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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.,  – SRIXON® is bringing new energy to the course with the introduction of its Tour Ink Collection, a fresh lineup of soft goods featuring bold strokes and bright, full-color style. Designed for golfers who want their gear to stand out, the Tour Ink Collection delivers a vibrant look on tour-caliber essentials with nothing muted.

“We’re always looking to bring something new and exciting to the course, and the Tour Ink Collection felt like a great way to welcome the spring season with bold, colorful designs,” said Casey Shultz, Senior Product Manager at Srixon. “It’s a unique, eye-catching collection, that still delivers the functionality and quality golfers expect from our bags and headwear.”

Srixon’s Tour Staff will debut the Tour Ink Collection headwear on-course during the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship, aligning perfectly with the event’s vibrant atmosphere and long-standing connection to the popular paint brand. With bright colors and bold personality at the heart of the tournament, the Tour Ink Collection is a natural fit, bringing a fresh, expressive look to the week.

The Tour Ink Collection includes premium headwear featuring the bold Tour Ink splash pattern in four color options, delivering a modern look designed to stand out while maintaining a comfortable fit and quality golfers expect from Srixon. The collection also features a Tour Ink version of Srixon’s S3 Stand Bag, built with lightweight carry performance, a stable stand system, and ample storage for on-course essentials.

To shop the collection, visit us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.

Pricing & Availability

Tour Ink Collection Hat: $34.99

Tour Ink Collection S3 Stand Bag: $279.99

Launch Date: March 16, 2026

ABOUT Dunlop Sports Americas:

Based in Huntington Beach, CA and Greenville, SC, Dunlop Sports Americas (DSA) is the North American subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. We manufacture and sell premium golf and racket sports equipment to players of all skill levels under a portfolio of brands: Dunlop, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO. DSA is also a licensed exclusive distributor of ASICS golf footwear. Our unique global sales network and infrastructure in R&D, manufacturing, and material science elevates our brands onto a global stage where we encourage players from around the world to experience our incredible products. For more information, please contact Noelle Zavaleta at noellezavaleta@srixon.com.

 
CONTACT INFORMATION:
DUNLOP SPORTS AMERICAS
Noelle Zavaleta
noellezavaleta@srixon.com

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With how often it rains in the UK, you shouldn’t let it stop you from playing your favourite sport. Playing golf in the rain can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. We’ll go through how to prepare for golfing in the rain and give you some top tips on how to adjust your play to get the most out of a rainy round on the course.

Can you play golf in the rain?

The short answer is yes; you can play golf in the rain. However, this will depend on whether your local golf course stays open, which will be determined by the amount of rainfall and how it has affected the course. If the course you want to attend is open, there are several steps you should take to prepare for a round in wet conditions.

How does rain affect golf?

The rain can significantly impact both course conditions and how your ball behaves after every shot. This can include:

• Less control of the ball: As both your ball and the club will be wet, the club will have less traction when hitting the ball. As your golf ball is also likely to pick up more mud and water, both of these things together can cause the ball to act more unpredictably for each shot.
• Reduced ball distance: After hitting the ball, you’ll find it will likely not travel as far in the air due to increased drag, and it can ‘plug’ upon hitting the ground and not roll as it would in dry conditions.
• Slippery fairways: While you may have perfect form for your swing when it isn’t raining, the excess water on the fairway, on your ball, and the club can make you more likely to slip and make a mistake while taking your shot.
• Wet rough: Once the thick grass of the rough becomes wet, you may find that your swing speed is impacted by trying to push the club head over the grass, especially if it’s muddy.
• Waterlogged bunkers: The bunkers around the course can become more challenging to navigate should you need to get your ball out of the bunker. Once the sand is wet and compacted, the playing surface is entirely different from when you’re hitting your ball out of dry sand.

How to prepare for a round of golf in the rain

To make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible in wet weather, and that you minimise the effect that it has on your play, there are a few things you should bring with you to the course:

• Waterproofs and extra layers: To help keep you dry and warm without making you overheat while you play, you want to look for breathable layers and light waterproofs, such as a jacket and trousers.
• Rain gloves: As you might have guessed, rain gloves are designed for wet weather, and the grip they provide actually improves when wet to help you keep hold of your club properly.
• An umbrella: Investing in a good golf umbrella can help keep the worst of the rain off of you while you walk between holes or wait for your shot. You might also want to consider getting an umbrella or a waterproof cover to protect your club bag.
• Extra towels: Packing extra towels is always a good idea to help wick away any excess moisture as you play.
• Waterproof shoes: A good pair of waterproof golf shoes can help keep your feet dry, and if you purchase shoes with spikes, they can help you maintain traction on the wet grass, too.
• Club brush: Your clubs are likely to pick up more mud if the ground is wet, so keep a club brush handy to clean them off as you play.

5 tips for playing golf in the rain

1. Club up

In the rain, your ball will roll a shorter distance due to the ground being wet, so you may need to club up (for example, swap your 8-iron for a 7-iron) to mitigate the difference.

2. Adjust your swing

Practice a more controlled swing with a wider stance to avoid slipping. You may also want to grip your club further down to make up for your feet sinking further into the ground, and move your ball further back so that you aren’t sweeping it up off of the wet grass.

3. Brush up on the rules for ‘casual water’

The ‘casual water’ rule gives players free relief if golfers find their ball in ‘temporary water’, such as puddles. The rule allows you to move your ball to the nearest point of complete relief within one club-length (but not closer to the hole).

4. Hit putts with more force

Generally, the presence of water will reduce the speed of the greens, can cause your ball to hydroplane, and make your ball stray from its intended direction. To get the most out of your putts, it’s best to hit with more force and increase the length of your backstroke.

5. Swap your sand iron for a pitching wedge

Getting the ball out of sand is one of the toughest challenges a golfer can face, even more so when the rain compacts the sand.

A pitching wedge is better placed than a sand iron to overcome this challenge. The reason is that golf clubs are designed for normal sand, and a sand iron has bounce on its sole.

However, if the sand is compact, the last thing you want is a club with bounce on the sole, because it’ll strike the ground and bounce into the ball if the ground is hard.

You can either de-lock your sand iron grip to create more loft, or use a pitching wedge so the leading edge acts more like a knife, cutting through the sand in wet conditions.

Playing golf in the rain: FAQs

Do golf courses stay open in the rain?

Golf courses may stay open in light rain or if rain is sporadic. If the course becomes waterlogged due to prolonged or heavy rain, it will likely close until the weather improves.

Do golf courses refund when it rains?

Unfortunately, most golf courses will not provide a complete refund if it rains and the course has to close. However, you may be able to get vouchers back to be able to move your scheduled round to a later date. The best way to find out is to check the booking policy of your chosen course.

Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care

Whatever the weather, you may want to consider getting specialist golf insurance to financially protect yourself and your equipment while out on the course.

Get an instant online quote today. 

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Whether you’re looking for a new way to practice or the weather is stopping you from getting out on the course, indoor virtual golf is a great way to work on your technique.

We’ve compiled a list of the best virtual golf courses across the UK and answered some common questions about how virtual golf works.

Find a golf simulator near you

London and the South East

1. Project Golf

Based in Moorgate, Central London, Project Golf has 5 Trackman 4 bays with 459 virtual golf courses to choose from for you to practice your golf technique. They also offer golf lessons from Advanced PGA Professional coaches if you want help refining your swing.

2. Pitch Golf

Pitch Golf have several locations across the UK, including three in London, one in Manchester, and one in Dublin. With a choice of Trackman iO-equipped simulator bays, you can improve your golf performance by tracking your analytics or play a round on some of the most famous golf courses in the world.

If you want something to eat or drink while you play, each location offers a range of cocktails and a food menu with different dishes offered at each venue.

3. Caddi Club

As of 2025, Caddi Club owns the largest indoor golf venue in the UK, with 12 virtual golf bays at its Wimbledon location. Caddi Club also has three other venues across London in Waterloo, Fulham, and Chelsea. All Caddi Club venues are kitted out with Trackman simulator technology, and the Fulham and Wimbledon locations both have a full bar and restaurant.

4. Urban Golf

Unlike the other virtual golf venues in this list, Urban Golf uses custom technology that you won’t find at any other indoor golf venue. Based in London, Urban Golf’s tech uses several high-definition cameras to capture your clubhead speed, launch angle, spin rate, and ball velocity.

With 11 golf simulators and food on offer from a Michelin-star-trained chef, Urban Golf has a lot to offer, whether you’re practising, playing for fun with friends, or taking lessons.

South West

1. Eagles Indoor Golf

Eagles Indoor Golf in Gloucestershire uses Uneeker XO simulator technology and GSPro software, which can help you track metrics such as your ball speed, swing path, spin axis and more.

They also offer lessons for guidance on improving your play, as well as a fully licensed bar with a range of food and drink options.

2. GolfBox

GolfBox has indoor golf venues in both Bath and Bristol, with two bays in Bath and three in Bristol, all utilising Trackman iO technology. You’ll find that both locations offer lessons if you want guidance from a golf pro, and their venue in Bath also has a café if you wish to have some refreshments while you play.

3. Bunkerbay

With a venue in Poole and an upcoming venue in Christchurch, Bunkerbay offers the latest Trackman simulators and 24/7 access to members. You can also book lessons and coaching packages with PGA professionals at Bunkerbay.

Midlands

1. Swings Golf

Using Trackman iO technology, practising your golf game at Swings Golf in Nottingham means you can work on your ball and swing speed, launch angle, and carry distance.

There’s also a wide range of interactive games at your disposal, which provide a fun way to work on your golfing technique. If you’re feeling confident, you can even compete in monthly competitions to test your skill.

2. Goin Golf

With 7 virtual golf bays, Goin Golf is one of the UK’s largest virtual golf experiences, based in Stoke-on-Trent. At Goin Golf, you can take part in lessons, competitions, or their Go Golf rewards programme, where you can earn discounts or free food and drink.

When you book through Goin Golf, you can choose one of their Trackman 4 simulators or a VIP room with a Golfzon simulator (famously used by the national golf teams of Spain, China, Taiwan, and Korea).

3. Skratch Golf

Skratch Golf in Birmingham has a lot to offer for golfers on rainy days. Skratch Golf offers lessons, competitions, and experience packages during the Ryder Cup and the Majors. You can also enjoy Indonesian street food and drinks on site, and you can even book their mobile simulator for work events and parties.

North East

1. Sharpley Golf

For the days when you can’t get out onto Sharpley Golf Course in Durham, they also have a virtual golf facility powered by Trackman 4 simulators. They also have a fully licensed bar for drinks and snacks, or you can head to their clubhouse bar and restaurant.

2. The Virtual Golf Centre

With club fittings, lessons, and competitions on offer throughout the year, The Virtual Golf Centre in Washington is a great choice for indoor golf. Protee VX launch monitors power their practice bays, or you can try their Performance Room, which uses a Foresight Falcon launch monitor and swing cameras to help you perfect your technique.

3. The Golf Studio

At The Golf Studio in Sunderland, you can take part in tournaments, practice in their indoor driving range, or use their SkyTrak Studio to work on your swing. They also offer lessons from PGA golf professionals and custom club fittings.

North West

1. Fliers Indoor Golf

Based in Liverpool, Fliers Indoor Golf has 5 Trackman simulator bays. In addition to booking out one of their bays for a round with friends, you can also book lessons and club fittings, or take advantage of their fully licensed bar and freshly baked pizzas.

2. North West Indoor Golf

With three golf studios available, all fitted with Trackman 4 simulators, you can track more than 50 ball and club data parameters while you play. Located in Warrington, North West Indoor Golf also has an indoor putting green powered by SAM PuttLab technology to help you improve your putting technique.

3. HUKD Golf

Using Trackman simulators, HUKD puts more than 350 famous golf courses at your fingertips. Here you can book lessons with PGA golf professionals or join competitions and leagues to test your skill. You can also take advantage of several offers and packages available at HUKD throughout the week, which include food and drink.

Scotland

1. The Golf Bar

Scotland’s largest virtual golf centre, The Golf Bar, based in Glasgow, uses Trackman simulator technology and has six golf bays that can accommodate up to eight players each. With a food menu offering a range of dishes and a fully stocked bar where you can enjoy cocktails, The Golf Bar is the perfect way to spend an afternoon golfing.

2. Centre of Golf Excellence

You’ll find the Centre of Golf Excellence at St Andrews in Fife, with each bay offering Trackman 4 technology and Sportsbox AI to track your shots. You’ll also find a club fitting and repair centre here to make sure you’re hitting the course with clubs that are the right fit and in the best condition. You can even take lessons with former tour players and PGA professionals.

Wales

1. The South Wales Simulator Academy

The South Wales Simulator Academy is based in Llanyravon, with two Foresight Falcoln launch monitors available to book. You can also order food and drink straight to your bay, including pizzas, burgers, and alcoholic and soft drinks.

2. Play All-Year Round

Play All-Year Round has 3 golf simulator bays, where you can try some of the most famous courses in the world, such as St Andrews or Royal Troon.

Indoor golf simulator: FAQs

Do you bring your own clubs to virtual golf?

You can bring your own clubs to virtual golf, and it’s often recommended so that any practice you’re putting in is using the clubs you use regularly on the course. However, you’ll often find that virtual golf venues will provide clubs you can use for free or for a small fee.

How realistic is virtual golf?

The best golf simulators can be very realistic, often offering metrics such as distance and ball velocity with an accuracy within 1-2%. However, there are some aspects of the course that a golf simulator cannot replicate, such as the effect of weather conditions.

How do you win virtual golf?

Just like when you’re out on a real course, you need to work on your golfing technique to improve your ability in virtual golf. You may also want to practice playing virtual golf, as some aspects of the game will feel very different from playing a round outdoors.

How does virtual golf work?

Most golf simulators use either cameras or radar to track metrics such as your swing speed, launch angle, and carry distance. To use a golf simulator, all you need to do is set up your ball on the hitting mat and hit the ball as you would on the course. The ball will hit the impact screen, and you’ll be able to follow your virtual ball’s flight on the screen.

Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care

Whether you’re playing golf indoors or outdoors, there’s always a risk that you may injure yourself, someone else, or damage your golf equipment while you play. That’s why you may want to consider getting specialist golf insurance. Find out more about specialist golf insurance through Golf Care or get a quote online today. 

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New brand debuts Artifact putters and modular system; will exhibit at the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando

Killer Golf  today announced the launch of its new golf equipment line, introducing a modular putter platform designed to let golfers calibrate weight, balance and intent before a round so the putter aligns with how they feel that day.

Killer Golf’s launch centers on The Artifact putters, including The Wing and The Blade, paired with a modular architecture intended to support highly personalized setup and repeatable stability once configured. The company positions the system as an answer to a common problem among golfers: a putter that felt “perfect yesterday” can feel unfamiliar today due to changes in tempo, nerves or balance, even when the stroke itself has not meaningfully changed.

“At its core, putting is dynamic,” said Shamik Patel, founder of Killer Golf. “The golfer changes day to day, but the putter is traditionally frozen in one configuration. We built Killer Golf to replace that compromise with a precision platform that can be tuned before you play, then locked in so it stays absolutely stable through impact.”

Product system highlights

Killer Golf’s launch lineup includes:

• Artifact Wing: Designed for golfers seeking composure, stability and confidence through impact, while remaining compatible with modular calibration components.
• Artifact Blade: Built for golfers who prioritize feel, feedback and control, with a balance profile intended to support precise calibration on the modular platform.
• Modulators (Anchors and Equilibrium): Components intended to adjust mass, tempo and balance behavior prior to play, based on conditions and the golfer’s physical state.
• Artifact emblem system: Interchangeable personal emblems designed to reflect focus, meaning and milestones, secured through a locking system.

The putters are offered as handcrafted, pre-order items, with current pricing listed at $595 for the Artifact Blade and $625 for the Artifact Wing. The models will be available in two standard colorways, Armor Black and Frost, with two additional offerings, Champagne and Gold, available as limited edition drops.

PGA Show Presence

Killer Golf will introduce the brand to the golf industry at the 2026 PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 20–23, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, where attendees can experience the Killer Golf modular system and speak with the team at Booth No. 2452. In addition, Killer Golf will be presenting at Demo Day on January 20 at Putting Green No. 1.

Killer Golf is opening access through a limited early adopter program, including a serialized “First 100” run (individually marked 1–100) as part of its founder-led launch. For more information, product details and updates, visit KillerGolf.com. High resolution images available upon request.

ABOUT KILLER GOLF

Killer Golf is a golf equipment brand focused on craftsmanship, innovation and modular customization in putting. The company’s Artifact system is designed to help golfers personalize their setup across base, weight and components, supporting performance, confidence and self-expression as the player evolves.

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Golf can be played in a variety of formats, and one of the most popular of those is a Texas Scramble – a rewarding approach to team-based golf that’s favoured by players of all skill levels. 

A Texas Scramble is a fast-paced, team-oriented way to play golf, ideal for various occasions, from charity golf days and corporate tournaments to casual weekend outings with friends.

But what is a Texas Scramble? In this guide to Texas Scramble golf, we’ll explain what it is, the rules, how to play it, and look at the origins of its intriguing name. 

What is a Texas Scramble?

Texas Scramble is a team-based golf format usually played by groups of two, three, or four players. 

Rather than playing with individual scores, each team works together in a Texas Scramble to achieve the best possible score on each hole. All the players in a team tee off, and then the team chooses the single best shot. From there, everyone plays their next shot from that chosen location, and again, the best shot amongst them is chosen. This continues until the ball is holed, with the team recording only the single best shots as the team score for that hole.

A Texas Scramble is a format that allows for a strategic and collaborative experience. It takes the pressure off individual players, which is why it’s popular for occasions like friendly competitions, amateur events, and charity days.

How to play a Texas Scramble

One of the best aspects of a Texas Scramble is that it’s easy to play. All you need to do is:

• Form teams: Texas Scramble teams are usually made up of four players, but there’s no reason you can’t play with two or three, or even more than four, as long as everyone involved agrees.
• Tee off: On each hole, every team member will hit their drives.
• Choose the best shot: The team then selects the best-positioned ball after everyone has taken their initial drive.
• Play from the chosen position: All the team members place their ball within one club’s length (but no nearer to the hole) of the selected shot and then take turns to play their next stroke.
• Repeat until the ball is holed: You continue selecting the best shot and playing from a club’s length of that location, until the first team member sinks their ball.
• Record the score: If the team collectively took four strokes to complete the hole, you record your score as four, rather than counting each individual stroke (so not a score of 16 if you had a team of four players each taking four strokes).
• Move on to the next hole: Repeat the above process until you’ve finished your round.
• Total and compare your scores: Once your team has a total score for your round, you can compare against other teams to see who got the lowest total and is the winner.

What are the rules of a Texas Scramble?

The rules of Texas Scramble are pretty simple to master and are usually reasonably flexible, too. The most important ones to be aware of are:

• Drive contribution: Often, every member of a team is required to contribute a set number of tee shots during a round, commonly at least three or four per player.
• Best shot choice: When it comes to choosing the best shot each time, you can either take a quick vote as a team or pick one team member to be the captain and have them make the decision.
• Ball placement: When placing your ball after the team selects the best shot, you must stay within one club’s length of the chosen ball, but you can’t move closer to the hole. Your ball must remain in the same condition as the chosen one, such as in the rough, on the fairway, or in a bunker.
• Order of play: Once a ball is selected as the best shot, the order in which players play the next shot is up to the team. It can be a strategic choice, especially as you get closer to the green.
• Putting: On the green, all players usually putt from the same spot until the ball is holed.

As you can see, there’s scope for flexibility in the rules of a Texas Scramble. What’s most important, though, is that the precise version of each rule is agreed upon beforehand and clearly communicated to everyone involved, so that each team plays by the same set of Texas Scramble rules.

Why is it called a Texas Scramble?

The format was actually called “Captain’s Choice” originally, as the captain of the team was the one who most often chose the best shot.

Whilst there’s no agreed-upon explanation as to how and why this format got a name change to Texas Scramble, it’s generally thought that it became popular in Texas from the 1930s to the 1950s thanks to its casual, player-friendly nature. The word “scramble” reflects the non-traditional, more relaxed style of play. 

Though often shortened simply to just Scramble, the “Texas” in Texas Scramble helps differentiate it from other team formats, like Florida Scramble or Las Vegas Scramble, which each have their own variations and rules.

If you’re looking to brush up on your overall golf vocabulary, check out our essential guide to golf slang.

What are the origins of Texas Scramble?

Just as with its name, the exact origins of the Texas Scramble aren’t clear. We know it existed as “Captain’s Choice” from at least the early 1900s, but it became popular in Texas in the first half of the 20th century. It’s thought that it first became widely played thanks to the rise of amateur and corporate golf events, where organisers wanted a format that was inclusive, fast-paced, and suitable for players with varying skill levels.

Texas Scramble spread quickly across the US and internationally from the 1950s onwards, and today, it is a staple format for more relaxed golf competitions. Of course, there are a variety of other golf team formats that can be played, too, including the popular Foursomes and Greensomes.

What are the benefits of playing Texas Scramble?

Texas Scramble golf has various benefits, especially for team play and less competitive settings. 

• A focus on teamwork and camaraderie: Texas Scramble golf introduces a strong team element to play, with the final team score based on the group’s combined effort. 
• A fast pace of play: Because only the best shot is played each time, rounds are often quicker than individual stroke play, especially useful in large field events.
• It’s inclusive for all skill levels: New golfers can enjoy the game without the pressure of having individual scores and can rely on stronger players, especially during tougher shots.
• It rewards strategy and decision-making: Texas Scramble involves more than just good shots; it requires strategic thinking. Choosing which ball to play, who tees off when, and how to approach each hole becomes a team effort.
• It’s less punitive: Because the worst shots are usually ignored, the Texas Scramble golf format is more forgiving. This keeps frustration low and enjoyment high, particularly for more casual players.

Whatever format of golf you’re playing, accidents can happen out on the course. That’s why you may want to consider protecting yourself and your gear with specialist golf insurance before your next round.

With Golf Care, policies include Equipment Cover up to £7,500, Public Liability of up to £10m, and Personal Accident Cover up to £50,000. Get a quote online today.

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In a sport like golf, having the proper equipment can make all the difference in the world.

I’ll never forget how much my first pair of golf shoes helped my golf swing. I felt I could turn my back foot much easier with golf shoes than with regular street shoes.

All of that being said, a lot of folks may wonder if golf shoes are really a necessity to play golf or simply a matter of personal preference.

In this article, we’ll investigate whether or not golf shoes are needed to play a solid round of golf. We’ll also provide a few golf shoe choices to consider.

Do Golf Courses Require You to Wear Golf Shoes?

Surprisingly, most golf courses recommend golf shoes, but they don’t require them. Keep in mind, though, that some courses are more strict with their dress codes. In other words, at least have a pair of shoes on instead of some casual flip-flops when you arrive for your round.

If you do choose to wear golf shoes, remember that most golf courses have now outlawed metal spikes to cut down on turf damage. Because of this, it’s a good idea to buy spikeless golf shoes or at least ones with plastic spikes.

Do Golf Shoes Really Make a Difference?

Yes, golf shoes can make a huge difference in your overall game and help you shoot lower scores! Let’s briefly go over some of the benefits that proper golf footwear provides.

1. Better Traction and Stability

The golf swing is a complex athletic maneuver with lots of moving parts. Golf shoes, especially those with spikes, provide golfers with a solid foundation and better grip. This helps golfers complete a full turn off their back foot without slipping and sliding.

The spikes also allow for better traction, which is incredibly important on the golf course in wet conditions. More traction means more distance off the tee!

2. Injury Prevention

The right types of golf shoes can also prevent ankle and heel injuries. Golfers with a history of ankle problems can choose high-top golf shoes for added support and protection.

If you prefer walking your entire round instead of riding in a golf cart, the right pair of golf shoes can prevent blisters thanks to their extra padding. Nothing can derail a low-scoring round faster than a bad blister!

3. Most Golf Shoes Are Waterproof

This is another essential benefit of golf shoes. Have you ever noticed how regular tennis shoes get weighed down on rainy days? That’s the last thing you need when trying to hit good shots on the golf course!

Thankfully, most golf shoes have a high level of water resistance. This is a huge help when those uninvited popup showers hit.

4. Golf Shoes Are Usually More Lightweight

A full 18-hole round of golf can take four or five hours on a busy weekend. That’s a long time to be on your feet, so golfers need types of shoes that are lightweight.

Most golf shoes are much lighter than regular street shoes, which is a huge advantage during longer rounds.

Can You Play Golf with Regular Sneakers?

Yes, even with all the added benefits of golf shoes, some folks prefer to play golf in regular sneakers. This is perfectly acceptable and not against any type of attire rules at most golf courses.

Some beginners and even some professional golfers prefer the classic comfort that regular sneakers provide. However, golf shoe manufacturers now offer so many spikeless designs that most folks can find a new pair of golf shoes that feel just like regular sneakers.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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When it comes to spicing up a standard round of golf, there are all kinds of games you can play, from Stableford and skins to wolf. One of the most interesting and unique variations is Bingo Bango Bongo, and it might just change how you approach the sport.

What is Bingo Bango Bongo?

Bingo Bango Bongo is a golf format in which you’re aiming to score more points than your opponents, as opposed to completing each hole with the fewest strokes.

Each hole is worth three points, and the winner of the round is simply the player who accumulates the most points. But there’s a catch. Bingo Bango Bongo is all about adhering to etiquette and following the rules to a tee. That means no gimme puts and no ready golf.

In this way, the game isn’t quite as whimsical as the name suggests. But if you’re a player who enjoys abiding by the rules and is prepared for a twist or two, you might find it to be your new favourite way to play golf.

How to play Bingo Bango Bongo

In Bingo Bango Bongo, there are three points up for grabs for each hole.

• The first – known as the Bingo point – is given to the player whose ball lands on the green first.
• The Bango point is then awarded to the player closest to the hole once all players have reached the green.
• The Bongo point is then awarded to whoever holes out first.

Sounds simple, right? But here’s the catch: the Bingo point is given to the first on the green regardless of how many strokes that player took.

Bingo Bango Bongo is all about taking your shots in the correct order. That’s to say, the player furthest away from the hole takes their shot first. As a result, players with shorter drives actually have an advantage over their more skilled opponents.

A player who reaches the green after 10 strokes will still win the Bingo point so long as they reach the green before their game partner, even if they were to get to the green in two or three strokes.

This is why it’s so important to play in the correct order. Ready golf (where each player takes their shot once they’re ready) would defeat the purpose and remove a great deal of the charm of Bingo Bango Bongo golf.

Levelling the playing field

With the number of strokes not entirely relevant to who collects the most points, the playing field is levelled massively. Hitting a tremendous drive from the off could end up being a massive disadvantage if your opponent is constantly creeping up on you and getting closer and closer to the green, even if they’re taking lots of shots.

Similarly to how a slightly less accomplished golfer can win the Bingo point, the Bongo point can favour the player whose ball in the green is furthest from the hole. There are no gimmes in this game. That final point is all about who holes out, meaning there’s an added element of drama and pressure at the end of each hole.

In fact, it’s only the Bango point, given to the player closest to the hole once everyone has reached the green, which is perhaps more likely to be won by the player with the lowest handicap.

Handicaps with Bingo Bango Bongo

Speaking of handicaps, one of the great things about Bingo Bango Bongo is that games are even regardless of varying abilities within a group, without the need to worry about factoring in a handicap.

So, if you and your friends are all of differing abilities but want to play together, Bingo Bango Bongo could be the ideal game for you to try.

Scoring in Bingo Bango Bongo

The scoring in Bingo Bango Bongo is simple, with three points awarded for every hole. 
While a key element of Bingo Bango Bongo is adhering to the correct order of play, there are variations to be had when it comes to scoring. Iterations can include:

• Three points are always available for each hole, but one common alteration is to award double points if one player gets all three points on one hole.
• Other changes are beneficial if all players are exceptionally skilled. For example, the Bingo point might go to the player with the longest drive as opposed to the player who reaches the green first.
• While the standard form of the game ignores the number of strokes, you may also decide that the bingo point goes to whoever reaches the green in the fewest number of strokes.

It really is up to you just how you alter the game of Bingo Bango Bongo to suit the number of players you’re playing with and the ability you all find yourselves having. You may prefer the standard version of the game in which high-handicap players aren’t punished, or you might enjoy a version more like standard match play, where you consider the number of strokes for each hole.

As long as the player with the most points by the 18th hole wins (and you’ve completed each hole in the correct playing order!), you can’t really go wrong.

Some people also compete for money in a game of Bingo Bango Bongo; however, if you choose to do so, it’s essential to do so responsibly.

Why play Bingo Bango Bongo?

While each format of golf is fantastic in its own way, you may eventually find yourself finding standard Stableford or stroke play a little stale. If that’s the case, a version of golf such as Bingo Bango Bongo is ideal to add new, different dynamics and jeopardies to your round.

Unlike other games, Bingo Bango Bongo is a form of golf which requires patience and a willingness to stick to the rules. But if that sounds up your street, it can yield some exciting and enjoyable results. And, even with that said, you can essentially mould the game to suit you and your group in whichever ways you’d like if you follow the basic principles.

If you’ve got one friend you just haven’t been able to beat, offer them a game of Bingo Bango Bongo. Just maybe, their streak could come to an end.

Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care

Now you have a whole new way to play your favourite sport, you may want to consider getting specialist golf insurance before you’re next out on the course.

Through Golf Care, policies include Equipment Cover up to £7,500, Public Liability of up to £10m, and Personal Accident Cover up to £50,000. Get a quote online today.

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If you’ve ever found yourself playing a round and wanting something more, such as some higher stakes or some more room for error, then a golf skins match could be for you.

Skins golf is a format in which each player competes not only for fun and the usual competitive edge with their opponents, but also for money.

A golf skins match is typically played by three or four players, with three being the minimum and four being considered optimal, with one goal: to get one over your opponents.

The term ‘skin’ is an old-school golf slang term which derives from the old leather pouches in which the cash was originally kept. You’ll be competing for one of these skins for each hole.

The rules of skins golf

Each hole represents its own prize in a golf skins match. You and your opponents will be competing for money on each one, with the aim otherwise fairly standard: finish the hole in the fewest strokes.

All players compete for the hole as normal; however, it has to be won outright in order for a skin to be awarded. For example, if one player manages a birdie while the other three all hit par, then the first player would win the skin for the hole.

However, if two players were to tie a hole – for example, both getting par while the other players get bogeys, then the skin would pass over to the next hole and double in value.

All four players would then be able to compete for the higher-value skin. If the hole were tied again, the skin would once more carry over to the next hole, increasing in value until someone was to win the hole outright.

This is one of the quirks of a golf skins match. Players who are inconsistent actually stand a good chance of winning. Remarkable shots on nine holes and poor shots on the other nine would stand you in better stead than a consistent par on every single one. Similarly, a singular disastrous hole would mean precious little.

Therefore, skins golf favours players who are more attack-minded as opposed to those who are more cautious. 

Money in skins golf

Before your golf skins match begins, it’s important to establish how much money is on the line with your opponents, or whether you’re even competing for cash at all. While this is usually the case, if you and your friends are unwilling to play for money, it is possible to play for other prizes of your choosing.

If you’re playing for money, make sure you understand how much you could lose. The total prize pot is equal to the value of each hole multiplied by the number of players and holes. 

So, four players competing for 18 holes worth £5 each would result in a total stake of £360, and the most any player could lose would be £90.

The winner of each hole would win the £20 available (including their own £5). If a hole were tied, the next would be worth £40. If that were tied too, the following would be worth £60 and so on until there’s an outright winner.

Holes might not all have the same value, though. One common alteration is to increase the skin for later holes, such as doubling the value for the second set of nine holes. 

Variations of golf skins

There are multiple variations of skins golf which can be employed to change a match. Here are two common ones. 

Back it up skins

Back it up skins is perhaps the most common variation of a regular golf skins match.

The difference between this and a standard round is that a player who wins one hole can then ‘back it up’ on the next one instead of taking the skin. This means they would be competing for more money on the second.

For example, if Player X beats Player Y on a hole on which they were competing for £5, they could back it up for the next one. Now, Player X would be competing for skins worth £10 each.

If Player X wins that hole, they would get £20. However, if Player Y were to win the second hole, they’d win £10, comprised of two skins each worth £5. Player X would get nothing.

In the event the second hole was tied, the players would move on to the third hole, and the skins would return to their original value. 

Validation

You can also validate your skins. This means that, if a player wins one hole, they then have to get either the same score or a better one for the next hole.

This way, you’re required to be a little more consistent over the course of a round. If you can’t validate your skins, you don’t win them, and they carry over to the next hole.

Professional skins

There was a time when there was a skins contest on the PGA Tour, although it was unofficial. Between 1983 and 2008, pros competed to win very large sums on The Skins Game.

The value of holes increased throughout the contest, with the first six holes worth $25,000 each. By the final hole, pros would compete for a skin worth $200,000.

Unsurprisingly, some golfers made big money. Fred Couples was victorious in The Skins Game five times between 1995 and 2004 and won over $3.5 million from it. He has been dubbed “Mr. Skins” as a result.

The pros and cons of a golf skins match

Golf skins can add an element of excitement and jeopardy that otherwise wouldn’t exist in another round of golf. If you’re someone who enjoys competing for money and is an attack-minded golfer, it could be an ideal version of the game to try out.

However, it’s important that it’s done safely. Not everybody is comfortable competing for money, and those prone to problem gambling should give skins a miss. At the end of the day, playing a skins match is combining golf with betting.

There’s no denying, though, that responsible golf skins makes for a fun and different way to test yourself against your friends. 

Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care

It doesn’t matter what golf format you choose to play, accidents can happen out on the course. That’s why you may want to consider protecting yourself and your equipment with specialist golf insurance.

Through Golf Care, policies include Equipment Cover up to £7,500, Public Liability of up to £10m, and Personal Accident Cover up to £50,000. Get a quote online today.

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