How to Play Nassau
A Nassau is really three separate bets in one round of golf — one for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall 18. It's the most popular betting format in the game because a bad start never sinks your whole day. Here's how it works.
What's the deal?
Nassau is the gold standard of golf gambling. Because it's three bets instead of one, losing the front nine badly doesn't matter — you get a fresh start on the back, and the overall 18 is always still alive. That's why it's kept golfers interested all the way to the 18th green for decades.
Agree on a dollar amount before you tee off. A "$5 Nassau" means $5 on the front, $5 on the back, and $5 on the total — so the most you can lose is $15. Most groups keep it between $2 and $10 per leg.
The wrinkle that makes Nassau spicy is the press: when you fall two holes down in a segment, you can start a brand-new side bet on the remaining holes — a chance to win your money back.
How to play Nassau
- 1Agree on a bet amount. "$5 Nassau" = $5 on the front 9, $5 on the back 9, $5 on the total 18.
- 2Play match play — lowest score wins each hole. Track the front, back, and overall separately.
- 3Go two holes down in a segment? You can "press" — open a fresh side bet for the rest of that segment.
- 4Settle up after 18. Win all three bets and you're collecting on every leg.
Now Grab the Hat.
Wear it to the first tee, set the Nassau, and let the trash talk begin.
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