Top Golf Side Games to Make Your Rounds More Fun and Engaging

Golf isn’t just about lowering your handicap or chasing that elusive hole-in-one—it’s about connection, laughs, and making the most of every round with your crew. Whether you're playing a weekly foursome or hosting a bachelor weekend, adding side games can instantly level up the experience.

Side games keep things light, spark friendly competition, and add new energy to your routine 18 holes. They’re perfect for players of all skill levels and can be adapted for serious golfers, casual players, and everyone in between.

So if you’re ready to shake things up and turn a regular round into a mini-event, here’s your ultimate guide to the best golf side games — including a brand-new favorite we created just for this.

What Are Golf Side Games?

Golf side games are mini-competitions you layer into a regular round to make it more interactive and entertaining. They break up the monotony of stroke play and give players new ways to win holes, earn bragging rights, and stay engaged—even if the scorecard isn’t in their favor.

Some games reward accuracy, others encourage strategy, and a few are all about embracing chaos and having a laugh. The key is choosing games that fit your group’s vibe and adding just enough structure to keep it fun, not frustrating.

Why Side Games Make Golf Better

Make Every Hole Memorable

Each hole becomes a fresh challenge. Instead of just trying to score low, you’re now aiming to be first on the green, closest to the pin, or least likely to three-putt — depending on the game.

Play at Any Skill Level

Many side games are designed to level the playing field. Even the newest golfer can win a point or two when the rules focus on creativity or random challenges rather than perfect swing mechanics.

Encourage Camaraderie

The laughs, the one-liners, the clutch putts under pressure — side games create shared memories that outlast any scorecard.

Gamble Scramble Vol. 1 – A Game-Changer by Golf 19th Hole

Looking for something different? Meet Gamble Scramble Vol. 1 — our original deck-based golf side game designed to throw your round into organized chaos.

Each card you draw changes how you play the hole. Some add hilarious restrictions ("Hit your tee shot off one foot"), while others create team challenges, trivia questions, or drinking dares. It’s unpredictable, rowdy, and made for groups who want more laughs per hole.

• 50+ unique challenge cards

• Perfect for bachelor parties, weekend rounds, or tournaments

• Addictive fun — every hole becomes a new experience

Whether you're playing stroke, scramble, or best-ball format, Gamble Scramble makes sure no two rounds ever feel the same.

Foreshots Golf Ball Shooters 

Looking to add a legendary twist to your post-round ritual? Meet Foreshots Golf Ball Shooters — our signature golf ball-shaped shot glasses made for toasts, dares, and unforgettable moments on and off the course.

Designed to look like real golf balls (but way more fun), these durable shooters are perfect for celebrations, penalty shots, or just breaking the ice at your next golf trip or backyard scramble. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially when the stakes get high.

• Realistic golf ball design — fun, durable, and reusable

• Great for drinking games, team challenges, or victory shots

• Ideal for bachelor parties, golf gifts, or your 19th hole rotation

Whether you're rewarding a birdie or paying the price for a triple bogey, Foreshots™ turn every round into a celebration. Because the best shots don’t always come off a tee.

How to Pick the Right Game for Your Group

Know Your Players

Every group has a vibe — some are laid-back and just there for laughs, while others want to win. If your crew is more about fun than fairways, Gamble Scramble Vol. 1 is the perfect pick. It’s designed for unpredictable fun, hilarious challenges, and zero pressure. For groups that love post-round antics or friendly dares, Foreshots™ Golf Ball Shooters add the perfect twist to celebrations, penalties, or team rewards.

Time Check

If you’re tight on time, a 9-hole version of Gamble Scramble keeps things moving while still delivering chaos and laughs. Have the whole afternoon? Go all-in with a full 18 and pair it with Foreshots™ to celebrate (or survive) every outrageous card draw and clutch moment.

Skill Level

Both Gamble Scramble and Foreshots™ are built for everyone, from total beginners to weekend warriors. Whether you're drawing challenge cards or handing out penalty shots, these games create shared moments where everyone can contribute, compete, and connect.

Pro Tips for Running a Smooth Game

Set the Rules Early – Avoid mid-round confusion. Make sure everyone knows how points are awarded and what the stakes are.
Agree on the Stakes – Keep it light: drinks, dares, small cash, or just leaderboard bragging rights.
Use a Scorekeeper – One person can keep track of points/cards and call out results. (Bonus: rotate this job each hole for fun.)

Where To Buy These Side Games?

At The 19th Hole, we believe golf should be more than just chasing pars and perfect drives — it should be about connection, creativity, and the kind of fun you’ll be talking about long after the round is over.

We design products for the golfers who take their fun seriously. Whether you're teeing off at sunrise or hanging at the clubhouse with friends, we create tools to turn every outing into something legendary.

Our flagship card game, Gamble Scramble Vol. 1, throws traditional golf into organized chaos with wild cards, funny challenges, and unforgettable moments on every hole. And with our Foreshots™ Golf Ball Shooters, we’ve redefined the 19th hole with realistic, reusable shot glasses that bring every celebration — or penalty — to life. We also have golf gift bundles packed with crowd favorites, every item is built to bring the laughs, deepen the memories, and make you the MVP of any round — or any party.

• Made for bachelor parties, tournaments, and weekend rounds

• Designed to keep your group laughing from the first tee to the last toast

• Perfect for gifts, games, or making new traditions

If you're the kind of golfer who plays for the stories as much as the scorecard, welcome home.

Key Takeaways

• Gamble Scramble Vol. 1 adds unpredictable fun to any golf round with 50+ challenge cards that flip tradition on its head

• Foreshots™ Golf Ball Shooters bring energy to post-round celebrations, penalty shots, and group bonding

• Both games are designed to be inclusive, fun, and perfect for golfers of all skill levels

• Whether you have 9 holes or a full 18, these side games create laughter, stories, and memorable moments

• Golf isn’t just about your score — it’s about how you play the game and who you share it with.

Conclusion

Golf side games are the secret to transforming a typical round into something unforgettable, especially when you bring in the right tools. With Gamble Scramble Vol. 1, every hole is a wild card. With Foreshots™, every moment is a reason to raise a glass. Together, they’re the ultimate duo for fun-loving golfers. 

So whether you're planning a bachelor party, a weekend getaway, or just looking to bring new energy to your usual foursome, we've got your back.

This is golf the way it should be: creative, chaotic, and packed with laughs.

Shop our collection of golf side games today and let the 19th Hole fun start before you even tee off.