If you have ever stood on the first tee and heard someone say, “Do you want to play a Nassau?”, you probably nodded and hoped nobody noticed you were not sure what it meant. Do not worry. It is one of the most common games in golf, and it is easier than it sounds.
This guide answers the big question: what is a Nassau in golf? You will learn the rules, how to score a Nassau, how presses work, how handicaps fit in, and how to keep track of it all with an app. We also cover the types of golf games, what a 69 means in golf, and how to approach golf wagers the smart way.
What Is a Nassau in Golf?
A Nassau is a golf game made up of three separate bets in one round:
- Front nine: holes 1 to 9
- Back nine: holes 10 to 18
- Overall 18: the full round
Each bet is worth the same amount, and each is decided on its own. That means you can lose the front nine, win the back nine, and still have a shot at the overall bet. Because there is always something left to play for, a Nassau keeps a round exciting even when one nine goes badly.
Golfers also call it a “2-2-2” or “5-5-5” game, which just means the amount riding on each of the three bets. In a $2 Nassau, the front, back, and overall bets are $2 each.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The name comes from the Nassau Country Club on Long Island, New York, where the format is said to have started around 1900. Many sources credit club captain John B. Coles Tappan with creating it. Details differ between tellings, but the club link is widely agreed.
What Is a Nassau Game in Golf? The Basic Rules
There is no single official rulebook for Nassau, because it is a friendly game, not a formal competition. Most groups use these simple rules:
- Pick the players or teams. Two players is the minimum. It also works in teams of two.
- Choose the scoring method. Match play is the most common, but stroke play works too.
- Agree on the stakes. Decide how much each of the three bets is worth.
- Settle handicaps. Decide whether strokes are given and how many.
- Decide on presses. Say if they are allowed, automatic, or optional.
- Play the round. Track each nine separately, plus the total.
The golden rule is to agree on everything before the first tee shot. Most Nassau arguments come from rules that were never discussed.
How to Score Nassau in Golf
Nassau With Match Play Scoring
Match play is the classic way to score a Nassau. You compare scores hole by hole. The player with the lower score wins the hole, and tied holes are “halved.”
- The front nine bet goes to whoever wins more holes on holes 1 to 9.
- The back nine bet starts fresh on hole 10 and goes to whoever wins more holes on holes 10 to 18.
- The overall bet goes to whoever wins more holes across all 18.
- If holes are tied at the end of a bet, the bet is a push, and nobody pays.
Match Play Nassau Example
Player A and Player B play a $2 Nassau.
- Front nine: A wins 5 holes, B wins 3, and 1 is halved. A wins the front, 2 up.
- Back nine: A wins 3 holes, B wins 4, and 2 are halved. B wins the back, 1 up.
- Overall: A won 8 holes in total and B won 7. A wins the overall bet.
A wins two bets and loses one, so A comes out $2 ahead. That is the beauty of the game: the result is rarely all or nothing.
Nassau With Stroke Play Scoring
You can also keep a Nassau in stroke play. Instead of counting holes won, you add up total strokes for each section.
- Lowest total on the front nine wins the first bet.
- Lowest total on the back nine wins the second bet.
- Lowest total for all 18 wins the overall bet.
For example, if A shoots 40 on the front and B shoots 42, A wins the front. If A shoots 44 on the back and B shoots 43, B wins the back. If A finishes with 84 and B with 85, A wins the overall.
New to golf scoring in general? Read how golf scoring works and how to read a golf scorecard first.
What Is a Press in a Nassau?
A press is a new bet that starts in the middle of a nine when a player or team is losing. It gives the trailing side a chance to win some money back.
Here is how it usually works:
- A player who is 2 holes down on a nine can “press.”
- The press begins on the next hole and runs until the end of that nine.
- The press is normally worth the same amount as the original bet, such as $2 in a $2 Nassau.
- If the press is tied at the end, it is a push.
Automatic Presses and Optional Presses
Some groups use an automatic press, which starts as soon as someone falls 2 down. Others make it optional, so the player must call for it. Decide which version you want before you start.
Press Example
In a $2 Nassau, Player B falls 2 down after hole 5. B presses, and a new $2 bet starts on hole 6 for the last four holes of the front nine. If B wins the press but still loses the front nine bet, B pays $2 on the front and wins $2 on the press, so the net is zero.
Be careful: Presses can pile on top of each other. A friendly $2 game can grow quickly if every press is pressed again. If your group wants to keep costs low, set a limit on the number of presses.
Nassau Handicaps: How to Make It Fair
A Nassau is much more fun when everyone has a chance. If one player is much stronger, handicap strokes level the field.
- Work out each player’s Course Handicap for the tees you are using.
- Find the difference between the two handicaps.
- The player with the higher handicap receives that many strokes from the lower player.
- Use the stroke index on the scorecard to decide which holes get a stroke.
Example: Player A has a Course Handicap of 8 and Player B has 14. The difference is 6. Player B gets one stroke on the six hardest holes, based on the stroke index, and those strokes are spread between the front and back nine according to where those holes fall.
For singles match play, the full difference between handicaps is the standard recommendation. Learn more in our guides on what a course handicap is, what a handicap allowance is, and how to keep score in golf with handicap.
Team Nassau and Other Variations
Nassau is flexible, which is part of why golfers love it. Popular versions include:
- Individual Nassau: two players, three bets.
- Team Nassau (best ball): two teams of two play three bets using the better score from each team. See our better ball golf format guide for how that scoring works.
- Scramble Nassau: teams play a scramble and bet on each nine. Read more in our golf best ball vs scramble comparison.
- Nassau with automatic presses: presses start automatically at 2 down.
- Nassau with side games: add skins, closest to the pin, or birdie bonuses on top.
What Is a Nassau Game in Golf App? Tracking Made Easy
Keeping track of three bets plus presses by memory can get messy. That is why many golfers now use a Nassau golf app. Most golf scoring apps with a game mode let you:
- Set the players and the bet amount
- Apply handicap strokes automatically
- Track front, back, and overall standings
- Handle automatic presses
- Show who owes what at the end of the round
For example, 18Birdies offers a Nassau option in its game bets feature. Other golf scoring and game apps include similar tools, but features change over time, so check the current app listing. If you prefer a no-tech option, a pencil and the back of the scorecard work fine. Draw three columns for front, back, and overall, then add a fourth for presses.
If you are running a larger event with live standings, our guide on how to make a golf leaderboard may help.
What Are the Types of Golf Games?
Golf games fall into two groups: formats that decide how a round is scored, and side games that add extra competition on top. Here are the most common types.
| Game | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Stroke play | Lowest total number of strokes wins. |
| Match play | Win more holes than your opponent. |
| Stableford | Earn points on each hole; most points wins. |
| Scramble | Team plays the best shot every time. |
| Best ball (better ball) | Each player plays their own ball; the best score counts. |
| Alternate shot (foursomes) | Partners take turns hitting one ball. |
| Skins | Win a hole outright to win its “skin”; ties carry over. |
| Nassau | Three bets: front nine, back nine, and overall. |
| Wolf | Players take turns as “Wolf” and pick a partner or go alone. |
| Vegas | Two-person teams combine scores into a two-digit number. |
| Bingo Bango Bongo | Points for first on the green, closest to the pin, and first in the hole. |
To dig deeper, read our guides to the different types of golf tournament formats and golf league formats. For a quick overview of how the game works overall, see basic rules of golf for beginners.
What Does 69 Mean in Golf?
In golf, 69 usually means a score of 69 strokes for 18 holes. On a typical par-72 course, a 69 is 3 under par, which is a very good round. On a par-71 course it is 2 under, and on a par-70 course it is 1 under.
For perspective, most recreational golfers score well above 80. A 69 is the kind of number that low-handicap players and professionals post. If you are curious how that compares to a scratch player, see what a scratch golfer is.
In a Nassau, a score like 69 matters only when you compare it with your opponent’s. Because Nassau is a match play game at heart, a 69 will not guarantee a win if your opponent has more strokes from handicaps.
What Is the Most Effective Way to Bet on Golf?
There is no guaranteed way to win money betting on golf, and anyone who says otherwise is selling something. Golf is one of the hardest sports to predict, because dozens of players can win any tournament and results swing on small details. What you can do is bet smartly and safely.
For Friendly Wagers With Your Group
- Use handicaps. Fair strokes keep every player in the game, which is the best way to avoid one-sided bets.
- Keep stakes small. Bets of a few dollars add fun without stress.
- Agree on the rules first. This includes presses, strokes, and what counts as a “gimme.”
- Set a press limit. This stops a small game from growing too large.
- Settle up right away. Pay after the round so there is no confusion later.
For Betting on Professional Tournaments
- Check the law first. Sports betting rules differ by country and state, and some places restrict it or require a minimum age.
- Understand the bet types. Outright winner bets pay well but rarely hit. Head-to-head matchups and top-10 finishes are easier to reason about.
- Research course fit and form. A player’s recent results and how they perform on that type of course are useful clues, not guarantees.
- Set a budget and stick to it. Only wager money you can afford to lose.
A note on responsible play: Gambling should stay fun. If betting causes stress, or you find yourself chasing losses, take a break and consider talking to a support service in your area.
Nassau Strategy Tips
- Treat each nine as a fresh start. A bad front nine does not end your day.
- Think carefully before pressing. Press when you feel you have momentum, not just because you are behind.
- Protect a lead. When you are ahead, play safe golf and avoid big mistakes.
- Know your stroke holes. Plan to be aggressive where you receive a stroke.
- Stay calm after a lost hole. Match play rewards short memory.
- Pick your partner well in team Nassau. Look for steady play and good communication.
Common Nassau Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting without agreeing on presses and handicaps.
- Forgetting that the back nine bet starts fresh at hole 10.
- Applying handicap strokes on the wrong holes.
- Letting presses stack without a limit.
- Mixing match play and stroke play scoring in the same game.
- Not writing down who is pressing and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nassau in golf?
A Nassau is a golf game with three separate bets: one for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the full 18 holes.
How much money can you lose in a Nassau?
Without presses, the most you can lose is three times the bet. In a $2 Nassau, that is $6. Presses and side games can raise the total, so agree on a limit in advance.
Is Nassau match play or stroke play?
It can be either. Match play is the most common, but groups can agree to use stroke play. Decide before you start.
What happens if a Nassau bet is tied?
It is a push, meaning nobody wins or loses money on that bet.
When can you press in a Nassau?
Most groups let a player press when they are 2 holes down on a nine. Some allow pressing at 1 down. Settle this before play.
Can you play a Nassau without betting money?
Yes. Many golfers play for points, drinks, or bragging rights. The three-part structure keeps the round interesting without any cash at stake.
Can three or more players play a Nassau?
Yes, but it is simplest with two players or two teams of two. With three or four players, groups often run separate Nassau matches between each pair or use team formats.
Is a Nassau a good game for beginners?
It can be. Use handicaps, keep the stakes tiny or non-monetary, and play match play so one bad hole does not ruin your day.
What does 2-2-2 mean in golf?
It is another name for a $2 Nassau. Each number is the amount of the front, back, and overall bets.
Is gambling on golf legal?
Laws differ by location, and some clubs have their own policies. Check local rules before wagering, and keep any friendly bets small.
Final Thoughts
A Nassau is popular because it is simple: three bets, one round, and plenty of chances to bounce back. Agree on the rules first, use handicaps to keep it fair, and keep the stakes friendly. Once you know how presses and scoring work, you will be ready to say yes the next time someone asks, “Want to play a Nassau?”