Looking for a game that makes every single putt feel important and keeps your entire group competitive until the final hole? Then it’s time you learned how to play 9s. This guide breaks down the rules, scoring, and core strategies for one of golf’s most engaging and popular betting games, so you can add a new layer of friendly competition to your next round.
In short, 9s is a betting game purpose-built for a group of three golfers. Its name comes from the simple fact that there are nine points available on every hole. These points are awarded based on how the three players score relative to each other on that specific hole. After the round, you simply tally up the points, and the player with the highest total wins the pot (or, more importantly, the bragging rights).
Unlike standard stroke play where one bad hole can ruin your day, 9s resets the competition on every tee box. It keeps every player in the game and makes even a scramble for bogey a meaningful part of the competition. It’s a dynamic format that forces you to play against your opponents and the course at the same time.
The beauty of 9s lies in its simplicity. On each hole, the nine available points are distributed among the three players based on their net or gross scores, but it’s most commonly played using net handicaps to keep things fair.
Here’s the standard distribution:
Let's walk through a quick, straightforward example on a par 4:
In this scenario, the scoring is clean and simple. Player A gets 5 points, Player B gets 3 points, and Player C gets 1 point. All nine points are awarded, and you move to the next tee.
Of course, golf isn't always so clear-cut. Ties happen frequently, and knowing how to split the points is central to playing the game correctly. The rule is straightforward: when players tie, you add up the points for the places they are tied for and divide them equally.
This is where things get interesting and strategic. Let’s look at the common tie scenarios.
This happens all the time. Two players make the same score, and the third player is one or more strokes behind.
Here, one player wins the hole outright, while the other two tie for the runner-up position.
Whether it’s a hole of brilliant birdies or three frustrating double bogeys, sometimes everyone ends up with the same number on the scorecard.
The easiest way to track the game is to add three columns to the right side of a standard scorecard, one for each player. After each hole, you just jot down the points awarded (e.g., 5, 3, 1, or any ties) and keep a running total. It takes just a few seconds and prevents any confusion later in the clubhouse.
Playing 9s well is more than just making a good swing, it requires a shift in mindset from traditional stroke play. Here’s some coaching advice to help you change your perspective and start racking up points.
Big numbers kill you in 9s. Making a bunch of pars and bogeys is far more valuable than a round with a few birdies mixed with doubles and triples. The player who avoids melt-down holes is often the one who wins. If you find yourself in the trees, don’t be a hero. A safe punch-out to the fairway to secure a bogey (and 3 points) is often a much better play than the high-risk shot for par that could lead to a triple (and only 1 point).
You have to pay attention to what your playing partners are doing. If you see both of your opponents hit their tee shots into trouble, your strategy on that hole should immediately change. Suddenly, a safe iron off the tee and a simple par or bogey on the green almost guarantees you 5 points. Conversely, if one player is already safely on the green in two, you might need to take a more aggressive line to have a chance at earning more than just 1 or 3 points.
Winning a hole outright (5 points) is a huge swing. Notice the point difference between outcomes:
Target the holes where you have a clear advantage. If it's a short par 5 that you can reach in two but your partners can't, that might be your moment to play aggressively. If it's a long, tight par 4 where you feel less confident, your goal shifts to simply not being the worst score of the group.
Once you’ve mastered the basic format, many groups like to add extra layers of action. The most common variation is called a "press". A press is essentially a secondary bet that runs concurrently with the main game.
While rules can vary, a popular press works like this:
You can also incorporate other common golf betting terms, known as "junk" or "trash," into the point system. For example, you could award an extra point for birdies, sandies (up-and-down from a greenside bunker), or for chipping in.
The game of 9s transforms a regular round of golf into a dynamic, hole-by-hole competition that keeps everyone focused and entertained. It's an excellent way to practice course management, forcing you to think strategically about when to attack and when to play safely to maximize your points.
As you think strategically on each hole in 9s - deciding whether to go for a risky shot to win 5 points or play it safe to secure 3 - we know that having an expert opinion can make all the difference. With our app, Caddie AI, you can get instant course management advice on demand. Just describe the hole or even snap a picture of a tricky lie an inch from a root. We’ll provide a smart, simple strategy to help you make the right play and earn more points.
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