Bingo Bango Bongo is a fun golf side game that rewards more than just the lowest score. Instead of only caring who makes par or birdie, this game gives points for three different achievements on every hole: getting on the green first, being closest to the pin, and being the first player to hole out.
That makes it especially popular for groups with mixed skill levels because every player has a chance to earn points, even if they are not the lowest-handicap golfer in the group.
This is a simulation, not a live round. Tap the green Start Simulation button to learn the game and watch this made up match unfold one hole at a time. Just like in our app, you'll see a summary of the drama below the holes and a leaderboard.
The scores above are invented, but the scoring is not: this is the same card and the same live leaderboard your group sees on Big Fairways while you play.
Play BINGO BANGO BONGO Now! Tap the three points in as you walk off each greenBingo Bango Bongo is a points-based golf game where three points are available on each hole:
The exact origin of Bingo Bango Bongo is not clearly documented, but the format has been played for decades as a casual golf betting and points game. It became popular because it adds variety to a round and keeps every player involved on every hole.
Unlike traditional stroke play, where a few bad holes can ruin a scorecard, Bingo Bango Bongo gives players new chances to score points on every hole. That makes it a favorite for weekend groups, golf trips, and casual foursomes.
Bingo Bango Bongo is usually played by a group of two, three, or four golfers. Before the round starts, decide whether each point is worth money, a running score, or just bragging rights.
On each hole, players compete for three points.
Bingo: First on the Green
The Bingo point goes to the first player whose ball reaches the green.
This does not always favor the longest hitter. In many groups, the player farthest from the hole hits first. That means shorter hitters may have the first chance to land on the green, especially on par 4s and par 5s.
To keep the game fair, players should follow normal golf order: the player farthest from the hole plays first.
Bango: Closest to the Pin
The Bango point goes to the player whose ball is closest to the hole once every player's ball is on the green.
This point rewards approach shots and putting position. A player may not be first on the green, but they can still win Bango by hitting a better shot closer to the cup.
Make sure all players are on the green before deciding who wins the Bango point.
Bongo: First in the Hole
The Bongo point goes to the first player to hole out.
Again, order matters. The player farthest from the hole should putt first. This keeps the game fair and prevents a player with a short putt from rushing to finish before someone farther away.
If everyone follows proper order, Bongo rewards the player who finishes the hole first according to normal golf rules.
Let's say four players are playing a par 4.
Player A reaches the green first and wins Bingo.
After all players are on the green, Player C is closest to the hole and wins Bango.
Player B is the first to hole out and wins Bongo.
After the hole:
Bingo Bango Bongo works well because it gives players multiple ways to compete. You do not need to shoot the lowest score on a hole to win points.
A high-handicap player might win Bingo by reaching the green first. A strong iron player might win Bango by sticking an approach close. A good putter might win Bongo by finishing first.
This makes the game more balanced, social, and engaging for golfers of different skill levels.
Before starting the round, agree on:
If you are playing Bingo Bango Bongo for the first time, use this simple version:
Bingo Bango Bongo is a great golf game for groups that want something light, competitive, and easy to follow. Because it rewards different parts of the game, every golfer has a chance to earn points throughout the round.
If you want a golf side game that keeps everyone involved from tee to green, Bingo Bango Bongo is one of the best formats to try.
Keep score automatically and settle up in the app Fifty four points a round, counted for you hole by holeThree points on every hole. One for the first ball on the green, one for the ball closest to the pin once everybody is on, and one for the first ball holed. Over eighteen holes that is fifty four points, and the highest total wins.
Because two of the three points go to whoever does something first. If a long hitter plays out of turn he wins Bingo every hole by default. Playing farthest from the hole first is what makes the game fair, and it is the reason a high handicapper can win it.
Usually not. The game is played gross because the order of play is the handicap: the weaker player hits more shots, so he is away more often, so he gets more chances at Bingo. That balance is the whole design.
Two, three or four. Four is the natural fit, because there are enough balls in play for the order of play to matter on every shot.
Halve the point or replay it, whichever your group prefers, and settle it before you have an argument on the seventh green. Ties are rare enough that either rule works.