Snake Golf Game Rules
Snake is a putting penalty game that punishes three-putts. Whoever three-putts last holds the snake at the end of the round and pays the group. It adds pressure to every long lag putt and turns routine greens into high-stakes moments.
What is the Snake in Golf?
Snake is a side game that focuses entirely on putting. The concept is simple: whoever three-putts a green "picks up the snake." That player holds the snake until another player three-putts, at which point it transfers. The player holding the snake after hole 18 pays an agreed-upon penalty to the rest of the group.
The beauty of Snake is that it runs in the background of whatever other games you are playing. You can layer it on top of a Nassau, Skins, or any other format. It doesn't affect the main game's scoring at all -- it is purely a standalone putting penalty.
How the Snake Moves
How to Play Snake: Step by Step
Agree on the penalty
Before the round, all players agree on the snake penalty. This is typically a flat amount the snake-holder pays to each other player. Common stakes are $5 to $20. In a foursome with a $10 snake, the holder pays $10 to each of the other three players ($30 total).
Track three-putts
A three-putt is defined as taking three or more putts once on the green. Chip-ins, putts from the fringe, or any shot off the green do not count. Only putts from on the green surface count toward the three-putt total.
Pass the snake
The first player to three-putt in the round picks up the snake. It then passes to the next player who three-putts. If multiple players three-putt on the same hole, the last one to three-putt on that hole holds the snake.
Settle after 18
After the final hole, whoever holds the snake pays the agreed penalty to each other player. If nobody three-putted all round (rare), the game is a push and no money changes hands.
Snake Variations
Cumulative Snake
Instead of one snake that passes, each three-putt adds a penalty. Every player pays a set amount per three-putt they make. This version spreads the pain more evenly and penalizes repeat offenders.
Growing Snake
The snake's value increases every time it changes hands. Starts at $5, then $10, then $15, and so on. This makes the snake progressively scarier as the round goes on, especially on the back nine.
Four-Putt Cobra
Add a bonus penalty for four-putts: the "cobra." It works just like the snake but with a higher payout. A player can hold both the snake and the cobra simultaneously for maximum damage.
Reverse Snake (One-Putt)
Instead of penalizing three-putts, reward one-putts. The last player to one-putt collects from the group. This is a more positive-minded variant that rewards great lag putting and clutch makes.
Snake Strategy Tips
Lag putting is everything: Three-putts usually come from poor speed control on long putts, not missed short putts. Prioritize getting your first putt within a comfortable two-putt range rather than charging it at the hole.
The last few holes are critical: If you are holding the snake on hole 16, the pressure is intense. Every long putt feels like it could cost you. Stay steady and focus on your routine -- rushing is how three-putts happen.
Smart pin positions: On holes with back pins or tricky slopes, aim for the center of the green instead of the flag. Leaving yourself a 25-footer is far better than a 50-foot putt from the wrong tier.
Watch your opponents: When someone else is holding the snake late in the round, they are under enormous pressure. Don't let their anxious putting affect your own pace or focus.
Snake Settlement
Settlement for Snake is straightforward. The player holding the snake after hole 18 pays every other player the agreed amount. Common stakes for different group sizes:
Twosome ($5 Snake)
Snake holder pays $5 to the other player. Simple one-way payment.
Threesome ($5 Snake)
Snake holder pays $5 to each of the other two players ($10 total).
Foursome ($5 Snake)
Snake holder pays $5 to each of the other three players ($15 total). The most common format.
No Three-Putts
If nobody three-putts, the snake was never picked up and the game is a push. This is rare but does happen with good putters.