This article was machine-translated from the Korean original. Read the Korean original
Adding a small bet to a round of golf definitely makes it more fun. It also helps you concentrate better.
However, if you don't decide on it in advance, the atmosphere becomes awkward towards the end.
Some people find it burdensome, while others find it boring.
01Decide on the first hole and start.
This one word is all you need.
"What should we do today? Shall we keep it light?"
There are three things to decide.
- Whether to do it or notNot doing it is also a choice. Asking is the polite thing to do.
- In what waySkins, Stroke, Team Match, etc.
- Up to what pointWithin reasonable limits. It's better if we both know the numbers.
It is much easier to say it at the beginning. It is hard to refuse if you say, "How much should I bet?" in the middle.
02Common methods
| method | how |
|---|---|
| Skins | The winner of each hole takes the hole. If it's a tie, the next hole... |
| stroke | We settle based on the final score. |
| Team match | Divide into two teams. This is good when there is a difference in skill level. |
| Setting conditions | Just mark your birdies and pars, and keep the settlement light. |
If there is a big skill gap, team matches are better. If you pair a good player with a bad player...
No one is left out.
03Giving a handicap is the key.
If we play under the same conditions, the better player always wins. That isn't fun.
- Subtract the difference in average strokes in advance
- Give different OK distances for each hole
- Mixing skills when dividing teams
Our group has tiers, so it is convenient to use that.
As discussed in [[LINK:L39]], everyone has a different target score.
04How not to cross the line
- A burdensome amountIf the loser feels bad, it's already crossed the line.
- The amount keeps going upStop if "Double!" is repeated.
- Dispute over the rulesWe're just doing this for fun, so it gets awkward if you get serious.
- Only one person keeps carrying the loadChange the board or adjust the handicap.
The standard is the point where the loser can walk out smiling.
If you cross that line, it becomes difficult to play together next time.
05If you don't want to do it
It's okay to refuse. It sounds natural to say it like this.
- I'll just play today.
- I'm not skilled enough, so I'll just watch.
- I'd like to pay for the meal.
The last one is the safest bet. If you set the cost around the price of a meal, no one will feel burdened.
And if someone says they won't do it, don't insist any further. They might have their reasons.
06Settle the bill neatly
- Settle it up right then and there. If you put it off, things will become awkward between us.
- Having someone else treat you to the meal is also a good idea.
- Please do not go around telling people the amount.
07What is the ultimate goal?
The betting is a mechanism to encourage concentration while playing. It's not about winning money.
So, just make sure everyone enjoys it until the end.
As long as you stick to that line, betting makes the round much more fun.
In the next part, I will discuss the words you say when a partner is falling apart.
