Skins payouts work by awarding money to the player who wins the “skin” on each hole, usually determined by having the lowest net score on that hole, and a skin is only won if there is a unique low score.
Golf offers many different ways to keep track of scores and award prizes. Among the most exciting and straightforward formats is the game of Skins. It adds a layer of suspense to every single hole. Unlike stroke play or match play, Skins focuses solely on winning individual holes, regardless of the total score for the round. This format is popular in casual games and sometimes even in charity outings.
Grasping the Basics of the Skins Game
The core concept of Skins is simple: win the hole outright, win the money associated with that hole. This mechanism makes every putt or chip shot extremely important.
Defining a “Skin”
A “skin” is the prize money allocated to a specific hole. To win the money for a hole, a player must achieve the lowest score on that hole compared to every other player in the group.
A crucial rule separates Skins from other golf scoring methods: If two or more players tie for the lowest score on a hole, no one wins the money for that hole. This is called a “carryover” or a “push.”
The Carryover Effect
The carryover is what makes the Skins game thrilling. If no one wins the money on Hole 1, the prize money for Hole 1 is added to the prize money for Hole 2. If Hole 2 also results in a tie, the money from Holes 1 and 2 rolls over to Hole 3, creating a larger and larger prize pot. This builds tension as the round progresses, as a big payout might be waiting on a later hole.
Setting Up a Skins Game
Before teeing off, the group needs to agree on a few key details. These setup elements directly affect how the game plays out and how calculating golf scores impacts the final results.
Determining the Value of Each Skin
The first step is setting the cash value for each hole.
- Flat Rate: The simplest method is assigning the same dollar amount to every hole (e.g., $2 per hole).
- Weighted Value: Often, the last few holes carry a higher value. For instance, Holes 1–15 might be worth $2 each, Hole 16 might be $4, Hole 17 might be $6, and the 18th hole might be worth $10 (often called a “Double Skin” or “Triple Skin”). This encourages players to stay engaged until the very end.
Deciding on Gross vs. Net Play
This is perhaps the most critical decision. Will the game be played using gross score golf (actual strokes taken) or net score golf (strokes minus handicap allowance)?
Gross Skins
In Gross Skins, the player who takes the fewest actual strokes on the hole wins the skin. This format strongly favors the best ball strikers in the group. It is often used among players with very similar skill levels.
Net Skins
In Net Skins, handicap allowances are applied before determining the winner of the skin. This levels the playing field and is the most common way to play Skins when skill levels vary widely.
To play Net Skins fairly, the group must use a recognized golf handicap system.
Incorporating Handicaps into Net Skins
When playing Net Skins, the golf handicap system dictates how strokes are assigned to holes. This ensures that less skilled players have a fair chance to win a skin.
Using the USGA Handicap Index and Handicap Allocation
Most American formats rely on the USGA handicap index. This index is converted into course-specific handicap strokes based on the difficulty rating of the course (Slope and Course Rating).
Strokes are assigned hole-by-hole based on the course’s stroke index (SI), usually ranging from 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest).
Example of Stroke Allocation
Imagine a player has a Course Handicap of 12. This means they receive 12 handicap strokes for the round. These 12 strokes are applied to the 12 hardest holes on the course (those rated SI 1 through SI 12).
If a player shoots a 6 on a Par 4 that is rated SI 5, and they were due a handicap stroke on that hole:
- Gross Score: 6
- Handicap Strokes Received: 1
- Net Score: $6 – 1 = 5$
The Role of CONGU in Other Regions
In the UK and Ireland, players often use the CONGU handicap system. While the calculation of the initial handicap index differs slightly from the USGA method, the application of strokes within a format like Skins remains similar: strokes are assigned based on the hole’s difficulty index to determine the net score for that hole.
Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) and Adjusting Golf Scores
When calculating net scores for Skins, particularly in official club games, there is a need to prevent one bad hole from ruining a player’s net score calculation for that hole. This is where Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) comes into play, though it is often simplified in casual Skins games.
ESC limits the maximum number of strokes a player can record on any single hole relative to their Course Handicap, ensuring that one disastrous hole doesn’t skew the handicap results too severely. For casual Net Skins, players usually simply apply their full handicap allowance hole-by-hole and let adjusting golf scores happen naturally through that process.
How Net Skins Winners Are Decided
The process of calculating golf scores for Net Skins involves several steps on each hole.
- Record Gross Scores: Every player writes down their raw number of strokes (the gross score).
- Determine Handicap Allowance: Based on the agreed-upon handicap system, determine how many strokes each player gets on that specific hole.
- Calculate Net Score: Subtract the allocated strokes from the gross score for each player.
- Identify the Low Net Score: Find the lowest net score posted by anyone in the group.
- Check for Ties: If only one player achieved that lowest net score, that player wins the skin. If two or more players tied for the lowest net score, the skin carries over.
Example Scenario: Net Skins on Hole 7 (Par 4)
Let’s see how this works for three players: Alice, Bob, and Charlie. They are playing for $3 per skin. Hole 7 is rated SI 3. Alice has a Course Handicap of 10; Bob has 18; Charlie has 5.
| Player | Course Handicap | SI for Hole 7 | Strokes Received | Gross Score | Net Score | Skin Winner? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice | 10 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 5 | Tied for low |
| Bob | 18 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 4 | Wins Skin! |
| Charlie | 5 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 6 | Loser |
In this example, Bob wins the $3 skin because his net score of 4 is the lowest.
Now, let’s change the scenario so Alice and Bob tie:
| Player | Course Handicap | SI for Hole 7 | Strokes Received | Gross Score | Net Score | Skin Winner? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice | 10 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 5 | Tied for low |
| Bob | 18 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 5 | Tied for low |
| Charlie | 5 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 6 | Loser |
Since Alice and Bob both shot a net 5, the $3 skin for Hole 7 pushes, and the money rolls over to Hole 8. If Hole 8 is also a push, Hole 9 will be worth $6 ($3 + $3 + $0 for Hole 8 push).
The Dynamic Nature of Skins Payouts
The beauty of Skins is how the money pot grows. This forces players who might not be having a great overall game to stay focused on winning individual holes. A player could be 8 over par for the front nine, but if they can secure one or two big carryover skins late in the round, they can end up profitable. This means the game feels like it is golf playing differently from standard stroke play.
Tracking the Pot
A simple whiteboard or scorecard notation is essential for tracking skins and carryovers.
| Hole | Skin Value (Start) | Winner | Carryover? | New Skin Value for Next Hole |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2 | None | Yes | $4 |
| 2 | $4 | None | Yes | $6 |
| 3 | $6 | Dave | No | $2 |
| 4 | $2 | Emily | No | $2 |
| 5 | $2 | None | Yes | $4 |
| … | … | … | … | … |
This table clearly shows how the pot accumulates. If Dave wins Hole 3, the pot resets to the original base value ($2) for Hole 4. If Emily wins Hole 4, the pot resets again. If Hole 5 results in a push, the pot for Hole 6 starts at $4.
Variations on the Skins Theme
While the basic push/carryover rule is standard, groups often introduce house rules to modify the game. These variations change the strategy significantly.
Honesty Skins (or “True Skins”)
This is sometimes used as an alternative when players don’t want to deal with handicaps or complex adjusting golf scores. Honesty Skins strictly use gross scores. They are only fair when all players are scratch golfers or very close in ability. If there is a large skill gap, the lower-handicap players will sweep the board.
Quota Skins
Quota Skins involve using a player’s established net score potential. Each player calculates their “Quota,” which is typically 36 minus their course handicap. A player earns one skin for every point they score above their quota, using Stableford-like scoring on each hole.
- Net Par = 2 points
- Net Birdie = 3 points
- Net Eagle = 4 points
- Net Bogey = 1 point
If a player earns 3 points on a hole where their quota point value is 2 (i.e., they made a net birdie), they win a skin (3 points earned – 2 quota points = 1 skin point). This format heavily rewards excellent play relative to expectation.
Team Skins
In team formats (usually best-ball pairs), a “skin” is won when one team posts a lower net score than the other team on a hole. If both teams tie, the skin pushes. Team skins are great for social outings as they encourage teamwork.
Strategy in a Skins Game
The best strategy in Skins is often counterintuitive compared to standard stroke play. In stroke play, minimizing damage is key—a triple bogey is better than a quintuple bogey. In Skins, the focus shifts entirely to hole domination.
The “Go for Broke” Mentality
If a player is out of contention for a skin on a particular hole (e.g., they already took 8 strokes and the leader is at 4), they have nothing to lose. If the current hole is part of a big carryover pot, a player might try an aggressive shot they wouldn’t normally attempt because the potential reward outweighs the risk of taking one or two extra strokes.
Handicap Management
When playing Net Skins, players must be precise about applying their handicap strokes. Miscalculating a handicap stroke can mean accidentally losing a skin or causing an incorrect push. Because handicaps are used to determine the net score golf winner, accurate stroke application is paramount.
When to Fold
If a hole has a small value (e.g., $2) and you have already recorded a bogey, and you know your opponent is likely to score par or better, it makes little sense to risk another bad shot just to post an 8 when a 6 might have been possible. In low-value holes, conserve energy and focus on the next one, especially if a large pot is brewing.
The Relationship Between Handicaps and Skins Payouts
The fairness of Skins payouts is intrinsically linked to the integrity of the golf handicap system being used. If players are using inflated or inaccurate handicaps, Net Skins cease to be a fair contest.
The Danger of Handicap Manipulation
If a player consistently posts scores that are much higher than their actual ability, they will accumulate strokes, making them highly likely to win Net Skins. This is why many organized club games use certified handicaps like the USGA handicap index or CONGU handicap system, often requiring scores to be posted immediately after the round to ensure accuracy.
When playing recreationally, groups must trust each other’s stated handicaps. A good rule of thumb is to use the official handicap index if known, or agree on a fixed, slightly conservative handicap for the day if official numbers aren’t available.
Finalizing the Payouts
At the end of the 18 holes, the group totals up all the won skins.
Total Payout = (Number of Skins Won) x (Value of the Skin at Time of Winning)
It is common for players to have a net “win” or “loss” against the group. For example, if you won $16 worth of skins, but you “pushed” $4 worth of skins that were ultimately won by someone else later, your net gain might only be $12.
Table: Final Tally Example
| Player | Total Value of Skins Won | Money Owed/Received (Net) |
|---|---|---|
| Alice | $12 | Received $12 |
| Bob | $8 | Received $8 |
| Charlie | $20 | Paid out $20 ($12 + $8) |
| Dave | $14 | Received $14 |
| Total Skins Value | $54 | $0 Net |
In this example, Charlie is the only one who pays money out because he didn’t win enough skins to cover the total value of the skins he beat others on, or perhaps he won fewer skins than the total value of the pots he was involved in pushing. (Note: In reality, the money exchanges hands based on who won which specific skin pot.)
The simpler way to settle is tallying who won which dollars. If Alice won a $2 skin, she gets $2 from the general pool, paid by the non-winners of that hole.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Skins
Q: Do you have to complete the hole to win a skin?
A: Yes. In almost all standard Skins games, you must complete the hole (even if you pick up your ball) to have a score recorded for that hole. If you pick up your ball without recording a score, you automatically tie for last place on that hole, which usually results in a push unless everyone else also picks up.
Q: Can a player win multiple skins on one hole?
A: No. In the standard format, only one player can win the skin associated with a single hole. If the pot carries over, the resulting larger pot is still only awarded to the single player who achieves the unique lowest net score on that subsequent hole.
Q: What happens if there is a tie on the final hole?
A: If the final hole results in a tie, the entire accumulated pot (including the final hole’s value) pushes. This means no one wins the money for that pot. The group then decides how to handle that specific carryover money—sometimes it is distributed equally among the group, or sometimes it is added to the first hole’s payout for the next round played.
Q: How does Skins differ from Nassau betting?
A: Nassau betting typically divides the match into three distinct bets: front nine total score, back nine total score, and the 18-hole total score. Skins, however, isolates the contest to individual holes. You can have a terrible front nine in Skins and still make significant money if you win large carryover pots on the back nine. Nassau is heavily dependent on consistent overall performance.
Q: Is Skins played using gross score or net score?
A: It can be played either way. Net Skins, where handicap adjustments are used to level the playing field, are far more common when players have different skill levels. Gross Skins are only truly competitive among players with similar gross score golf capabilities.