The Nassau is one of golf’s most popular and storied betting games, turning a standard round into three distinct competitions. It’s the perfect way to add a layer of friendly competition without making things too complicated. This guide breaks down exactly how to play a Nassau, from the basic rules to the strategic nuances that will help you win your next match.
At its core, a Nassau is simply three bets wrapped into one round of golf. When you agree to play a Nassau, you're competing to win three separate wagers:
Because it's structured this way, a player who has a terrible start can completely redeem themselves on the back nine. This "fresh start" a
The goal is to be "up" by more holes than there are left to play. For example, if you are 3-up with only 2 holes remaining, you have won the match. This is called winning "3 and 2."
Getting a Nassau game started is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps before you tee off on the first hole.
Before anyone hits a shot, all players need to agree on the value of the Nassau. A "$5 Nassau" is a common starting point. This means that each of the three bets (front 9, back 9, overall 18) is worth $5.
If you win all three bets, you’d win a total of $15. If you win the front nine, lose the back nine, and tie the overall match, you'd come out $5 ahead. It's a simple and affordable way to make things interesting.
Think of your round as three mini-games. The score resets for each part of the bet:
Let's follow two golfers, Sarah and Tom, playing a $5 Nassau:
Total Payout: Sarah won $5 on the front and $5 overall (+$10). Tom won $5 on the back (-$5). In the end, Tom pays Sarah $5.
The real fun of a Nassau comes from "pressing the bet," or just a "press." A press is a second, identical bet that runs alongside the original one for the remaining holes of that nine. It’s what can make a relaxing round suddenly feel like a a high-stakes competition.
The most common form is the automatic press. The group should decide on the rule before the round, but typically, a press is automatically triggered whenever a player or team goes 2-down.
When a team goes 2-down, a new, second bet (for the same amount) starts on the next tee and runs for the remainder of that nine. That team is essentially saying, "We bet you can't beat us from here to the end of the nine."
Let's say a $10 Nassau is in play. You and your partner are now 2-down to your opponents after the 4th hole.
Your goal is now twofold: try to get back to "all square" in the original bet while also winning the "press" bet on holes 5-9. It's an opportunity to win your money back or even come out ahead on a nine you were losing badly.
A more aggressive version is the optional press, where the team that is down has the option to propose a press at any time. This is a gutsy move. You’re doubling down on your ability to outplay your opponent for the rest of the nine. The team that is up usually must accept the press in this format, though some groups play it as optional for the leading team to accept or not.
If you're playing a singles match and you're 1-down, standing on the 7th tee, you might say, "Let's press it." If they agree, a new bet starts for the last three holes of the front nine (7, 8, and 9).
A Nassau is most fun when the competition is fair. To level the playing field between golfers of different abilities, you should use handicaps.
In match play, you don't adjust the final score. Instead, the higher-handicap player receives strokes on certain holes. Here's how to calculate it:
Knowing the rules is one thing, but playing to win requires a bit of strategy. As a coach, this is where I see golfers gain a real edge.
Remember that a Nassau is played hole by hole. A disastrous triple bogey only costs you one hole, not four strokes off a total score. Great match players have short memories. Forget the bad shot you just hit, Shake it off. Your entire focus needs to be on winning the current hole. One bad hole doesn't spiral into a bad round if you stay focused on the small victories.
If you have a lead, don’t take unnecessary risks. Your goal is to force your opponent to make a great shot to beat you. Aim for the middle of the green. Lay up on par 5s if there is trouble around the green. Play steady, predictable golf and make pars. The pressure is on your opponent to take chances, which often leads to mistakes. Let them make the errors while you protect your lead.
Pressing is a powerful tool, but it can backfire. Don't press out of frustration. Before proposing a press, quickly assess the situation. Are there a few holes left that fit your game well? Is your opponent starting to look shaky? If you have a good feeling and the situation seems right, a press can be a great way to flip the momentum. If you're playing poorly and emotionally, pressing can just dig a deeper hole.
On the flip side, if you're down late in a match, safe golf won't win you the bet. This is the time to take a slightly more aggressive line off the tee or fire at a tucked pin. You may have to take a gamble to win a hole and get back in the match. If you're 2-down with two holes to play, you have to win both. A safe par isn't going to be enough if your opponent is also capable of making par.
The Nassau is a fantastic betting game because its "three-in-one" structure keeps the round exciting and gives everyone a fighting chance, no matter how their day starts. Now that you understand the rules, scoring, and basic strategies, you’re ready to introduce it during your next outing with friends and enjoy one of the great traditions of the game.
During a competitive Nassau, with bets and presses making your head spin, it’s easy to get distracted from what matters most: hitting a good golf shot. I've designed Caddie AI to be your personal on-course expert, simplifying an overwhelming situation. By asking for course management advice for the hole you're on, or snapping a picture to get an instant recommendation for a tricky lie, you can offload the mental clutter. We give you clear, actionable strategies so you can focus, commit to your swing, and concentrate on beating your opponent on just this one hole.
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