Nassau
Three bets in one round: the front nine, the back nine, and the full eighteen.
2 or 4 players
A Nassau is really three bets rolled into one round: one for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall eighteen. That's why you'll hear it called a "$2 Nassau" or a "2-2-2" — two dollars on each of the three bets, so up to six dollars is on the line.
Because the back nine and the overall are still alive after a rough front nine, a Nassau keeps everyone in it to the end. Add presses and it becomes one of the most flexible bets in golf.
How to play Nassau
- 1Set the stake
Agree on an amount per bet, e.g. a $2 Nassau. That $2 rides on the front nine, another $2 on the back nine, and another $2 on the total eighteen.
- 2Score each segment separately
The front nine, back nine, and overall are three independent matches. Most groups play them as match play (win the most holes), though you can play stroke play (lowest total).
- 3Decide the format
Play it heads-up (you vs. an opponent) or 2 vs. 2 as a team, usually best ball. Team Nassaus are the classic weekend-foursome bet.
- 4Add presses if you want
When you fall behind by an agreed margin (often 2 down), you can 'press' — start a brand-new bet on the remaining holes for the same stake, giving you a chance to win the money back.
- 5Total it up
At the end, settle each of the three bets plus any presses. Winning all three of a $2 Nassau is $6, before presses.
A $5 Nassau, heads-up
- Front nine: you win 5 & 4. That's the front-nine bet — +$5.
- Back nine: your opponent rallies and takes it 2 up. Back-nine bet — -$5.
- Overall: you were far enough ahead from the front to win the 18-hole bet — +$5.
- Net for the round: +$5 (won front and overall, lost the back), before any presses.
Common variations
Traditionally each segment is match play (most holes won). Some groups score by lowest total strokes per segment instead. Pick one up front.
An automatic press starts a new side bet whenever a player goes 2 down; a manual press lets the trailing player call it. Presses can pile up, so agree on the rules first.
In a foursome, play two teams and count each team's best ball on every hole. This is the most common weekend Nassau.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Nassau in golf?
It's three bets in one round: one on the front nine, one on the back nine, and one on the overall eighteen. A '$2 Nassau' puts $2 on each, for up to $6 total.
What does a press mean in a Nassau?
A press is a new side bet, usually started when a player or team goes 2 down, covering only the remaining holes. It's a way for the trailing side to try to win their money back.
Is a Nassau match play or stroke play?
Most commonly match play — whoever wins the most holes in each segment wins that bet. Some groups play it as stroke play using total strokes. Agree before the round.
Skip the 18th-green math
Three Putt scores Nassau for you and shows exactly who owes who. Everyone can score from their own phone, or one person can handle it. Nothing to download.
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