Nassau Golf Game Rules
Nassau is the king of golf side games. Three matches in one -- front nine, back nine, and overall -- 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 format scored as three separate matches: one on the front nine, one on the back nine, and one on the overall 18 holes. Each match carries the same agreed amount. In a $5 Nassau, the front is worth $5, the back $5, and the overall $5 -- $15 across the round.
The beauty of the Nassau is its simplicity. Even if you lose the front nine badly, the back nine starts a fresh match. 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 of the nine takes the agreed 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 amount
Before teeing off, both players agree on the per-match amount. Most groups play $2 to $20 per match. A "$5 Nassau" means $5 on the front, $5 on the back, and $5 on the overall -- $15 across the round.
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 matches.
Settle at the end
After 18 holes, each match settles independently. You could win the front, lose the back, and tie the overall -- meaning you come out ahead by one match. If a nine or the overall is tied after all holes, that match is a push and drops off the ledger.
What is a Press?
A press is a new match that starts from the current hole and runs to the end of the nine. Typically, the player who is down has the option to press, opening an additional match at the same agreed amount.
For example, if you are 2-down on the front nine after hole 5, you can press. This starts a new match at hole 6 that runs through hole 9. The original front-nine match still stands, but the press gives you a chance to claw back 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, stacking new matches on top of old ones. Agree on limits beforehand.
Typical Nassau Amounts
The agreed amount varies widely depending on the group. Here are some common formats you will encounter:
Casual: $2-$5 Nassau
Perfect for friendly weekend rounds. $6 to $15 across the three matches 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 numbers before teeing off.
With Presses
Presses stack fast. 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 match. Nobody has to endure 18 holes of a foregone conclusion.
A known ceiling: You always know the most a round can swing before you tee off. Three matches at a set amount means no surprises.
Easy to understand: Unlike some side games that require complicated scoring, the Nassau is straightforward. Win more holes, win the match.
Pairs with everything: Many groups run a Nassau alongside other games like Skins or Snake. It layers naturally on top of any format.