Snake is a simple golf putting game where players try to avoid three-putting. It is usually played as a side game during a normal round and works with almost any group size.
The basic idea is that the "snake" belongs to the last player who three-putted. Whoever is holding the snake at the end of the round loses the bet.
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 SNAKE Now! Putts off the stat strip mark the snake for youIn Snake, players track three-putts during the round. When a player three-putts, they receive the snake. If another player three-putts later, the snake moves to that player.
Only one player holds the snake at a time.
At the end of the round, the player holding the snake pays the agreed amount or loses the side game.
Before the round, agree on the value of the snake. It can be money, points, drinks, or just bragging rights.
During the round:
Let's say four players are playing Snake.
On Hole 3, Player A three-putts. Player A now has the snake.
On Hole 8, Player C three-putts. The snake moves to Player C.
On Hole 14, Player B three-putts. The snake moves to Player B.
No one else three-putts.
At the end of the round, Player B is holding the snake and loses the bet.
Snake is fun because it adds pressure to putting, especially short putts. Even if your overall score is not great, you can still avoid losing Snake by staying away from three-putts.
It also keeps the game alive until the very last green. A player can hold the snake for most of the round and escape if someone else three-putts near the end.
Before starting, agree on:
If you are playing Snake for the first time, use this simple version:
Snake is one of the easiest golf side games to add to any round. It requires almost no extra scoring and creates plenty of pressure on the greens.
If you want a simple game that makes putting more exciting, Snake is a great option.
Keep score automatically and settle up in the app Every three putt, every handover, and who is buying at the turnThe snake is a side game about three putts. The first player to three putt picks up the snake, and it moves to whoever three putts next. Whoever is still holding it when the round finishes pays the agreed amount.
That is a group decision and it needs making before anyone is holding the snake. Most groups count only putts made with the ball on the putting surface, which is the cleaner rule and the easier one to argue about later.
In a game about three putts, giving somebody a two footer is giving them the snake as well. Most groups play everything out on the green while Snake is live, which is also why Snake makes short putts genuinely uncomfortable.
Yes, and many groups run two pots: whoever holds the snake at the turn buys at the halfway house, the snake goes back in the grass, and the back nine starts clean. Big Fairways supports the front and back version as well as one snake for all eighteen.
Then nobody pays, which happens roughly as often as a four hour round. If you want to guarantee a payout, some groups add that a four putt doubles the pot.