Matches
Hammer
Every hole is a bet, and either side can drop the hammer to double it. Accept, or fold and lose the hole.
- Players
- 2 (singles) or 4 (best ball)
- Format
- Hole-by-hole bets that double
- Best for
- Groups who like pressure and gamesmanship
How it works
- Two sides play every hole for 1×. In a 2v2 game each side counts its best ball.
- At any point on a hole, either side can drop the hammer: the hole doubles if the other side accepts.
- Decline and you lose the hole at what it was worth before the hammer. Accept and you can hammer back.
- On the hole, mark what it ended up worth and, if a hammer was turned down, which side declined.
Scoring and stakes
- The lower score wins the hole's worth; ties push.
- At the end, the side ahead collects the stake per 1× of difference, from each player on the other side.
Handicaps
- Net by default, with strokes given off the low player.
- Full handicap for singles; 85% for best ball.
Example
- On 4, Mike and Sam hammer after a great drive; Chris and Dave accept, then hammer back from the fairway. The hole is worth 4×.
- Mike and Sam win it with a par: 4 to them. On 5, Chris and Dave decline a hammer and give up the hole at 1×.
Settings you can change
- Sides
- 1 vs 1 or 2 vs 2. Sides must be even.
- Net or gross
- Use handicap strokes or not.
- Stake
- Dollar value per 1×, or 0 to play for points.
Play hammer this round.
Add it on the games step when you set up your round. Fairway keeps score as you go.