Golf is at its best when there’s something on the line, and few formats make every hole matter quite like a skins game. Instead of counting total strokes, a skins game is all about winning individual holes, putting money on the line and raising the stakes.
If you’re a weekend golfer who thrives on competition, a skins game is about to be your new favorite golf format to play. In this guide, we’ll break down what a skins game is, how to play, and even throw in some variations to make this competitive golf format even better.
What’s a Golf Skins Game?
A skins game is a competitive golf format where each hole is assigned a certain monetary value—or a “skin”—and players or teams compete to win the hole. If two or more players tie a hole, the skin carries over to the next one, increasing the value and tension with every hole that ends in a tie. By the time the final holes roll around, you can end up with some seriously high-stakes golf.
Skins is great for competitive players who enjoy high stakes, and also for groups who want a little competition without needing to track full-round scores or handicaps. Every hole is a fresh chance to win, so even if you’re having an off day, one great hole can put you back in the mix. It also works well for mixed-skill groups—a single birdie can beat out everyone else’s par, no matter who’s having the “better” round overall.
Skins in the PGA Scene
For years, the Skins Game was an annual televised event that brought together some of the biggest names in golf for a high-stakes, fan-friendly exhibition.
The original PGA Tour Skins Game debuted in 1983 and featured legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson. Each hole was assigned a cash value—typically starting at $25,000 and increasing as the round progressed. If no one won a hole outright, the money carried over, sometimes creating six-figure stakes on a single hole.
The format quickly became a viewer favorite because it showcased the players’ personalities and risk-taking in ways standard stroke play didn’t. Watching pros go head-to-head for a single high-value hole added a layer of drama rarely seen in traditional tournaments.
The event ran through 2008, eventually evolving into other unofficial formats and charity Skins matches. Today, Skins-style contests occasionally resurface during exhibitions, charity events, or team challenges—like the PGA Tour’s “The Match” series, which borrows the same hole-by-hole competition format that made Skins so fun to watch.
How to Play a Skins Game in Golf
A skins game works best with three to four players, but you can scale it up for larger groups by dividing into teams. Each hole gets assigned a value before you tee off— one point or a set dollar amount, like $1 per hole (or more, but that’s up to you).
Note that all players ante the value of the skin, so the winner actually takes home the skin x the number of players.
Pro tip: It’s easy to lose track of who’s won what, especially when multiple skins have rolled over. Designate one player as the scorekeeper or use a mobile app to keep tally.
At every hole, each player plays their own ball, just like in stroke play. At the end of each hole, the lowest score wins the skin. In the case of a tie, the skin carries over and gets added to the next skin. Alternatively, you can decide to split tied skins or use a playoff hole at the end to settle unresolved ties—just make sure everyone agrees on the rules before starting.
At the end of the round, everyone gets paid out according to the skins they won.
Example:
- Four friends are playing skins on a par-3 course.
- All players ante $1 per hole, making each hole worth $4.
- Player C wins the first hole, earning $4.
- Player A and B tie the second hole, raising the stakes to $8 on the next hole.
- Player D wins the third hole, earning $8.
Variations on the Skins Game
If your group wants to add a little more strategy or raise the stakes on a skins game, there are plenty of creative twists you can try. Again, make sure everyone agrees on the rules and stakes before getting started.
Modified Skins
This format adds bonus points for birdies or eagles and penalties for double bogeys or worse, creating a system that rewards aggressive, high-quality play. For example, a birdie might earn you two skins instead of one, while a double bogey could cost you a skin or knock one off your total.
Progressive Skins
In a Progressive Skins Game, the value of each hole increases as the round goes on.
For example:
- Holes 1-6 = $1 each
- Holes 7-12 = $2 points each
-
Holes 13-18 = $3 points each
This structure adds a little more tension and keeps everyone engaged to the very end. A player who starts slow can still make a big comeback on the final holes, especially if earlier ties cause skins to carry over.
Double Back Nine
You can also simply double the dollar amount per skin on the back nine. That means even if one player dominates early, there’s still plenty of opportunity for others to make a comeback on the back nine.
This format also ramps up the tension down the stretch—especially when multiple skins have carried over. A single birdie on a back-nine carryover hole could suddenly be worth $6 or more, turning a chill round into a nail-biter.
How to Win a Golf Skins Game
Winning a skins game is all about timing your best holes and managing risk when the stakes are highest. Knowing when to play bold and when to play smart is key to winning big during a skins game.
Balance aggression with consistency
Because each hole resets the competition, playing aggressively can really pay off, especially when multiple skins have carried over. A perfectly timed birdie on a high-value hole can make up for several bogeys earlier in the round.
That said, unnecessary risks can just as easily backfire. Going for the green in two on a par 5 might sound tempting when the pot is big, but splashing into a hazard can erase your chances just as fast. The trick is to pick your moments: stay steady on lower-value holes, then ramp up the aggression when there’s more on the line.
Take advantage of carryovers
Carryovers are where skins games get interesting. When no one wins a hole outright, the next one becomes more valuable—sometimes worth two, three, or even more skins. These are your make-or-break moments.
If you’re trailing, this is your time to apply pressure. Play strategically to set up birdie chances, and don’t be afraid to attack pins when the payout justifies the risk. On the flip side, if you’re leading, playing a bit more conservatively can force opponents to take risks you can capitalize on.
Don’t sweat the pressure
As the value of each hole rises, so does the tension. Even seasoned players can tighten up when there’s a big carryover at stake. The best way to handle that pressure? Stick to your game plan.
Focus on course management, not hero shots. A confident drive down the fairway and a solid approach are far more reliable than trying to muscle a risky shot over water. Visualize each swing, trust your club choice, and remember: one steady par can often win you more than a dozen aggressive misses.
Learn more: Golf Psychology: 12 Tips to Level Up Your Mental Game
Raise the Stakes on Your Weekend Round
Whether you play for a little or a lot, a skins game is one of the best ways to raise the stakes on your typical weekend golf time. It’s easy to set up, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to get your foursome eager for more time on the course.
Don’t forget the clubs! If you want to crush it on the course, a set of golf clubs from Stix is what you need. Designed for golfers, not gearheads, our clubs look good and play better, giving you the confidence boost you’ve been looking for on the course.
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