Golf Games - Snake. Golf's Most Scary Side Bet

The Snake Game

The Golf Side Bet That Adds Pressure (and a Lot of Laughs)

If you’re looking for ways to make your golf rounds more fun — and a little more competitive — then The Snake Game might be exactly what you need.

Whether you're playing with mates on a Saturday morning or teeing it up on a golf trip, this easy on-course game is a surefire way to get everyone laughing, squirming, and suddenly taking their putting a lot more seriously.

It’s one of our favourite fun golf games, and as you’ll see in the video, it can also get a little… out of hand

What is the Snake Game?

The Snake Game is a classic side bet for golf built around the ultimate putting faux pas: the 3-putt. It’s dead simple, doesn’t slow down play, and ramps up the pressure as the round goes on.

Here’s the twist from our version: the bet doubles each time the snake changes hands.

So what starts out as a friendly fiver can quickly become a lot more interesting.

How to Play the Snake Game (with the Doubling Bet)

1. Set the starting stake
Example: The game starts at $0.01.

2. Track the first 3-putt
The first player to 3-putt becomes the snake holder — and the bet is now $0.01.

3. Every time someone else 3-putts…
The snake moves to them, and the bet doubles:

3 Putts Money Pot

1 $0.01

2 $0.02

3 $0.04

4 $0.08

And so on, if someone 3 putts on every hole, then...

18 $1,310.72!!!

4. The last player to hold the snake at the end of the round pays the pot.
(And probably takes some friendly abuse in the 19th hole banter.)

Optional spice: You can include lip-outs, missed gimmes, or other putting sins to increase the drama — but be warned, this game can escalate fast.

Watch the Snake Game in Action

We tested it out ourselves — and let’s just say, it didn’t take long for the pressure to mount and the pot to skyrocket.

(Spoiler alert: Someone ends up holding a very expensive snake)

Why It’s One of the Best Fun Golf Games

• Adds pressure to every short putt – even for scratch golfers

• Creates epic drama as the pot grows

• Keeps everyone engaged, even if they're out of the hole

• Perfect for golf trips and casual matches

• Totally gear-free – all you need is a scorecard and a bit of courage

It’s a brilliant and hilarious way to keep things light and competitive on the course.

Dress Like a winner!

If you’re going to be the snake (or just want to look better than your game feels), our bold golf trousers, polos and accessories will make sure you stand out in all the right ways.