Skins Calculator

What is Skins Golf?

Skins is one of the most exciting formats in golf betting because every hole matters. Unlike stroke play where you count total scores, in Skins you win money by having the lowest score on individual holes. The catch? If two or more players tie for the low score, nobody wins that hole - the "skin" carries over to the next hole, doubling its value.

This carry over mechanic creates incredible drama. A single hole could be worth 5-6 skins if there's been a string of ties. Players who are behind can win big on one clutch birdie. It's the ultimate format for nail-biting golf.

How Skins Scoring Works

• Each hole is independent: You're not trying to shoot the lowest total score for 18 holes. You're trying to win individual holes.
• Lowest score wins the skin: If you shoot a 4 and everyone else shoots 5 or higher, you win that hole's skin.
• Ties = Carryover: If two or more players tie for the low score, nobody wins. The skin's value carries to the next hole.
• Carryovers stack: If 3 holes in a row tie, the 4th hole is worth 4 skins total.
• Final hole cleanup: Any carryover skins still in play on the 18th hole go to whoever wins that final hole.

Example: $5 Skins Game

Skins Betting Strategies

• Aggressive on par 5s: These are your best chances for birdies. Going for the green in 2 can win you a big skin.
• Play safe on carryovers: When a hole is worth 3-4 skins, avoid risky shots. A safe par is often enough if others press.
• Handicap holes matter: In net skins, your handicap strokes can turn bogeys into pars and pars into birdies on your toughest holes.
• Watch the leaders: If someone has won 4-5 skins already, others will start pressing harder, creating more carryovers for you to capitalize on.
• Never give up: Unlike stroke play, you're never out of it. One hot streak can win you the whole match even if you've won zero skins through 15 holes.

Common Skins Variations

• Gross vs. Net: Gross skins use raw scores. Net skins apply handicaps, making the game fairer for players of different skill levels.
• Automatic skins: Some groups award automatic skins for birdies, eagles, or hole-in-ones regardless of what others shoot.
• Total purse: Instead of per-hole betting, everyone puts $20 in a pot. Total skins won determines your share of the pot.
• Front/back splits: Play two separate skins games - one for front 9, one for back 9. Prevents one player from dominating the whole match.