What Is a Six Shooter Golf Bet? A Complete Guide

Introduction to the Six Shooter Golf Bet

If you enjoy adding a little friendly competition to your round of golf, you may have heard of various side bets. One of the most engaging and fast-paced options is the six shooter golf bet. This betting format is designed for groups of four players and adds a thrilling element to every hole. But what is a six shooter golf bet exactly? In simple terms, it is a hole-by-hole wager where each player competes against the other three on every single hole, with points awarded based on performance. The name comes from the six possible points available each hole—first place gets 3 points, second gets 2, third gets 1, and last gets 0. Over 18 holes, the total points determine the winner. This article will break down everything you need to know about what is a six shooter golf bet, including rules, scoring, strategies, and tips to make your next round more exciting.

Understanding the Basics: What Is a Six Shooter Golf Bet?

Before diving into the step-by-step guide, it is important to fully grasp what is a six shooter golf bet. Unlike traditional match play or stroke play, this bet focuses on relative performance within a group of four. Each hole is a mini-tournament: the player with the lowest net score wins 3 points, second gets 2, third gets 1, and the highest score gets 0. If there are ties, points are split equally among the tied players. For example, if two players tie for first, they each receive 2.5 points (3+2 divided by 2). The beauty of what is a six shooter golf bet lies in its simplicity—you don’t need a calculator or complex handicapping. You just need to track points per hole. Many golfers appreciate that what is a six shooter golf bet keeps everyone engaged because every hole matters, even if you are having a bad round. A single good hole can earn you 3 points and keep you in contention.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing a Six Shooter Golf Bet

Step 1: Assemble a Foursome

The six shooter golf bet is designed for exactly four players. While you can adapt it for three or five, the standard format works best with a group of four. Ensure everyone agrees on the stakes before teeing off. Typically, each player contributes a set amount per hole or a total buy-in. For example, $1 per hole means each player puts in $18 for 18 holes, with the pot distributed based on final points. Remember, gambling laws vary by location—players must be 18+ or 21+ depending on jurisdiction. Always check local regulations before placing any bets.

Step 2: Determine Handicap Strokes

To make the bet fair, use handicap strokes. Each player’s net score (gross score minus handicap strokes) is used to determine points. Agree on a handicap system (e.g., course handicap or 80% of handicap). Apply strokes per hole according to the handicap rating of each hole. This ensures that what is a six shooter golf bet remains competitive even if skill levels differ. Without handicaps, the best player would dominate, reducing the fun.

Step 3: Play Each Hole and Award Points

On every hole, after all four players finish, compare net scores. The lowest net score gets 3 points, second gets 2, third gets 1, and the highest gets 0. In case of ties, add the points for the tied positions and divide equally. For instance, if two tie for first (positions 1 and 2), they split 3+2 = 5 points, so 2.5 each. If three tie for first, they split 3+2+1 = 6 points, so 2 each. Record points on a scorecard. This is the core of what is a six shooter golf bet—a constant point battle on every hole.

Step 4: Track Total Points After 18 Holes

After all holes are complete, sum each player’s points. The maximum possible is 54 (3 points per hole times 18 holes), but due to ties, the total across four players will always be 108 (6 points per hole times 18). The player with the most points wins the pot. If there is a tie for first, the pot is split. Some groups also pay out second place or use a