Hammer Golf Game
Hammer is a golf betting side game where players or teams can double the current bet during a hole.
It is not always played as a full standalone game. Most groups use Hammer as an add-on to games like Wolf, Nassau, Match Play, or team best ball. But it can also be played on its own as a simple hole-by-hole betting game.
The basic idea is simple: one side throws the hammer, and the other side must either accept the new bet or decline and give up the hole at the current value.
Best for
Hammer works best with 2 players or 4 players.
It is usually best in:
- 1 vs 1 matches
- 2 vs 2 team games
- Wolf
- Nassau
- Match Play
- Best ball money games
Hammer is most common when there are two clear sides on a hole.
Handicaps
Handicaps are optional.
Hammer can be played gross or net. If handicaps are used, each player's net score should decide the hole result.
In team games, each team usually uses either:
- best net ball
- combined net score
- low ball / high ball
- whatever scoring format the group agreed to before the round
How Hammer works
Each hole starts with a base bet.
Example:
- Base bet: $5
During the hole, one side can hammer the other side. A hammer is an offer to double the current bet.
The other side has two choices:
- Accept the hammer
- Decline the hammer
Accepted hammers and declines
If the hammer is accepted, the hole value doubles and play continues. If the hammer is declined, the side that threw the hammer wins the current value of the hole.
Accepted hammer stacking example:
- Base bet: $5
- One accepted hammer: $10
- Two accepted hammers: $20
- Three accepted hammers: $40
Declined hammer example:
- Base bet: $5
- Player A hammers
- Player B declines
- Player A wins $5
Multiple hammers
Some groups allow multiple hammers on the same hole.
- Hole starts at $5
- Team 1 hammers, Team 2 accepts -> $10
- Team 2 hammers back, Team 1 accepts -> $20
Hammer as a standalone game
- Set a base amount for the hole.
- Play the hole normally.
- Either side can throw a hammer during the hole.
- The other side accepts or declines.
- If accepted, the hole value doubles.
- If declined, the hammering side wins the current value.
- If no hammer is thrown, settle at the base value.
Hammer as an add-on
Hammer is more commonly used as an add-on to another golf betting game like Wolf, Nassau, Match Play, or best ball formats.
Birdies and eagles with hammers
Some groups also play birdie doubles and eagle triples. Groups should agree before the round how these interact with accepted hammers.
- Base bet: $5
- One accepted hammer: $10
- Birdie double: $20 (if enabled)
- Eagle triple: $30 (if enabled)
When and who can hammer?
Common house-rule options include:
- anytime during the hole
- only after certain shots
- only the side away can hammer
- each side can hammer once per hole
- unlimited hammers
In team games, decide whether either teammate can hammer or if one designated player calls it.
Common Hammer rules checklist
- base bet amount
- gross or net scoring
- when hammers are allowed
- whether multiple hammers are allowed
- whether declines end the action
- whether birdies double
- whether eagles triple
- whether hammers apply to hole only or larger match segments
Payout examples
2 vs 2 accepted-hammer sequence:
- Base bet: $5 per player
- Team A hammers, Team B accepts -> $10
- Team B hammers back, Team A accepts -> $20
- Team A wins hole -> each Team A player wins $20
Declined hammer after one accepted hammer:
- Base bet: $5
- Team A hammers, Team B accepts -> $10
- Team B hammers back, Team A declines
- Team B wins $10 (decline does not double again)
Strategy
Hammer rewards confidence and pressure. Good spots to hammer are after a great drive, a close approach, or when an opponent is in trouble. But if they accept and win the hole, the hammering side loses the larger value.
Why use a Hammer scorecard app?
Hammer can get confusing when the value changes multiple times. A scorecard app helps track base bet, accepted hammers, declined hammers, current hole value, multipliers, team payouts, and running totals.