“Golf Games”

There are a million reasons to love this crazy game of golf. And I would argue that one of the top reasons is it never gets old. Playing a new course usually presents a ton of new challenges. New greens, different shots, as well as new pins, different weather – not to mention I never know if my swing will actually show up!

For me, no two rounds are the same on the course. And unlike basketball or softball, I can always play a different course to mix it up.

Besides playing different courses, I also enjoy mixing up the format that I play. I will admit most of the time I stick to the traditional stroke play, but from time to time to increase my focus and have more fun on the golf course, I jump into playing a game within my game.

Yes, golf is a game already, but the “games” I’m talking about are the games within the game. Even the ones that put money in your pocket, or take it out.

I have two favorite games I like to play within my golf game:

Bingo, Bango, Bongo

&

Vegas Golf Chips Poker Chip Golf Game

In Bingo, Bango, Bongo each hole is played for three possible points. The first point, Bingo, goes to the golfer who reaches the green first, regardless of how many strokes it took to get there. The next point, Bango, is given to the player whose ball is closest to the hole once everyone reaches the green. The third point, Bongo, is awarded to the golfer who holes out first.  

And Vegas Golf Chips Poker Chip Golf Game is the ultimate on-the-course gambling game! This game includes real casino style golf themed chips. Golfers want to obtain the positive chips and avoid the penalty chips, and the payoff is determined by the last golfer holding the chip. The object is to avoid the negative chips and obtain the positive chips.

Both of these games are easy to play and I never have to be at the top of my game to enjoy the round.

There are many more games and formats that I play as well. For instance:

• Skins
• Best Ball
• Wolf
• Scramble

While visiting our dear friends Jan and Mike a few weeks ago, we decided to play a round of golf. Our time was limited and we decided to just play 9 holes. Adding more enjoyment to our round, we decided to play a scramble format. (Scramble format has all members of the group tee off and go to the best ball. Each player then plays from that location.)

This format was perfect for us. There was no pressure. We hit some good shots, as well as some not so good shots. We certainly knocked down a couple of beers (Mike is the biggest Beer Aficionado I know) and I had a blast on the track with the best of friends!

Playing Golf with Jan and Mike has helped build our friendship for life!

But golf isn’t the only game that has helped build our friendship. In fact playing any game together with them, or any of our friends and family, brings me joy and has built resilience in those relationships.

I grew up in Minnesota – you know the state – where the winters are 10 months long and the summers consist of road construction?

So I played A-LOT of board games and card games during those 10 month winters! Games like Monopoly, Trouble, checkers and dominoes. It was through regular playing of those games, that I learned to trust my family and friends, and feel safe.

When I was in my early teens, I would often have sleepovers at my friends homes. Routinely not much sleep would actually happen at these “sleepovers”; we would often stay up all night playing games.

And I am still playing games!!!

Yup…..whenever my family gets together out come the games. And it can get pretty competitive.

We play games together and laugh together.  Sometimes, we even get mad at each other. While we play, we relate to one another and focus in on one another. Playing games together has led to a lot of good conversation and sometimes has even lead to family jokes that have lasted well beyond game time. (Right Cass?)

Truth is, whether I’m playing games with my family or friends, it has become a great way to get to know them better!  

I have found that when people are relaxed, they are more open and honest about who they really are as people.  One thing my family and friends have learned about me when playing games is that I am just a “little” competitive and that I love to laugh!  

My Reads from the Reds: The Family (and Friends) that play together, stay together!

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting

Written by: Kathy Festa