Tired of the same old weekend golf game of stroke play? A game of Canadian Skins might be exactly what your threesome needs to inject some serious excitement and strategy into your round. This guide breaks down exactly what Canadian Skins is, how to play it step-by-step, and offers some practical coaching advice to help you walk off the 18th green with bragging rights and a heavier wallet.
At its heart, Canadian Skins is a golf betting game format designed specifically for a group of three golfers. It's a popular variation of a classic "Skins" game, where each hole is played for an individual prize or "skin." What makes the Canadian version so much fun is its unique team dynamic: on every single hole, it's one player competing against the other two.
The "teams" change from hole to hole based on who won the previous skin, creating a fluid and highly strategic game. One moment you're collaborating with a partner to take down your opponent, and the next hole, you could be the lone wolf trying to fend off your two former allies. It’s this constant shift in alliances that keeps everybody engaged, focused, and ready for a good-natured battle until the very last putt drops.
You can play for money, points, or just bragging rights. No matter the stakes, it’s a brilliant format for making every hole feel meaningful and competitive.
Getting a Canadian Skins game started requires a little organization, but once you understand the flow, it's easy to manage. The most important thing is for all three players to agree on the rules and the value of each point before the first ball is in the air. Here’s a detailed walkthrough.
Before the round begins, you need to decide two things: the value of each skin/point and the playing order for the first hole. A simple flip of a tee can determine who will be the solo player on Hole #1. Let's call them Player A. Players B and C will form a team to compete against Player A.
From the second hole onward, the team composition is determined by performance. The player who won the previous skin automatically becomes the solo player on the next tee. So, if Player A wins the first hole, they play solo again on the second. If the team of B and C wins the first hole (by one of them having a better score), the player on the team with the lowest score for that hole gets the honor of playing solo on Hole #2.
A "skin" is only won when one side wins the hole outright. This is where it gets interesting. A hole is tied, or "pushed," if the solo player's score is matched by the best score from the two-person team.
When a skin is pushed, its value carries over to the next hole. The subsequent hole is now worth two skins. This can continue indefinitely, with the pot growing larger and the pressure mounting with each consecutive tie. For example:
When a hole with multiple carry-over skins is finally won, the winner takes the entire pot. If your threesome ties the first four holes and someone wins the fifth, they earn five skins in one fell swoop. This dynamic ensures there's no "coasting" - every shot matters.
This is the fun part, but it’s also the part you need to clarify before you start. The most common and recommended scoring system for Canadian Skins is what's known as 6-2-2.
Here’s how it works for each skin that's up for grabs:
Notice the math is uneven - this is intentional. The solo player is at a disadvantage, playing 1 vs 2, so they are rewarded with a much larger potential payout for winning a hole. At the same time, this puts a lot of pressure on them not to lose, as they stand to lose more points than they would on the team.
You can assign any monetary value you want to these points. A common, friendly bet is $1 per point. So on a single-skin hole:
Let's track a game between Amy (solo on hole 1), Bill, and Chris. The bet is $1 per point using the 6-2-2 system.
Hole 1 (Par 4) - Worth 1 Skin:
Result: PUSH. Bill's par ties Amy's par. No points are exchanged. The skin carries over. The player assignments remain the same for the next hole.
Hole 2 (Par 5) - Worth 2 Skins:
Result: The team of Bill and Chris wins outright, thanks to Chris's fantastic birdie. Since the hole was worth 2 skins, the payout is doubled.
Hole 3 (Par 3) - Worth 1 Skin:
Result: The team of Amy and Bill wins outright. Since it was just 1 skin, points are standard.
Let's re-run the totals for clarity:
Running Tally after Hole 3:
Because Amy and Bill both made Par on the winning team, who goes solo next? Most groups simply alternate or flip a tee in this scenario. Let’s say Amy wins the tee flip and plays solo on Hole 4.
This game isn't just about hitting good shots - it's about thinking your way around the course. As a coach, this is where I see players gain a real edge. Your strategy must change depending on whether you're playing alone or as part of the team.
When you're the "lone wolf," the pressure is on, but so is the opportunity. Your goal is simple: make a score that is lower than both of your opponents.
Working with a partner is the essence of Canadian Skins. The goal is to ensure that at least one of you beats the solo player's score. The key here is communication and complementary golf.
Canadian Skins is a fantastic way to transform a casual round into a truly engaging and strategic competition. The constantly changing teams and the pressure of accumulating "pushed" skins means you’re invested in every shot, making for a memorable day on the links whether you win or lose.
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