Tag: side games

VPAR Feature Blog: Las Vegas Format

Posted on by Ivana Miteva
vpar premium las vegas format

Master the Las Vegas Side Game with VPAR Premium

Looking to add an extra layer of competition and excitement to your next round? The Las Vegas side game feature in VPAR Premium brings a unique team-based challenge to your golf experience. If you’re playing in a group of four, this golf side game is the perfect way to test your strategy and skill while keeping the stakes high!

How It Works

Las Vegas is played with four golfers, divided into two teams of two. But unlike standard team scoring formats, this game takes a creative twist—team scores aren’t added together; they’re paired instead.

Scoring Format

The player with the lower score on each team goes first, and the player with the higher score follows. This forms a two-digit number representing the team’s score for that hole.

The team with the lower combined number wins the hole.

The winning team earns points based on the difference between the two team scores.

Special Rule: High Score Pairing

If any player scores worse than a net double bogey, their team must use the higher score first when forming their number. This increases the potential points at stake and adds an extra layer of risk to every hole.

Example of Play

Let’s say we have two teams:

  • Team A: Player 1 scores a 3, and Player 2 scores a 4. Their team score is 34.
  • Team B: Player 3 scores a 4, and Player 4 scores a 5. Their team score is 45.

Since Team A has the lower score (34 vs. 45), they win the hole. The points awarded are the difference between the two team scores: 45 – 34 = 11 points to Team A.

Why Play Las Vegas Format with VPAR?

With VPAR Premium, the app seamlessly calculates scores and point differentials, keeping gameplay fast and competitive without the hassle of manual tracking. Whether you’re playing for pride, drinks, or something a little more exciting, the Las Vegas golf side game ensures a thrilling round every time.

So, the next time you tee up with three friends, add the Las Vegas format to your VPAR Premium experience and take your competitive edge to the next level. 

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)

If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!

VPAR Feature Blog: Flags Format

Posted on by Ivana Miteva
vpar premium flags side game

Master the Flags Side Game with VPAR Premium

Looking for a new way to challenge yourself and your playing partners on the course? The Flags side game, available in VPAR Premium, brings a fresh competitive twist to your rounds, testing your strategy and shot-making like never before.

How Does Flags Work?

In the Flags side game, each golfer is given a set number of strokes to advance their ball as far around the course as possible. When you reach your last allocated shot, you plant your virtual flag at that spot. The player who places their flag the furthest around the course wins!

Calculating Your Stroke Allowance

To ensure fair play and that all flags remain within the 18 holes, your stroke allocation is calculated as:

(Par + Playing Handicap) x 75%

This formula ensures a balanced challenge for players of all skill levels, rewarding both consistency and smart course management.

Strategy Tips for Success

Plan Your Route: Since you need to get as far as possible in a limited number of shots, think ahead about which holes will give you the best opportunity to maximise distance.

Risk vs. Reward: Taking aggressive lines can help you extend your flag placement, but it also increases the chances of trouble. Balance risk and reward wisely.

Know Your Strengths: Play to your strengths. If you’re great off the tee, use that to your advantage. If your short game is solid, consider a more tactical approach.

Why Play Flags Format in VPAR Premium?

Track progress in real-time through the VPAR app.

Compete with friends in a fun and strategic format.

Add an extra layer of excitement to any round, whether casual or competitive.

Next time you tee it up with VPAR Premium, try out the Flags side game and see how far you can take your flag around the course!

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)
If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!

VPAR Feature Blog: Nassau Format

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

Master the Nassau Side Game with VPAR Premium

Looking to add some extra excitement to your next round? The Nassau side game, now available in VPAR Premium, is the perfect way to introduce friendly competition into your golf experience. Whether you’re playing with friends or testing your skills against new opponents, Nassau is a strategic and engaging golf format that keeps every hole meaningful.

What is Nassau?

The Nassau side game is a popular betting golf format that breaks the round into three separate competitions:

Front 9 – The best score over the first nine holes.

Back 9 – The best score over the last nine holes.

Overall – The best total score across all 18 holes.

Each section is its own game, meaning players have multiple chances to win throughout the round. Even if you have a slow start, there’s always a fresh opportunity on the back nine or in the overall game to turn things around.

How Nassau Works in VPAR Premium

With VPAR Premium, tracking Nassau has never been easier. Simply enable the Nassau side game within the app, and VPAR will handle the scoring in real time. Here’s how it enhances your game:

Automated Score Tracking – No need for mental math; VPAR calculates everything for you.

Live Leaderboards – Stay updated on where you stand for the front 9, back 9, and overall.

Increased Competition – Even if you’re out of the running in one category, the other two keep things interesting.

Why Play Nassau?

The Nassau format is great for golfers of all skill levels. It keeps rounds competitive, prevents early blowouts, and adds an extra layer of fun to your regular games. Plus, with VPAR Premium’s seamless integration, there’s no hassle—just pure golfing enjoyment.

Ready to elevate your rounds? Activate the Nassau side game in VPAR Premium and experience a new way to compete on the course!

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)
If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!

VPAR Feature Blog: Split 6 Format

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

Master the Art of Competition with Split 6 in VPAR Premium

Looking for a fun and competitive way to shake up your next round? The Split 6 side game in VPAR Premium brings an exciting strategic element to your golf experience. Perfect for groups of three, this points-based game keeps every hole engaging and every shot meaningful.

How Split 6 Works

Each hole is a fresh battle for six total points, distributed based on performance. Unlike traditional scoring, Split 6 side game rewards consistent play and creates thrilling momentum swings throughout the round.

1st place on a hole = 4 points

2nd place on a hole = 2 points

3rd place on a hole = 0 points

But what about ties? That’s where it gets interesting:

One player wins the hole, and the other two tie for second → 4pts – 1pt – 1pt

Two players tie for first, one finishes last → 3pts – 3pts – 0pts

All three players tie the hole → 2pts – 2pts – 2pts

Why Play Split 6?

Split 6 side game is more than just a fun alternative—it’s a game that rewards steady play while keeping all three players in the mix until the very last hole. Even if you have a rough start, a few well-played holes can put you right back in contention. It also encourages friendly rivalry and strategic decision-making, as you try to maximize your points while keeping an eye on your opponents.

Seamless Scoring with VPAR

Gone are the days of manually tracking scores and points. VPAR does the work for you, automatically calculating your Split 6 standings in real-time. Just focus on your game and enjoy the competition!

So next time you hit the course with two friends, activate Split 6 in the VPAR app and let the battle for points begin!

Ready to give it a shot? Open your VPAR app, upgrade to Premium and start your game today!

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)
If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!

VPAR Side Games

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

Are You Up For a Challenge?

Golf is known for being more than just a sport; it’s a social experience that brings friends and competitors together on the course. While traditional stroke play offers its own competitive thrills, the addition of side games can elevate the fun and make each round more dynamic and exciting. Enter VPAR, the ultimate golf scoring app that allows you to track scores in real-time and manage various side games that enhance the competition.

Whether you’re looking for a casual challenge or a fierce battle, VPAR offers several engaging side games that add a new layer of excitement to your day on the course. Let’s break down some of the most popular side games on the VPAR app, and find out which ones are perfect for you and your playing partners.

Skins: Every Hole Matters

In Skins, every hole is a new opportunity. Unlike stroke play where cumulative score counts, Skins focuses on winning individual holes. Here’s how it works:

Each hole is worth a set amount, or “skin.”

If a player wins a hole outright, they win that skin.

If no one wins the hole outright (for instance, there’s a tie), the skin rolls over to the next hole, making it worth even more.

This side game is perfect for golfers who want to reset mentally after each hole. No matter how poorly you played the previous one, the next hole is a fresh start with a new prize up for grabs.

Best For: Groups who love high-stakes, hole-by-hole drama.

Split 6: Teamwork Meets Rivalry

In Split 6, players are divided into teams of two, with each team playing against the others. Each hole is worth six points, and those points are split among the teams based on their performance on that hole:

First place gets 4 points, second place gets 2 points, and third place gets none.

In case of a tie, points are divided accordingly.

This game encourages teamwork but still keeps individual skill in the spotlight, as your team’s performance depends heavily on how well each member plays.

Best For: Golfers who thrive on team dynamics but love a good inter-team rivalry.

Nassau: The Triple Bet

Nassau is a classic three-part wager that divides the round into three separate bets:

Front 9

Back 9

Overall score

Each of these bets can be won or lost independently, so even if you’re having a rough front nine, you can still rally to win the back nine or the overall game. You can also have separate bets for each part, adding flexibility to your wagering.

Best For: Golfers who like to play for something at every stage of the round without putting all their eggs in one basket.

Flags: Who Can Last the Longest?

In the Flags side game, each player is given a number of strokes equal to par plus their handicap. The goal is to see who can last the longest before running out of strokes:

Once a player has taken their allotted number of shots, they plant a flag where their ball finishes.

The player who reaches the furthest point on the course with their flag wins.

This game introduces a unique pressure point. You’re not just competing against others but also against your own limits and abilities.

Best For: Players who enjoy strategy and endurance challenges, and want to see who can make their strokes count the most.

Las Vegas: High-Risk, High-Reward

If you’re ready to up the ante, Las Vegas is the game for you. Played in teams of two, calculating the scores is the real twist:

Instead of adding the team members’ scores, their scores are combined into a two-digit number. For example, if Player A scores a 4 and Player B scores a 5, the team’s score is 45.

If Player A scores lower than Player B, the digits are reversed, and the team’s score would be 54 instead.

The unpredictability of this game makes it a rollercoaster of emotions. Each swing could dramatically change the outcome!

Best For: Groups that love wild twists and high-stakes competition, where anything can happen at any moment.

Defender: Protect Your Territory

Defender is all about home-course advantage—or at least, having a strong game plan. The concept is simple:

One player (the defender) is tasked with defending their score on a chosen hole.

The challenger tries to beat the defender’s score.

The twist? Once the defender sets their score on that hole, it’s locked in, and the challenger must try to beat it without knowing the result until the round is complete.

This side game combines strategy and suspense, adding an element of surprise and psychological warfare to the round.

Best For: Players who enjoy strategy, bluffing, and the mind games that come with trying to defend or beat a locked score.