What is Skins in Golf? | Golf Formats Explained

Golf is a staggering game for individuals of all expertise levels, and there are various ways of playing it. Stroke play, match play, and scramble are among the most famous configurations.

This game on the other hand, is a more engaging and harder method to play. This article will review the fundamentals of how skins games function.

We’ll review how to set up this game, keep score, and declare the winner. We’ll also provide some pointers on how to play this game efficiently.

What Does “Skins Game” in Golf Mean?

This game is a golf competition in which each hole is worth a certain sum of money, or “skin.

The player with the least score on each opening acquires that opening’s skin, and the player with the most skins after the round dominates the match.

Before the game starts, the worth of each skin is generally settled upon. For instance, you and your accomplice might concur that each opening costs $10, $20, or significantly more.

If you’re playing with a bigger gathering, consider dividing the skins into more modest qualities, for example, $5 or $10.

If at least two players score similarly on an opening, the skin is extended to the opening.

It means the skin on the next hole is worth twice as much because two players can win it.

The player with the most skins toward the finish of the round take first prize in the match. The tied players split the pot if there is a tie for the most skins.

Skins is a fun golf format. Understand the scoring terms used in this game.

How Do You Play The Golf Skins Game?

Assume you’re in a skins game with three other buddies. You agree that each hole is worth $20, and each of you contributes $10 to that total.

Here’s how the first few holes could go:

Hole 1: Player A scores a 3, B scores a 4, and Player C scores a 5. Player A succeeds in the opening and the skin; every Player gets $10.

Hole 2: Players A and B shoot a four on hole 2. The skin continues to the next hole.

Hole 3: Players A and C shoot a four on hole 3. The skin continues to the next hole.

The skins from holes 2 and 3 have carried over to hole 4. So, in hole 4, two skins are available: the regular skin and the carried-over skin from hole 2.

Hole 4 Player B scores a 3, Player “A” scores a 4, and Player “C” scores a 5. Player B wins the hole, and both skins and each of the other players receive $30.

At the end of the round, Player B has three skins worth $90. Player A and Player C have each won one skin worth $30.

As you can see, skins games can be highly thrilling, especially when a large sum of money is at stake.

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your next round of golf, I recommend giving skins games a shot.

Variations of Skins Games in Golf

Here are several disc golf skins options to try:

  • Net skins: Each player’s score is modified for handicap in net skins. It makes the game more equitable for participants of varying skill levels.
  • Progressive skins: In progressive skins, the value of each skin rises as the round progresses.
  • Team skins: Two or more players establish a team and compete against other teams in team skins. It is an excellent way to play skins golf with a larger group.
  • Eagle skins: A skin is provided to each player who eagles a hole in eagle skins. As players always seek the chance to eagle a hole and earn skin, this may be a thrilling variation.

What is Whole Round Skins Games?

A whole round skins game is a variant of the standard skins game in which each hole is worth a specific amount of money, or “skin.”

The player with the least score on each opening acquires that opening’s skin, and the player with the most skins toward the finish of the round dominates the match.

However, in a whole-round skins game, the skins are not awarded until the round is through.

It means that until the round is over, players have no idea who has won the skin for each hole.

Because participants do not know if they have won a skin until the end, this can add excitement to the game.

Whole-round skins games are usually played with a larger group of players because it might be difficult to keep track of the skins for each hole with only a few players.

This structure is also commonly employed for skins games involving many groups of golfers.

Ever heard of a mulligan? Learn about this golf term and how it’s used in various formats.

What is Progressive Prize Scale?

From 1983 to 2008, the Skins Game was an unauthorized PGA Tour tournament.

 This game had a progressive prize collection, with the worth of the skins growing as the round continued.

The first six holes’ skins were for $25,000 each, the next six holes’ skins were worth $50,000 each, and the last six holes’ skins were worth $70,000 each. The skin on the 18th hole was valued at $200,000.

How to Play Skins with Handicap?

The first step in playing skins with handicaps is to compute the handicaps for each player.

 It can be accomplished using the USGA’s official handicap system or a simplified system based on the players’ current scores.

Skins are awarded depending on the players’ net scores after the handicaps have been calculated.

It means the player with the lowest net score on each hole takes home the skin.

Here is an illustration of how to play skins with handicaps:

PlayersHandicapAdjusted Handicap
Player A50
Player B94
Player C155
HoleScoreNet ScoreSkin
17571Player A
27268Player A
38076Player A (skin carried over)
47370Player A
57672Player A
68177Player B
77874Player B
87975Player B
97773Player B
107571Player B

As you can see, Player A won the skins on holes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 9. Skins were won by Player B on holes 6, 7, 8, and 10.

Player A took home five skins, while Player B took home four.

Of course, this is only a simple example. You can tailor the handicaps and the number of skins awarded to your requirements.