
Golfers often engage in friendly wagers during a round, and the press is one such type of bet. The press is a second bet that is made during the course of a round, joining and running concurrently with the original bet. Typically, the press is for the same amount as the original bet, but it doesn't have to be. When a player invokes a press, they are essentially starting a new bet or pressing the bet. This new bet runs for the duration of the round, and both the back nine and overall (full round) games are doubled in value. While there are no official rules for pressing, it is generally considered a way to increase the stakes and add more pressure to the competition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A second bet that begins during the course of a round, joining and running concurrently with the original bet |
| Who can press? | The player who is trailing or losing by a set amount (usually 2 holes) |
| When to press? | During an existing match, to get your money back |
| Number of presses | No limit, but can be agreed upon before the match |
| Amount of the press | Usually the same as the original bet, but can be half or double |
| Auto-press | When a player falls a set number of holes behind (usually 2) |
| Pressing and re-pressing | Requires good scorekeeping |
| Pressing in Nassau | Most common, but can be forbidden on the 9th and 18th holes |
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What You'll Learn

Press bets are a way to increase stakes and pressure in a golf match
Press bets are a way to increase the stakes and pressure in a golf match. It is a second bet that is placed during an ongoing round, running concurrently with the original bet. When a player invokes a press, they are essentially starting a new bet, usually for the same amount as the original wager. This creates two separate bets with the same payout, adding more excitement and pressure to the game.
The press bet is commonly used in a format called Nassau, which is a popular betting game in golf. Nassau is played over 18 holes, with separate competitions for the front nine, back nine, and the total score. Each section is worth a certain amount, typically $2 or $5, creating a fun way to wager during a golf round. However, the press bet can be applied to any type of match, adding a layer of complexity and raising the stakes.
It is important to note that there are no official rules for pressing, and variations exist depending on region and preference. One common guideline is that the trailing player, who is usually at least two holes down, has the option to invoke a press. This creates a new bet starting at 0-0, giving them a chance to recover their losses. However, some groups may allow the leading player to decline a press, although this is considered bad form.
Press bets can quickly escalate the dollar amount and complexity of a golf wager. It is not uncommon for golfers to re-press, doubling or even quadrupling the original bet. Therefore, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines and rules before the match begins, including any limitations on the number of presses or their values. Good scorekeeping is also essential to keep track of multiple bets and ensure fair play.
Overall, press bets add a thrilling dimension to golf matches, increasing the pressure and providing golfers with opportunities to change their fortunes during a round. While they can be risky, when used judiciously, press bets can enhance the enjoyment and competitiveness of the game.
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Press bets are a second bet that begins during a round
Press bets are a fun way to increase the stakes and add more pressure to competitors during a round of golf. It is a second bet that is invoked by the player who is trailing or losing by a set amount, usually two holes in match play. The press bet runs concurrently with the original bet, and the player can still win the original bet.
The press bet is usually for the same amount as the original bet, but it doesn't have to be. Some golfers prefer to play by the rule that the press bet is worth half the original bet, while others prefer to double the amount. For example, if the original bet is a $2 Nassau, the press bet would be worth $1 or $4, respectively.
It is important to note that there are no official rules for press bets, and customs can vary by region and preference. Some groups may choose to limit the number of press bets or only allow them under certain conditions, such as on the last three holes of each nine. Press bets can also be forbidden on the 9th and 18th holes of a Nassau.
Before starting a round of golf with press bets, it is essential to agree on the rules with your playing partners to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings. Press bets can add excitement and competition to a game of golf, but they can also increase the financial risk, so it is important to be mindful of that.
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Press bets are usually for the same amount as the original bet
Golf is a sport that often involves betting, and a "press" is a type of bet that is unique to the game. Press bets are often used to increase the stakes and add pressure to competitors. It is a second bet that is made during the course of a round, joining and running concurrently with the original bet. When a press bet is called, a new game with the same payouts begins, and the original game continues as is.
The press is typically invoked by the player or team that is losing, and it is a way for them to try and get their money back. It is usually done when a player or team is losing by a set amount, often when they fall two holes behind the other player or team. The press bet is usually for the same amount as the original bet, but it doesn't have to be. Some golfers prefer to play by the rule that the press is worth half the original bet, while others prefer to double the amount.
In a game of Nassau, which is a popular format for golf betting, a $2 Nassau means $2 is up for grabs on the front nine, back nine, and total score. If players start pressing and re-pressing, the dollar amount can climb quickly, and good scorekeeping is essential. It is important to note that there are no official rules for pressing, and golfers can play variations or use completely different rules. It is up to the players to agree on the rules before the match starts, including whether presses will be allowed and under what conditions they can be invoked.
While it is generally considered bad form to turn down a press bet, there is no obligation for competitors to accept it. However, if a team invokes a press bet and then finds themselves down a hole, they could start a second press bet to try and recover their original bet, further escalating the stakes.
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Press bets are often forbidden on the 9th and 18th holes
Golfers often engage in "presses" or "press bets" when gambling during a game. A press bet is a second bet that is made during the course of a round, joining and running concurrently with the original bet. The second bet is usually for the same amount as the original bet, but it doesn't have to be.
Press bets are typically invoked by the player who is trailing, and they are often forbidden on the 9th and 18th holes of a Nassau. This is because, in a game of golf, the 9th and 18th holes are considered the end of the front nine and the back nine, respectively. Since press bets are often used to catch up to the leading player, they are less useful on these final holes. Additionally, forbidding press bets on these holes helps to keep the total dollar amount of bets from climbing too high and simplifies scorekeeping.
The rules around press bets can vary depending on the region and the preferences of the players. It is important to establish clear rules before the match begins, including whether press bets will be allowed and, if so, how many will be permitted.
One common variation is the "automatic press," which comes into play when a pre-set condition is met, such as one player falling two holes behind. In this case, the bet is pressed automatically, whether the players like it or not. Another variation is to allow the leading player the option to decline a press bet if they choose.
Press bets are a fun way to increase the stakes and add pressure to a golf game. They are often used as a way for the trailing player to try to get their money back without affecting the original bet, which can still be won.
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Press bets can be risky and escalate quickly
Press bets in golf can be risky and escalate quickly due to various reasons. Firstly, pressing bets, or "pressing the bet", involves initiating a second bet during an ongoing round of golf, which increases the stakes and adds pressure to competitors. While it is typically for the same amount as the original bet, it can sometimes be worth half or double the initial wager. This means that the financial risk of the game immediately doubles, and if golfers continue to re-press, the amounts at stake can escalate rapidly.
Secondly, there are no official rules for pressing bets in golf, and customs vary by region and preference. This lack of standardised regulations can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and disputes among players. Additionally, pressing bets are often associated with Nassaus, a format of golf played over 18 holes where the front nine score, back nine score, and total score are considered separately for betting purposes. In a Nassau, pressing bets can occur at any time, and being down on multiple fronts (front, back, overall, front press, and back press) can lead to a double-or-nothing situation on the 18th hole, which significantly raises the stakes.
Moreover, automatic presses can come into play when certain pre-set conditions are met, such as a player falling two holes behind. These automatic presses can be risky as they are neither declared nor offered, and the bet is pressed whether the players like it or not. This can catch players off guard, especially if they are not familiar with the concept of automatic presses or if they are already down on their luck in the game.
Finally, while it is generally considered bad form to decline a press bet, failing to set clear rules before the match starts can lead to escalating tensions and financial risk. Without agreed-upon limitations on the number of presses, dollar amounts can climb rapidly, and scorekeeping can become increasingly complex. Therefore, it is essential for golfers to establish the rules of pressing bets, including any restrictions or caps, before commencing the game to mitigate the potential for escalation.
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Frequently asked questions
A press in golf is a second bet that is made during a round, joining and running concurrently with the original bet. It is usually for the same amount as the original bet.
A press bet is invoked by the player or team that is losing the original bet. This creates two separate bets that run at the same time. For example, if you are playing a $5 Nassau and are down after six holes, you can press the bet for another $5 for the next three holes.
An auto-press is a type of press that is neither declared nor offered but comes into play automatically when a pre-set condition is met. In a Nassau, an auto-press is usually invoked when a player falls two holes behind.











































