Looking for a way to liven up your regular Saturday foursome? If your group has a mix of skill levels, Bingo Bargo Bongo is the perfect game to add some friendly competition and excitement to every single shot. It’s a simple, points-based game that rewards smart play and good shots, leveling the playing field so that any golfer can win, regardless of their handicap. This guide will walk you through exactly how to play, how to keep score, and the best strategies to make sure you’re collecting points all round long.
At its heart, Bingo Bango Bongo is a side game played during a standard round of golf. Instead of competing solely on the total score for the hole, players compete for three distinct points on every single hole. These points are awarded for three different achievements: being the first person to get on the green, being closest to the pin once everyone is on the green, and being the first person to sink their putt.
The beauty of this format is that it deemphasizes pure scoring ability. A player who makes a double bogey can still walk away with two out of the three points on a hole, while a player who makes par might get none. This dynamic keeps every player fully engaged from tee to cup, as every single shot presents a new opportunity to win a point. It transforms the round into a collection of mini-competitions, making it a fantastic format for groups with diverse handicaps who want a fair and entertaining wager.
The game is based on winning three types of points on each hole: a "Bingo," a "Bango," and a "Bongo." Understanding these three objectives is the first step to mastering the game. It is absolutely essential that the group follows proper golf etiquette - the player furthest from the hole always plays first - for the game to work correctly.
The "Bingo" point is awarded to the first player in the group to successfully land their ball on the putting surface. It doesn't matter if it's a 300-yard drive and a 50-yard pitch or a screaming 3-iron from 220 yards out. The only thing that matters is being first.
The "Bango" point can only be determined once every player in the group has their ball on the putting surface. The point is awarded to the player whose ball is closest to the hole at that moment.
The "Bongo" point is the final prize awarded on the hole, going to the first player to sink their ball in the cup. Once again, this point relies heavily on the proper order of play.
Now that you know how the points are awarded, let's walk through how to manage the game over 18 holes.
Here's a sample of how a scorecard could look for two players over two holes:
| HOLE | PLAYER 1 | BBB | PLAYER 2 | BBB |
|------|------------|-----|------------|-----|
| 1 | 4 | B-O | 5 | -A- |
| 2 | 5 | --O | 4 | BA- |
| | Total: 9 | 3 | Total: 9 | 3 |
You can dramatically increase your chances of winning points with the right mindset. It’s less about brute power and more about strategic positioning and execution.
This point is all about opportunity. If you're the furthest from the green, you have the first - and best - chance to win it. Forget being a hero and trying to stick it close. Your one and only goal should be to get the ball *anywhere* on that green. A shot that lands on the front edge and stays on is infinitely more valuable than one that flies right over the flag and ends up in the back bunker. Consider taking one less club to ensure solid contact and avoid going long. Smart course management is your best asset for winning Bingos.
This is where strong short-game skills pay dividends. If you miss the green on your approach, you are not out of it! In fact, you have an excellent opportunity. The players on the green have set the benchmark. Now you know exactly what you need to do: chip it closer than them. Conversely, if you're the last person to hit your approach shot, you can play more aggressively for the pin, knowing that a close shot will likely secure the "Bango." Strong lag putting is also a weapon here, if you can get your ball stone dead, you might steal the point from someone who left themselves a tricky second putt.
Love making long putts? This is your chance to shine. Since the person furthest from the hole putts first, being away is an advantage. Instead of lagging it close, take a confident stroke and try to make everything. Having to putt first gives you a chance to end the contest before anyone else even gets to stroke their ball. Remember, sinking a 35-footer is no different_point-wise than tapping in from six inches if you do it first. This is why you must hole out everything - becoming a clutch putter can make you a Bongo-winning machine.
While the basic rules are simple, your group can add small variations. What if two players are an equal distance from the hole for a putt? Flip a coin. What if someone chips in from off the green at the same time another person's ball on the green is closest? Most groups decide these fine points before a round, often agreeing that a tie results in the point carrying over to the next hole, making it worth double. The central idea is to keep it fun and fair for everyone in the group.
Bingo Bango Bongo is a fantastic golf game that rewards skillful execution on every shot, making the entire round an engaging and dynamic competition. By prioritizing smart play for the Bingo, a sharp short game for the Bango, and clutch putting for the Bongo, any player can be a contender, proving that you don't need to post the lowest score to have the most fun or win the day.
While Bingo Bango Bongo is designed to level the playing field, making smart strategic decisions will always give you an edge. When I'm in a tough spot and need a little extra guidance - whether that’s selecting the right club for a pivotal "Bingo" attempt or thinking through a tough recovery shot to set up an easy "Bango" - I turn to Caddie AI. Having an expert opinion in my pocket for course management and shot strategy has helped me make better decisions, avoid big mistakes, and, most importantly, snag more of those valuable points during a friendly match.
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