Best Golf Games for a Foursome
The five best golf games for a foursome are Wolf, Vegas, Round Robin, Stableford and Bingo Bango Bongo. Wolf is the pick for strategy, Vegas for big swings and side bets, Round Robin for keeping teams fair, Stableford for steady points even after a bad hole, and Bingo Bango Bongo for mixed skill groups where everyone should have a shot.
All five work with four players. Here's how each one plays, who it suits, and how to mix them on a golf trip.
The quick answer
- Wolf: best for competitive groups who like making calls. Partners change every hole.
- Vegas: best for groups who like a bet. Two teams of two, and one bad hole can swing the match.
- Round Robin: best for keeping it fair. You partner with every player in your group once.
- Stableford: best for mixed handicaps. Blow-up holes cost you nothing worse than zero.
- Bingo Bango Bongo: best for casual rounds. Three points every hole, and anyone can grab one.
Golf games for 4 players, side by side
| Game | Players | Teams | Betting fit | Mixed skill levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolf | 3-4 | Change every hole | Great: play for a set amount per point | Good |
| Vegas | 4 | 2 vs 2 | Great, but points add up fast | Fair: big numbers hurt |
| Round Robin | 4 | Rotate every 6 holes | Good: three short matches | Great |
| Stableford | 2-4 | Individual | Good | Great |
| Bingo Bango Bongo | 2-4 | Individual | Good: low stakes per point | Great |
Wolf
Set a tee order for the round and rotate it every hole. The player teeing off last is the Wolf. After each drive, the Wolf decides on the spot whether to take that player as a partner. Pass on everyone and you're the Lone Wolf, playing one against three for double points.
Teams play best ball or scramble for the hole. Winners get a point each. It rewards nerve as much as ball striking, which is why it's a golf trip favorite.
Full Wolf rules · Wolf Scorecards
Vegas
Two teams of two. Everyone plays their own ball. At the end of the hole, put your score and your partner's together into a two-digit number, lowest first. A 4 and a 5 makes 45. If either partner makes a 10 or more, that score goes first.
The team with the lower number wins the difference in points. Beat a 56 with a 45 and that's 11 points. Every stroke counts, so nobody gets to pick up early.
Full Vegas rules · Vegas Scorecards
Round Robin
Partners rotate every six holes, so by the 18th you've played with everyone:
- Holes 1-6: Players 1 and 2 vs Players 3 and 4
- Holes 7-12: Players 1 and 3 vs Players 2 and 4
- Holes 13-18: Players 1 and 4 vs Players 2 and 3
Use any format you like for each six: scramble, best ball, total score or Hi-Lo. Count the holes each player won to crown a winner. It's the easiest way to keep a foursome with one ringer fair.
Full Round Robin rules · Round Robin Scorecards
Stableford
You score points for each hole instead of counting total strokes:
- Double bogey or worse: 0
- Bogey: 1
- Par: 2
- Birdie: 3
- Eagle: 4
- Albatross or better: 5
Most points wins. A triple bogey costs you the same as a double, so one bad hole doesn't end your day.
Full Stableford rules · Stableford Scorecards
Bingo Bango Bongo
Three points are up for grabs on every hole:
- Bingo: first ball on the green
- Bango: closest to the pin once everyone is on
- Bongo: first ball in the hole
Playing ready golf? Give Bingo to the longest approach that holds the green, and Bongo to the longest putt or chip that drops. A high handicapper can win this one, which is the whole point.
Full Bingo Bango Bongo rules · Bingo Bango Bongo Scorecards
How to pick games for a golf trip
Mix formats across the trip so different players get their moment:
- Round 1: Bingo Bango Bongo or Stableford. Easy to learn and forgiving while everyone shakes off the travel.
- Round 2: Round Robin. Everyone partners with everyone, so no team runs away with it.
- Round 3: Wolf. Now people know each other's games, and the partner calls get interesting.
- Final round: Vegas. Save the biggest swings for last.
Keep a running total across the trip if you want one overall champion.
FAQ
What is the best golf game for 4 players?
Wolf is a favorite for a competitive foursome because partners change every hole. For mixed skill groups, Stableford or Bingo Bango Bongo keep everyone in it.
What golf games are good for betting?
Wolf and Vegas are the classic betting games. Agree on a set amount per point before you tee off. Vegas points add up fast, so keep the stakes small.
Which golf game is best for different skill levels?
Bingo Bango Bongo, because the points reward short game and a bit of luck, not just distance. Stableford is a close second because bad holes can't sink you.
Can you play these games with 3 players?
Wolf, Stableford and Bingo Bango Bongo all work with three. Vegas and Round Robin need four.
Do I need a special scorecard?
You can score any of these on a regular card, but it gets messy. King of Clubs scorecards are laid out for each game, with spots for tee order, points and rotating teams.
Get the scorecards
Want to try all five? The Player Pack has one scorecard for each game. Heading out with a bigger group or playing a lot of rounds? The Tour Bundle has 4 scorecards of each game, 20 in all.