
I was recently introduced to this side game from Dave, a friend and subscriber who sent me an Instagram post from @golfballed.
Three Putts are the bane of golf and this game puts a spotlight on it. Here’s how you can play:
Bring a freshly shuffled deck of cards and a poker chip to the 1st tee. Everyone in the group contributes $5 to the pot.
During play, anyone who completes a hole with a one putt receives a playing card. (best to fan the cards and let them pick) A two putt receives nothing and a three putt – well, you don’t want to be that player. Anyone with a three putt has to contribute another $1 to the pot. And the three putt player receives the poker chip. Keep exchanging the chip through the round. If more than 1 player 3 putts on a hole, the last player in the hole gets the chip.
At the conclusion of the round the player with the poker chip adds another $5 to the pot.
Then everyone lays out their cards and the player with the best poker hand wins the pot.
Variations:
- Obviously you can choose a different buy-in and three putt contributions.
- Change up what it takes to win a card (make sure it relates to putting)
e.g. if you want to get a lot of cards in play, award a card for putts made over 10 feet, or (you pick)…. - Add an additional card for a one putt Birdie and two cards for a one putt Eagle.
- Make a player give back a card instead of paying another $1 for a three putt. (or both!)
- Play teams instead of individuals.
CLICK HERE to see a video from @golfballed explaining the game.