How to Play Snake
Snake is a golf side bet where three-putting a hole means you "own the snake" — it passes to the next player who three-putts, and whoever holds it after 18 pays the penalty. It runs on top of any game. Here's how it works.
What's the deal?
Snake is a side bet that runs on top of any other game. The concept is dead simple: three-putt a hole and you own the snake. If someone else three-putts after you, they take it from you — it passes around the group like a hot potato.
Watching your buddy miss a two-footer on 17, knowing he now owns the snake heading to 18, is one of golf's great pleasures.
Setting the stakes: agree the snake's penalty on the first tee — a flat amount paid to the group (say $10–$20), or a running tab of $1 per hole you hold it. No extra scorekeeping required.
How to play Snake
- 1Agree on a snake penalty — a flat amount to the group, or $1 per hole you hold it.
- 2Play your round normally — any format works alongside Snake.
- 3The first player to three-putt takes the snake.
- 4The snake transfers every time someone else three-putts.
- 5Whoever holds the snake walking off 18 pays the penalty.
Now Grab the Hat.
Wear it, two-putt everything, and pass the snake to somebody else.
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