Golf Hacks

5 Best Golf Betting Games to Have More Fun on the Course

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2021

To get a sense for the kind of on-course wagers Erick Lindgren has been known to make, take a gander at this clip. It chronicles the day, in 2007, when Lindgren, a 12-handicapper at the time, cashed in on a $350,000 bet that called for him to walk four consecutive rounds in the searing heat of a Las Vegas summer, shooting under 100 for each 18.

An outsize proposition for the average weekend duffer, the wager was par for the course in those days for Lindgren, a professional poker player and golf junkie (and bettor) who routinely pegged it against friends and rivals with six-figure sums on the line.

Time moves on, though. A man matures.

Now 45, and a father of two, Lindgren has less appetite for risk, which doesn’t mean he’s gone cold turkey on his gambling. He still plays poker. And he still likes a little action on the course, just enough to get the juices flowing without raising the prospect of financial pain.

Because that’s the comfort zone for many of the rest of us — and because $2 Nassaus get old after a while — we asked Lindgren for a rundown of his favorite money games. These 5 formats oughta hold your interest, even if you’re playing for nothing more than pride.

1. Umbrella

In this 2-vs.-2 partners’ game, 6 potential points are available on each hole: 2 for low score; 2 for low total; 1 for closest to the pin in regulation; and 1 for birdie. If one side gets all 6 points, that’s called an Umbrella. The win total doubles to 12, mushrooming in size, like an umbrella opening.

2. Wolf

There are several variations of this feral game, which requires at least three players. But in every format, the tee-off order rotates from one hole to the next. After hitting first, Player A has the option to go solo against the group, or, after watching each subsequent player hit, select a partner. If they’re feeling bold, Player A also has the option to declare themselves the lone wolf before anyone hits. The stakes then triple on that hole.

3. Hammer

There are a lot of ways to beat yourself in golf. In Hammer, you also get the chance to bludgeon your opponent. You can play it with two golfers, 1 vs. 1, or as a two-person team game. As with many golf gambling games, rules and formats vary. But the gist is this: each hole is played for a designated sum, but at any point, you can “hammer” your opponent (an especially good time to do this is after your opponent has hit one in the weeds). If your opponent declines the hammer, they forfeit the hole. If they accept, the stakes double. Let’s say you then hit a lousy shot yourself. Your opponent has the option of hammering you back. On it goes like this until the hole is completed. Stakes can get high, and things can get ugly, as they often do when people fight with hammers.

4. Daytona

In this 2 vs. 2 game, team scores are registered as a double-digit number. So, let’s say you make a 4 and your partner makes a 5, that counts as a 45. If your two opponents make a 5 and a 6 their score is a 56. The differential between 45 and 56 is 11, so 11 is the number of points you win. Where things get interesting is if you make a birdie. In that case, your opponents’ score inverts, with the higher digit going first, turning a 56 into a 65. The differential between your two scores (45 and 65) is now 20, a significantly bigger win.

5. Hole-by-Hole Opt Out

It is often said that matches are decided on the first tee, before the opening shots are struck. We’ve all been part of such lopsided affairs, when it quickly becomes clear that one side simply doesn’t stand a chance. In poker, that’s what’s known as “drawing dead.” No one wants to draw dead on the course. As a precaution, when playing matches against people outside his usual group, Lindgren sometimes proposes an opt-out clause. At any time during the round, after the completion of a hole, the white flag can be waved, ending the match.

This article originally appeared on Golf.com.

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5 Sneaky Hacks to Crush Your Spring Golf Game in 2025

Gear up, swing smart, and snag pre-season deals with ClickitGolf to kick off your 2025 golf season like a pro!

Published

4 weeks ago

March 2, 2025

Ms. Lexi The Golf Guru

Spring’s creeping up, golfers! The fairways are shaking off winter, and it’s time to get your game dialed in for 2025. Whether you’re chasing pars or just happy to keep it on the grass, here’s your chill guide to hitting the ground swinging. Let’s go!

Hack 1: Gear Check—Don’t Let Last Year’s Clubs Hold You Back

Dust off your bag and give it a look. Grips feeling like a slip-n-slide? Swap ‘em out—control’s king. And if your driver’s ancient, maybe peek at something fresh. We’ve got the lowdown on the Mizuno OMOI putters—heavier heads, smoother rolls, pure magic. Read the full review; it might just fix your green woes.

Hack 2: Swing Smarter, Not Harder

No need to rebuild your swing from scratch—just polish it. Try the “One-Club Challenge”: grab a 7-iron, hit the range, and mix it up—high, low, whatever. It’s all about feel over force. You’ll be outfoxing courses before the grass turns green.

Hack 3: Mindset Matters

Golf’s a mental game, and winter’s your prep window. Get inspired with some Pebble Beach greatness—like this hole-by-hole flyover narrated by Jim Nantz from Golf Digest. It’s a quick tour of every iconic shot at Pebble, perfect for daydreaming your spring opener. Visualize your ball sticking the green—you’ll be ready.

Hack 4: Score Early Deals

ClickitGolf’s serving up pre-season heat. The shop has deals flowing—Check out all the cool products. Grab ‘em now before the snowbirds invade. Road trip on the brain? Our HotelPlanner Travel partnership cuts costs on hotels and flights. More golf, less cash—done.

Hack 5: Ryder Cup Hype – Channel the Pros

Keegan Bradley captaining the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage? Unexpected and awesome. Start channeling that Team USA energy—watch Pebble Beach’s greatest moments on our video page for some clutch inspo. September’s gonna be a party; we’ll keep you posted on the news page.

Tee It Up!

Gear up, swing smart, snag deals, and get hyped—2025’s your year to own the course. What’s your spring prep go-to? Drop it in the comments—let’s get this crew fired up!

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10 Golf Podcasts For Hackers To Download

Tips, Stories, and Entertainment

Published

2 months ago

February 10, 2025

The Golf Hacker

For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:

They-call-it-golf-because-all-the-other-four-letter-words-were-taken

On The Mark

Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.

No Laying Up

A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.

The Chipping Forecast

Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.

Chasing Scratch

This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.

The Sweet Spot

Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.

Rick Shiels Golf Show

Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.

Beef’s Golf Club

Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.

Golf Is Ruining My Life

This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.

Hack It Out Golf

Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.

The Rough Cut Golf Podcast

Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.

These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.

Golf Hacks

How to Play Better Golf Without Changing Your Swing

Improve your golf game without changing your swing by focusing on smarter strategies, better equipment, and a winning mindset.

Published

4 months ago

November 22, 2024

The Golf Hacker

Improving your golf game often feels like it requires endless swing changes and hours at the range. But the truth is, you can elevate your performance without altering your swing mechanics. With smart strategies and subtle adjustments, you can lower your scores and enjoy the game more. Here’s how to play better golf while keeping your swing as is.

1. Fine-Tune Your Equipment

One of the quickest ways to improve is by ensuring your clubs and accessories are suited to your game.

Custom Club Fitting: Adjusting your clubs to match your swing can improve distance, accuracy, and comfort without any changes to your technique. Seek out a fitting session with a local pro or a retailer like PGA Tour Superstore.
Choose the Right Ball: Matching your golf ball to your swing speed and play style can enhance control and maximize distance.
Replace Your Grips: Fresh grips improve your hold and prevent slippage, helping you hit better shots consistently.

2. Focus on Course Management

Great golfers don’t just play harder—they play smarter.

Play the Safe Shot: Stick to shots you know you can execute well rather than chasing risky plays.
Understand Your Distances: Knowing how far you hit each club can help you make better decisions on the course.
Avoid Trouble Areas: Be mindful of hazards and tough pin placements, opting for strategies that keep you out of trouble.

3. Prioritize the Short Game

A strong short game is essential for lowering scores, and it doesn’t require any swing overhauls.

Master Your Putting: Work on reading greens and improving your speed control to sink more putts.
Refine Your Chipping: A simple, repeatable chipping motion can make all the difference around the greens.
Practice Sand Play: Confidence in bunkers can save strokes and boost your overall game.

4. Work on Fitness and Flexibility

Your physical condition can directly impact your golf performance.

Build Core Strength: A strong core provides stability and power, making your swing more efficient.
Improve Flexibility: Stretching regularly helps maintain a full range of motion, reducing strain and enhancing consistency.
Stay Active on the Course: Walking instead of riding in a cart can help maintain your rhythm and focus during a round.

5. Develop a Winning Mindset

Golf is as much a mental game as a physical one. Sharpening your mental approach can improve your results significantly.

Stick to a Routine: A consistent pre-shot routine builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
Focus on the Positive: Visualize successful shots and stay calm under pressure.
Learn to Let Go: Don’t let a bad shot ruin your round. Accept mistakes and focus on the next opportunity.

6. Use Helpful Tools

The right accessories can make your game easier and more enjoyable.

Rangefinders and GPS Devices: Knowing precise distances lets you make smarter club selections.
Alignment Aids: Tools like alignment sticks can improve your aim and help you stay consistent on the course.
Golf Shoes: A solid pair of shoes provides the stability you need to maintain balance during your swing.

Your Path to Smarter Golf

Improving your game doesn’t have to mean endless swing adjustments. By focusing on smarter strategies, optimizing your equipment, and sharpening your mental approach, you can achieve better results and enjoy golf more. Embrace these tips, and let your natural swing take center stage as you play your best rounds yet!