What is skins in golf? How do they work!

Skins in golf is a game thats played amongst a playing group on the course where players compete to have the best score for each hole. The player with the best score, wins the “skin” for that hole which is typically set at a dollar amount but can be valued at whatever the players decide. If nobody wins the hole outright, the “skin” for that hole, is carried over to the next hole.

For example, if the skin is valued at 1 point and no player wins outright, the next hole will be valued at 2 points. The original skin and the carried over skin, this can continue as long as none wins a hole outright. The pints for the current hole will continue to carry over to the next.

Understanding the Skins Game in Golf

What Is the Skins Game in Golf?

The game of Skins can be played by 3-4 players. Players will compete for a prize associate to each hole. The lowest score from each hole will win the prize for that hole. Also known as the “skin”. However, the hole must be won outright. If two players tie for the lowest score of the hole, the prize/skin will carry over to the next hole.

Every player has a chance at the skin regardless of past holes. If a player has shot a terrible round, but wins the hole outright, they win the skin. This is why a lot of players like skins, you are never out of it. You can always win skins if you have a great hole.

Each player plays their own ball like they would normally. The rules of golf will be played the same as if it were a solo round. The only difference is everyone compares scores at the end of each hole to see if there was an outright winner.

The Origins and History of the Skins Game

Like most terms in golf, they go back way too far to be one hundred percent certain of the origin. Some believe that skins in golf originated in Scotland. It’s believed that furriers when a arriving back from sea would stop and gamble their pelts before heading in to town. Skin became an obvious name from those experiences.

However, the game of skins really become popular after 1983 when the PGA Tour showcased their first ever live Skins match with professional golfers. Watch it below!

The PGA Tour stopped skins matches due to lack of title sponsors with the last being held in 2008. However, due to recent growth in the social media space and a market for authentic golf content, the PGA Tour brought back the skins game in 2025!

Watch the highlights below!

How to Play Skins in Golf – Rules and Format

The Basic Rules of Skins in Golf

A “skin” is won when a player shoots the lowest score of the group on a hole. If no player has the lowest score, meaning two or more players are tied for the lowest score the skin will be carried over to the next hole. It is very important to note that a “skin” can be carried over as many times as a tie occurs. It is not uncommon for a hole to be valued at 6 or 7 skins.

If the 18 hole is tied, whatever skins were on the line will be nulled. No one will win. However, it’s up to you and your group weather or not you want to create some tie break rule. For example, on the 18th hole you can decide that if there is a tie, whoever was the closest to the pin on the approach shot will win the skin.

There really is much to except for the rules mentioned above, otherwise all golf rules are in play like normal.

How Are Skins Awarded?

Skins are awarded to the outright winner of any hole. If there are ties, the skins carry over to the next hole. So keep trying even if you’re having a bad round, one good hole and you can win some skins!

Variations of the Skins Game

Similar to most golf games, skins can be manipulated to suit player preferences. For example, the “skin” can hold whatever value you’d like. You can also change the value depending on the hole. The 2008 PGA Skins game had prize structures based on holes:

• $25,000 on each of holes 1-6
• $50,000 for holes 7-12; $70,000 for hole 13-17
• $200,000 on the final hole.

If you know the course your playing, you can change the skins value based on difficulty of hole as well. Its totally up to you.

If the standard version of skins in golf doesn’t really sit right with you, maybe try one of these known variants where other golfers just like you made it a little more interesting.

Defender: In this variation, skins are played and won the same however, you must defend your skin to keep. When a player wins a skin, the player then has to defend the skin by making par or better on the next hole. If the player fails to make par, the skins won re-enter the pool as if it were originally carried over form that hole.

Back it up: The back it up variation involves sort of a “press” option. When a player wins a hole, he can announce “Back it up” meaning he thinks going to win the next hole as well. If he wins the hole, the prize pool doubles. someone else wins the hole, he losses the original skin from the first hole he won and the golfer who won gets the skin for the current hole and the skin that golfer just lost. If the hole is halved, he losses the first skin and its carried over to the next hole with that hole’s carryover.

Ex. Player A wins the first hole for $5 and announces a “Back it up” and wins the next hole he wins $10 for the first and $10 for the second. If player B wins the next hole, the original $5 skin is awarded to that player with the $5 they just won from the hole. If Player A & Player B tie the hole, both the $5 from the first hole and $5 from the second hole carry over to the third hole and the skins game resumes as normal.

Strategy for Winning at Skins Golf

The Best Strategies for a Skins Game

Playing skins can have similar strategy to match play. However, you still need to shoot overall good scores. One of the most appealing things about skins, is it can be played overtop your round. You are still able to count your full score.

In match play however, you may concede a hole or two and all you care about is winning, loosing, or halving the hole. In skins, you can have a bad hole and two other players halve the hole and the skin will carry over regardless. So in reality you wont always be defending or attacking the skin.

With that thought in mind, just play your game. Golf is hard enough. However, when your are neck and neck with someone on a hole to win or halve, then its time to strategize. Always consider how many skins are up for grabs first. If it is only one skin, don’t stress play your game.

But, if theres 4-5 skins on the line and you notice that a player in the group is the only one who has a guaranteed par and you’ve had a not so great hole and your chipping close to the hole for par. Don’t just try and play safe and get up and down for bogey. Go for the chip in so you can protect the skin. Its the worth the risk of possibly making double if you drastically miss long but at least it was for a chance to carry over the skins.

Same goes for if you have the only birdie putt of the group. Try and make it rather then cozy it up for a two putt, you can win a skin!

Psychological Aspects of Playing Skins

Golf is already one of the most pressure sports in the world. Par is already set so tightly for no errors that one bad shot and you’ll bogey. With skins on the line, the pressure will intensify. The number one piece of advice I would give anybody playing skins, just forget about the skins. Let someone else calculate the skins and just play your game.

However, some people thrive off competition. If that’s you then fully emerse in the skins mentality and crush your opponents!

Skins Game Strategy for Different Handicap Levels

Skins can be an intimidating game. It can also add alot of pressure if you are putting anything of value on the line as you play. Here’s may recommendations for golfers of each skill level.

Beginner: If you’re just starting out, don’t even bother with this format. Unless all players playing are beginners but that’s rare as there’s always someone who has been playing for a lot longer that helps you out there when you’re learning. Don’t compete with them, learn from them!

Intermediate: For intermediate golfers, i’d say dont let the pressure get to you. If it’s a course you often play, play it the same way don’t add any stress, but when you see a chance take it if your confident. if you’re not, do what you know you can do.

Advanced: If you’re in the right group for skins, pedal to the metal. Have fun with it and compete. You know your game better than anyone!

Conclusion

Skins can be one of the funnest games you play out o the course as it overlays on top of your own personal score. You can still focus on getting better, shooting a good round, and still have some competition if you like it.

Remember the fundamentals of all golf rounds, stay calm and do what you know you can. If you do that, it can be enjoyable for all skill levels. If you haven’t ever played skins, i encourage you to do so next time you’re out on the course!

Want to test your knowledge on Skins? Complete the test below!