Side game · 2–4 players
How to play Hammer
Also called: the hammer · hammer golf bet
Match play with a dare bolted on. Any player can throw the hammer mid-hole to double it — accept, or concede at the old price.
The rules
- Every hole starts at the unit value, played as match play.
- At any point during a hole a player can call the hammer, doubling that hole.
- The opponent must accept and play on at the doubled stake, or concede the hole at the value before the hammer.
- If accepted, the opponent can re-hammer to double again. Taps chain.
- Once scores are entered the hole settles at whatever multiple it reached.
A worked example
Setup. $5 a hole, two players.
- A splits the fairway and calls the hammer — the hole is now $10.
- B accepts, then hits an approach to three feet and re-hammers — now $20.
Result. A must accept at $20 or concede the hole for $10. The shot, not the score, is what moves the money.
This is exactly how Bagpipe Golf settles it: hole by hole, zero-sum, no arguing at the 19th.
Variations and house rules
- Some groups cap the hammer at two throws a hole. The app does not cap it.
- Others only allow the hammer from behind. The app lets anyone throw at any time.
How it works in the app
- Add Hammer at setup with a base unit.
- Tap Hammer on the live screen during the hole; the multiplier shows in the banner.
- Settlement shows each hole at the multiple it was played for.
Hammer FAQ
- What happens if I concede?
- You pay the hole at its value before the hammer that you refused. Conceding is the cheap exit, which is what makes the throw worth something.
- Is there a limit on doubling?
- Not in the app — 2×, 4×, 8× and onward if both of you keep going. Agree a ceiling out loud if you want one.