Side game · 2–4 players
How to play Bingo Bango Bongo
Also called: Bingo Bongo Bango
Three points a hole for three things anyone can win: first on the green, closest to the pin, first in the hole. The great equalizer for mixed groups.
The rules
- Bingo: the first ball on the green earns a point.
- Bango: once every ball is on the green, the closest to the pin earns a point.
- Bongo: the first ball in the hole earns a point.
- Play in strict order, farthest from the hole first, or the points are meaningless. That is the one rule groups forget.
- Total the points at the end. Each point is worth the unit; settle the differences across the group.
A worked example
Setup. $1 per point, three players.
- Eighteen-hole totals: Sam 20, Casey 16, Patrick 18.
Result. Sam collects $4 from Casey and $2 from Patrick; Patrick collects $2 from Casey.
This is exactly how Bagpipe Golf settles it: hole by hole, zero-sum, no arguing at the 19th.
Variations and house rules
- Bango only when everyone is on: some groups award closest-to-pin as balls land. The app awards it once all are on, which is the standard rule.
- Dots: many groups fold Bingo Bango Bongo into a wider dots game with greenies and sandies. The app has "Dots" as its own game.
How it works in the app
- Add Bingo Bango Bongo at setup, two to four players.
- On each hole the scorekeeper taps who got Bingo, Bango, and Bongo. Scores are entered as usual for your card.
- Settlement shows the points table and the money.
Bingo Bango Bongo FAQ
- Why is Bingo Bango Bongo good for mixed handicaps?
- Because the points reward order and touch, not distance. The short hitter is often first on the green and first to hole out.
- What if two balls reach the green on the same shot?
- Farthest from the hole plays first, so there is always an order. If a real tie happens, most groups split or void the point; the app lets you leave it unawarded.