Miles Bennett
In the game of golf, a nastie is a type of bet. If a golfer holes a shot from off the green, they win the nastie. The rules of the game can be modified by the players, such as whether chip-ins played from the fringe count, or whether a putt holed from off the green counts. Nasties can be played for money or for points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of game | Catch-all point game |
| Game name variations | Junk, Dots, Garbage, Trash |
| How to win | Hole a shot played from off the green |
| Putt from off the green | Doesn't count |
| Played for | Money or points |
| Origin | Nassau Country Club on Long Island |
| Inventor | Club captain John B Coles Tappan |
| Inventor's intention | To avoid embarrassment of prominent members from heavy defeats |
| When to play | Weekends, tournaments |
| Bet type | Three separate bets |
| Bet criteria | Best match play score in the front nine, back nine and total 18 holes |
| Bet amount | Equal monetary value in each round |
| Lowest score | Wins a point |
| Tie | No points gained |
| Losing player option | Offer a "press" or side bet to get money back |
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What You'll Learn
Nasties is a golf bet
Nasties is a catch-all point game, and there are other games with similar rules, such as Junk, Dots, Garbage, and Trash. Nasties can be played for money, with the winner of a "nasty" taking the agreed-upon dollar amount from each of the other golfers in the group. It can also be played for points, which can be combined with other games that reward specific achievements with points.
The Nassau is another popular golf wager. It is named after the Nassau Country Club on Long Island, where club captain John B. Coles Tappan invented the format in the early 1900s. The Nassau is three separate bets: one for the best match play score in the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the total 18 holes. The person with the lowest score on each hole wins a point, and if the scores tie, this results in a 'push' with no points gained. The monetary value of each round is equal in original bets and side bets.
A "press" is a side bet offered by the losing side during a Nassau match to get their money back. If the player who presses beats their opponent over the remaining holes, they win the press bet. The press is usually a double-or-nothing offer, and the opponent can choose to accept or reject it, although it is generally accepted as a matter of polite etiquette.
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How to win a Nasties bet
To win a Nasties bet, you must hole a shot played from off the green. The first thing to clarify is whether chip-ins played from the fringe count as "off the green". The second thing to clarify is whether a putt holed from off the green counts, as most groups playing the Nasties bet say no.
Nasties can be played for money, with the winner of the bet winning an agreed-upon dollar amount from each of the other golfers in the group. Alternatively, Nasties can be played for points, which can be combined with other games that reward specific achievements with points. These catch-all point games go by various names such as Junk, Dots, Garbage, Trash, and Nasties.
The Nassau bet is a similar golf bet to Nasties. It is named after the Nassau Country Club on Long Island, where club captain John B Coles Tappan invented the format in the early 1900s. It involves three separate bets: the front nine, the back nine, and the total 18 holes. The person with the lowest score on each hole wins a point, and if the scores tie, this results in a 'push' with no points gained. The Nassau press is a side bet offered during a match by the losing side to get their money back.
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What is at stake in a Nasties bet
A "nasty" in golf refers to a type of bet or side game that adds an extra level of competition and excitement to a round of golf. It is particularly popular in match play formats and involves players competing for additional prizes or bragging rights beyond the main match itself. So, what exactly is at stake in a "Nasties" bet?
In a "Nasties" bet, players typically compete for individual holes or specific achievements during the course of a round. The most common form is a wager on the "nasty holes," which are usually the three most difficult holes on the course. These holes are predetermined before the round begins and are often selected based on their reputation as challenging or pivotal holes. When playing a "Nasties" bet, golfers focus intensely on these particular holes, as they represent an opportunity to gain an advantage or claw back lost ground in the overall match.
The stakes can vary depending on the agreement between the players involved. Commonly, the winner of the "Nasties" bet might receive a monetary reward, with an agreed-upon amount being contributed by each player before the round. This adds a financial incentive and can make the competition even more thrilling. However, the stakes don't always have to be monetary. Golfers may also play for pride, with the winner earning bragging rights and the title of "Nasties Champion." This intangible reward can be just as motivating for competitive golfers.
Beyond the financial or pride-related stakes, a "Nasties" bet adds an extra layer of strategy and focus to a round of golf. It can elevate the intensity and competitiveness, especially among friends or regular playing partners. Each golfer must carefully consider their approach to the designated "nasty holes," weighing the risks and rewards of different strategies. This side bet also keeps players engaged throughout the entire round, even if the main match seems out of reach. A well-timed win on a "nasty hole" can shift the momentum and provide a much-needed boost to a player's overall performance.
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Other names for Nasties bets
In golf, a "nastie" is a side bet or game where any golfer in a group who holes a shot played from off the green wins. There are, however, variations to the rules. For instance, some groups playing the Nasties bet do not count a putt holed from off the green using the putter for the hole-out.
Nasties is also known as Uglies by many golfers. It is often included in catch-all point games such as Junk, Dots, Garbage, and Trash. These games are sometimes called Junk Bets, and they can include Greenies, Birdies, Sandies, and Poleys.
The Nassau bet is another type of golf bet, which is actually three separate bets: the best match play score in the front nine, the back nine, and the total 18 holes. It gets its name from the Nassau Country Club on Long Island, where club captain John B Coles Tappan invented the format in the early 1900s.
A Nassau Press is a side bet offered during a Nassau match by the losing side to get their money back. It is a double-or-nothing offer, and the opposition has the option to accept or reject it.
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The origin of Nasties bets
The term "nastie" in golf refers to a type of bet or side wager made between golfers during a round. It is a tradition that has been around for many years and is an integral part of the game's culture, especially in match play formats. The exact origin of the term "nastie" is unclear, but it is believed to have derived from the phrase "notoriously difficult." Over time, the term was shortened to "nasty" and eventually transformed into the slang term "nastie."
So, what exactly are "nasties" bets? Nasties bets are side wagers made on particularly challenging holes or situations during a round of golf. The bets are usually made between playing partners or competitors and involve putting a monetary value on the outcome of a specific hole or shot. The holes selected for nasties bets are typically those that are considered the most difficult on the course, presenting golfers with a formidable challenge. These holes often involve long distances, hazardous obstacles, or tricky green complexes.
The tradition of nasties bets is thought to have originated from golfers looking to add an extra layer of competition and excitement to their rounds. By placing a wager on the most demanding holes, golfers raise the stakes and create a unique incentive to perform well under pressure. Over time, nasties bets became an accepted and expected part of the game, particularly among avid golfers and those playing in match play competitions.
While the exact amount wagered in nasties bets can vary widely depending on the players involved and the stakes they are willing to risk, the bets are often used to spice up friendly rounds or add further intrigue to competitive matches. Typically, nasties bets are agreed upon before the start of the round, with players deciding on the specific holes that will be included and the terms of the wager. This ensures that all participants are aware of the challenges ahead and can strategize accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
A "nastie" is a golf bet where any golfer in a group who holes a shot played from off the green wins.
Other names for "nasties" include Junk, Dots, Garbage, and Trash.
The name "nastie" comes from the phrase "you nasty boy!" which is said when someone holes a shot from off the green.
To play "nasties", golfers in a group decide on the stakes, which could be money or points. Then, if any golfer in the group holes a shot from off the green, they win the agreed-upon amount from each of the other golfers.
