Skins Game
Also known as: skins game, skins in golf, playing skins, how does skins work, carryover skins, net skins
In a skins game, each hole is worth a prize, or skin. The player with the lowest score on a hole wins that skin outright. If two or more players tie for low, the skin usually carries over and the next hole is worth more.
Skins can be played by two to four players or across a whole field. Agree on the stake, gross or net scoring and the carryover rule before you start. In the carryover version, a run of tied holes builds a big pot for the next outright winner. Groups decide what happens if the 18th is tied. A playoff, a split or leaving the skins unclaimed are all common choices.
In a field-wide skins game, only a score no one else matched wins a skin. Each skin is worth the pot divided by the number of skins won. A lone birdie can win a big share. Net skins apply handicap strokes by stroke index. That lets higher handicaps compete.
Some groups add validation, where a player who wins a carried-over skin must at least tie the next hole to keep it. Skins rewards bold play. A par rarely wins a hole that someone birdies, and a double bogey costs no more than a bogey. Skins is a side game, not a format in the Rules of Golf. Players set their own terms.
Tips by skill level
Play net skins so handicap strokes level the field. A beginner can win a hole with a net birdie.
Count how many skins are carried over before each hole. When the pot is big and par will not win, take the aggressive line.
Example
Four friends play skins for a small stake with carryovers. Holes 4 and 5 are tied, which makes hole 6 worth three skins. One golfer makes the only birdie on 6 and collects all three.
Why it matters
Skins keeps every hole interesting, even for a player having a rough day. One good hole can still win.
Common mistakes
- Not agreeing on carryovers and ties before the round
- Switching between gross and net scoring halfway through
- Forgetting to apply handicap strokes by stroke index in net skins
- Playing too safe when only a birdie can win the skin
Frequently asked questions
How does a skins game work in golf?
Each hole is worth a skin. The lowest score on the hole wins it outright. If players tie, the skin usually carries over to the next hole.
How do carryovers work in a skins game?
When two or more players tie for the low score on a hole, nobody wins that skin. It carries over and is added to the next hole. That hole is then worth two skins.
What happens if no one wins a skin?
In most games the skin carries over and is added to the next hole. Agree before the round what happens if the 18th hole is tied.
What is validation in skins?
It is an extra rule some groups use. A player who wins a carried-over skin must at least tie the next hole to keep it.
Related terms
- Match Play vs Stroke PlayStroke play scores every shot across the whole round for a cumulative total. Match play scores hole by hole, awarding each hole to whoever takes fewer strokes on it. So a single bad hole only costs one point, not a pile of extra strokes.
- Best Ball vs Scramble FormatIn best ball, each teammate plays their own ball through the hole, and the team counts the lowest individual score. In a scramble, everyone tees off, the team picks the best shot, and all players hit their next shot from that spot.
- Stableford ScoringStableford scoring awards points based on how a hole score compares to par (or net par) rather than counting total strokes. This softens the impact of a single disaster hole and keeps a bad hole from ruining an entire round's result.
- Stroke Index (Handicap Holes)Stroke index ranks the 18 holes from 1 to 18 to show where strokes are given. You receive a stroke on every hole ranked at or below your Course Handicap. With a Course Handicap of 8, your strokes fall on the holes ranked 1 to 8.
- Net Score vs Gross ScoreGross score is the actual number of strokes taken. Net score subtracts a player's course handicap from that total, letting golfers of different skill levels compete on a fair, adjusted basis.
Related guides & benchmarks
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