Bingo Bango Bongo Golf Game: Rules and How to Play

What is Bingo Bango Bongo?

Bingo Bango Bongo is a points game where three separate points are available on every hole, and each point rewards a different achievement. It works for any number of players and — crucially — doesn't heavily favour the best player in the group.

The three points:

• Bingo: first ball on the putting green
• Bango: closest to the pin once all balls are on the green
• Bongo: first ball into the hole

Each point is worth one unit (or whatever you agree — a pound, a euro, a dollar, a drink). You can win all three on one hole or none. Across 18 holes, 54 points are in play.

Why it's a genuine leveller

Most golf betting games end up dominated by the best player. Bingo Bango Bongo has a built-in equaliser: order of play.

In golf, the player furthest from the hole plays first. This means high-handicappers often hit onto the green before low-handicappers — because low-handicappers are further from the hole having driven past them, or because the low-handicapper hit a bad tee shot. The farthest-out player hits first, which means they're often first on the green.

A 28-handicapper who knocks a 6-iron onto the green while the scratch golfer is still 180 yards out wins Bingo — regardless of how the rest of the hole goes. This is deliberate. The game rewards being on the green first, closest, and finishing first — not just shooting the lowest score.

Detailed rules

Bingo — first on the green:

• Awarded the moment any player's ball comes to rest on the putting surface
• Must be on the green in regulation isn't required — you can chip on from 5 yards away and claim Bingo if you're first
• If two balls land on the green simultaneously (rare but happens with approach shots), Bingo is shared or goes to the one that landed first — agree this in advance
• A ball that lands on the green and rolls off does not count

Bango — closest to the pin:

• Measured when all players are on the green (or have picked up)
• The player whose ball is closest to the flagstick at that moment wins Bango
• After each player holes out or picks up, if someone has chipped closer, Bango goes to whoever is closest at the point all balls are on the green
• Don't mark and move balls before Bango is settled

Bongo — first to hole out:

• Straightforward: the first player to sink their putt wins Bongo
• Picking up doesn't count as holing out — you must complete the hole
• Conceded putts (in informal play): if a putt is conceded, that player is considered to have holed out at that moment for Bongo purposes — agree this before starting

Counting and settling up

Keep a running tally on the scorecard. At the end, each player's total points are compared. The player with the most points wins; others pay the difference in points.

Example with 4 players after 18 holes:

• Player A: 18 points
• Player B: 16 points
• Player C: 12 points
• Player D: 8 points

At 50p per point: A wins 2 × 50p from B (2 points ahead), 6 × 50p from C, 10 × 50p from D. And B, C, D settle with each other. In practice, the easiest way is: multiply net points difference by the stake for each pairing. Or agree beforehand that only the overall winner collects from everyone.

Handicap in Bingo Bango Bongo

The game can be played gross (without handicap) or with a small handicap adjustment. Most groups play it gross precisely because the order-of-play mechanism already partially levels the field.

If you want to add handicap: give extra points to higher-handicap players on their stroke-index holes. On a hole where a 20-handicapper receives a stroke, they get a bonus point if they finish net-par or better. This is rarely needed given the natural levelling.

Tips for enjoying the game

• Don't rush onto the green — wait until Bango is officially settled before anyone marks and picks up
• Call Bingo immediately — if your ball lands on the green first, say so clearly so it doesn't get disputed later
• Play at a good pace — Bingo Bango Bongo requires attention to everyone's ball position, which can slow things down if the group isn't organised. Designate someone to watch for Bingo on approach shots

Frequently asked questions

Can you win all three points on the same hole? Yes — if you're first on the green, closest to the pin when all balls are on the green, and first to hole out. It's rare but it happens, especially on par-3s.

What if someone picks up on a hole? They forfeit Bongo (can't hole out) and are excluded from Bingo and Bango for that hole. The remaining players compete for those points normally.

Can we play it in teams? Yes — pairs can share points (Bingo for the team goes to whoever of the pair is on the green first). Settle up the same way, comparing team totals.

Is Bingo Bango Bongo better than skins for mixed groups? Generally yes — skins can be won every time by the best player, especially if there are no handicap strokes in play. Bingo Bango Bongo is naturally more balanced without needing handicap adjustments.