A skins game is a format of golf that changes the scoring from traditional stroke play into a hole by hole basis.
How to play skins in golf
Playing the skins format in golf can be done in teams or on ones own. This game works like this.
You are paired up with you competition whether it is a group of golfers playing individually or two teams of two.
The group then plays each hole with all the standard golf rules in play. Once the hole is complete the player or team with the lowest single player score on the hole gets the skin.
If multiple individual players or teams tie for the skin it is then halfed. Though some versions of this skins do not split the skin but rather carry it over to the next hole.
This means that if the golfers tie on the first hole then the second hole will be worth two skins.
Specifications on whether you will split holes or have them carry over must be made before the game of skins begins.
How Does Skins Betting Work?
If you are playing golf skins it is likely you are placing some money on the line. Typically betting in the game of skins is based on a dollar amount per skin.
An example of this could be $2 per skin. This means each player will put in two dollars for each hole on the course. This will be a total of 36 dollars each.
Then the payouts will be based on the number of skins you won and the number of players in the game. Say you won 10 skins and there were four players playing then you would get $6 for each hole you won(2$ skins x 3 opposing players).
This means you would collect $60 dollars.
If you struggle with the math section do not worry check out golfskinscalculator.com and just input your numbers to get the math sorted out for you.
Skins Golf Strategies
There are several strategies that you can employ in order to give you an edge when playing skins.
Play The Easy Holes Aggressive
When you see an easy hole or an opportunity to score well go for it. Though it can pay to be safe in certain situations you must be sure to take advantage while you can.
When you see an opportunity to reach a green earlier or go for a birdie take the chance and go for it.
Play The Hard Holes Conservatively
On the holes, you know you may struggle with be sure to play conservatively. Though aggressive play will be opportune for easy holes it can easily backfire on the tough ones.
Sitting back and playing it safe on the tough holes may lead to an easy skin. This is if the other golfers in your group decide to go for it and end up in some trouble.
Don’t Give Up On Holes
When you’re behind on a hole it can be easy to get demotivated and accept defeat. This usually results in less reading of putts and an overall decrease in focus.
You never know when an opponent will skull a chip or leave a putt short. Stay focused and in the game until the hole is complete.
What are skins in golf
Skins in golf are simply a scoring metric that utilizes number of holes won instead of strokes taken throughout the round. The number of skins you have is based on the number of holes you scored lower than your competitors.
Best Golf Skins Apps
If you’re looking to avoid calculating all the skins over your competition it can be handy to have something to calculate it for you.
If you check out the golf app 18 birdies you find that this app can easily calculate all your bets and skins on top of plenty of other features.
Conclusion Skins Game
We hope you enjoyed our guide to understanding skins in golf. If you have any questions regarding the information in this guide be sure to reach out in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this guide be sure to check out some of our others. Such as our guide to understanding texas scramble.
