
• Learn About Kraken Golf
• Join the Kraken Email List
• Explore Kraken Golf Tools
• View Limited Edition Drops