If you've ever played a game of golf with friends, you've probably heard someone mention "skins" at some point. But what exactly is a skin in golf? And how do you play this popular game? And what's the best way to go home with the most skins? Read on to find out!
A Brief History...
Skins is a game that's been around for a while. But it really came into the spotlight in 1983. It was Thanksgiving weekend. The location was a desert golf course in Arizona. The players were four legends of the game - Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player.
This was an event that was made for TV. The PGA agreed and began promoting this star-studded event annually usually on Thanksgiving weekend, sometimes in December. It regularly featured the biggest stars in the game including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, and more.
How to Play?
In its simplest form, skins is a game that pits players against each other in a race to see who can post the lowest score on each individual hole. The format of skins golf is pretty straightforward. Each hole is worth a certain amount of money, and the golfer with the lowest score on each hole wins the value of that hole or "skin." The catch is that only the best score on each hole counts towards the skin's total; all other scores are effectively ignored.
To add an extra level of excitement (and potential heartbreak), tied holes are carried over to the next hole until someone finally emerges victorious. This can create some seriously tense moments, especially if multiple holes have been tied and there's big money on the line!
For example, let's say that you're playing a round of skins with three other friends. The first hole is worth $5, and you happen to make par while your friends all make bogey. That means that you've just won $5!
Skins games should be played with at least three players, but they're typically most fun with four players. They can also be played for points instead of cash if that's more your style. No matter how you play it, skins is a great way to add an extra layer of competition and fun to your next round of golf!
The beauty of skins is that it keeps things interesting even if you're not having your best day out on the course. If you find yourself struggling, don't worry - there's always a chance that you'll be able to steal a skin (or two) from your opponents.
How to Win at Skins Golf
There are a few different strategies that you can use in order to increase your chances of winning skins golf. First and foremost, play aggressively. Pars are usually not enough to win a skin especially when you're competing with three pretty good golfers. Secondly, play conservatively when you are forced to halve the hole. This can happen if the two other players are out of the hole and it's just you and one other player competing for the skin or skins.
And finally, this may seem obvious but be aware of what holes are worth the most money or have the most number of skins at stake. Another important thing to keep in mind is that skin values tend to increase as the round goes on. So, if you find yourself in contention late in the round, revert back to our first strategy, and don't be afraid to go for it!
How To Price a Skin?
The value of a skin is usually determined by how much money everyone in the group has agreed to put into the pot beforehand. For example, if everyone agrees to put $5 into the pot per hole, then each skin will be worth $5. It's up to you and your fellow golfers to decide how much each skin is worth before you start playing.
So there you have it—a brief overview of what skins is, how it's played and how you can walk away with some cash. Skins is a fun and exciting way to add some extra competition to your round of golf. So next time you're out on the course with some friends, be sure to give it a try! Just remember - it's not about how many strokes you take, it's about how much money you can win!
If you need to practice at home before your next big game of skins, see below.
Or if you want the perfect set of practice balls see below.
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