Nassau Golf Game Rules
Nassau is the king of golf side games. Three bets in one -- front nine, back nine, and overall match -- it keeps every hole meaningful from the first tee to the final putt.
What is a Nassau in Golf?
A Nassau is a match play wager that consists of three separate bets: one on the front nine, one on the back nine, and one on the overall 18-hole match. Each bet is worth the same agreed-upon amount. If you and your partner agree on a $5 Nassau, you have $5 riding on the front, $5 on the back, and $5 on the overall -- $15 total at stake.
The beauty of the Nassau is its simplicity. Even if you lose the front nine badly, you start fresh on the back nine with a new bet. It keeps both players engaged for the entire round instead of one person mentally checking out after a rough start.
Front 9
Match play over holes 1 through 9. Winner takes the agreed-upon bet amount.
Back 9
A fresh match over holes 10 through 18. Entirely independent from the front nine.
Overall
The cumulative match across all 18 holes. Win the overall even if you split the nines.
How to Play Nassau: Step by Step
Agree on the stakes
Before teeing off, both players agree on the per-bet amount. Common stakes range from $2 to $20 per bet. A "$5 Nassau" means $5 on the front, $5 on the back, and $5 on the overall for a maximum of $15 at risk.
Play match play on each hole
Each hole is won by the player with the lower net score (or gross, depending on your agreement). If both players score the same, the hole is halved. Track who is "up" or "down" in each of the three bets.
Settle at the end
After 18 holes, you settle each bet independently. You could win the front, lose the back, and tie the overall -- meaning you come out ahead by one bet amount. If a nine or the overall is tied after all holes, that bet is a push (no money changes hands).
What is a Press?
A press is a new bet that starts from the current hole going forward. It is essentially a "double or nothing" wager within the Nassau. Typically, the player who is currently losing has the option to press, creating an additional side bet at the same stakes.
For example, if you are 2-down on the front nine after hole 5, you can press. This creates a new bet starting at hole 6 that runs through hole 9. You still owe on the original front nine bet, but the press gives you a chance to recoup by winning the remaining holes.
Common Press Rules
- --Automatic 2-down press: A press is triggered automatically whenever a player falls 2 holes behind. This is the most common rule.
- --Optional press: The trailing player chooses whether to press. This gives more control over risk.
- --Press the press: A player can press an existing press, creating cascading side bets. Agree on limits beforehand.
Typical Nassau Stakes
Nassau stakes vary widely depending on the group. Here are some common formats you will encounter:
Casual: $2-$5 Nassau
Perfect for friendly weekend rounds. Maximum exposure of $6 to $15 without presses. Keeps things fun without anyone losing their shirt.
Standard: $5-$10 Nassau
The sweet spot for most club golfers. Enough to keep things interesting at $15 to $30 total, but still a comfortable range for a day on the course.
Competitive: $10-$25 Nassau
For groups that want every shot to matter. Presses can add up quickly, so make sure everyone is comfortable with the potential outcomes.
With Presses
Presses multiply the action. A $5 Nassau with auto-presses every 2-down could reach $30+ if the match swings back and forth. Agree on a cap beforehand.
Why Nassau is the Most Popular Golf Side Game
Nassau has been a staple of golf culture for over a century, originating at Nassau Country Club on Long Island. Its enduring popularity comes down to a few key qualities:
Built-in comeback mechanic: Even if the front nine goes sideways, the back nine is a fresh bet. Nobody has to endure 18 holes of a foregone conclusion.
Controlled risk: You always know the maximum you can win or lose before the round starts. Three bets with defined stakes means no surprises.
Easy to understand: Unlike some side games that require complicated scoring, the Nassau is straightforward. Win more holes, win the bet.
Pairs with everything: Many groups run a Nassau alongside other games like Skins or Snake. It layers naturally on top of any format.