Betting Etiquette?

[steviegrace]

So, I'm going golfing just outside of town this weekend with some friends. My buddy wants to setup a mini-tournament between the four of us and make it... a little more interesting. Sure, sounds great when you know you're the best in the foursome! Lol. My problem? I'm definitely the least experienced. I don't want to be the loser that doesn't want to bet, but I also don't want to get hustled. Is it even considered getting hustled if you know it's coming? Hahaha.

Any advice?

[Slice of Life]

Originally Posted by steviegrace

So, I'm going golfing just outside of town this weekend with some friends. My buddy wants to setup a mini-tournament between the four of us and make it... a little more interesting. Sure, sounds great when you know you're the best in the foursome! Lol. My problem? I'm definitely the least experienced. I don't want to be the loser that doesn't want to bet, but I also don't want to get hustled. Is it even considered getting hustled if you know it's coming? Hahaha.

Any advice?

Well, I surely wouldn't be betting against someone who's way better than me. If he wants to pony up money, you have to work out and agree to strokes.

[Pretzel]

Definitely haggle over how many strokes he's giving you for the entire round or front and back nine, and then there's no reason to not play a Nassau since that's based off of net strokes on the front, back, and total. Under that format you could end up cleaning him out should he hold a vanity handicap and you go strictly off of handicaps.

[bkuehn1952]

Decide if you enjoy betting/gambling.  There is nothing wrong with not betting if the process or idea is uncomfortable.  Golf is supposed to be enjoyable and there is no reason to bet if that will make the round less fun.

Don't bet more than you are comfortable losing.  Determine what you will lose if you lose every bet and hole.  That number should be equal to or less than the amount you are willing to lose and not feel bad.  For me it is $20.  Typically the worst case scenario does not occur and often I win a few bucks.  But I have to be ready to lose the whole amount and not hold a grudge.

Understand completely the bet(s) and the rules.  Vague descriptions like "USGA Rules except the unreasonable ones" shouldn't fly.  You don't want the whole bet riding on the last hole and find out your opponent expects a Mulligan on the last tee.

Have everyone pony up the money upfront and let the most stable person hold on to it and disburse the money after the match.  It always amazes me how many people that like to make bets don't seem to have any cash when the payoff time comes.  If someone bets a $1.00, I expect them to pay not because I need the $1.00 but because a bet was made.

Finally, resist "playing straight up".  When a better player is with 3 golfers of lesser ability, he will typically suggest playing "straight up" because it is easier to figure out and "real golfers" don't want strokes.  You wouldn't race Usain Bolt for $20 in a 100 meter sprint "straight up".  If a better player won't handicap the match in some way (i.e. use different tees, give strokes, etc...), there is no shame in turning down the bet.  I'd rather have a reputation as someone who won't bet than as a sucker.

[TJBam]

All bets are won or lost on the first teebox.  Negotiate the number of strokes that the better golfer will give you after you make some really awkward driver practice swings or some terrible putts on the practice green in front of him.  Then, the game begins and you're already winning.

[ghalfaire]

Some pretty good advice above.  I don't have much to add except I play a lot of $5 Nassau games with a regular group.  So if someone presses on the back side I could lose $20.  I enjoy the added "interest" the money creates.  But if you don't like playing for money then don't and don't feel bad about it.  It isn't for everyone and there are as many sharks on the golf course as there are in the pool halls (do they have pool halls anymore?).  So don't play for money with people you don't know and don't play games you don't completely understand before the first ball is hit.  Also never ever play for more than you're willing to lose.  But my personal opinion is that it adds to the enjoyment of the game, especially when you buddies open their wallets for you.  But it can be humiliating when you open your wallet for them.