The basics:
Banker is a 1v1 betting game played over 18 holes. One player is the “banker” each hole and bets individually against every other player in the group. The banker sets the dollar amount for the hole before anyone tees off.
How a hole works
- The banker announces the bet, any amount they choose, e.g. $5
- Every other player now has a $5 bet against the banker
- Players tee off one by one. After hitting, each player can double while the ball is still in the air, turning their $5 bet into $10. Once the ball lands, the window is closed
- The banker tees off last. After hitting, the banker can double back against any player who doubled, but must call it while the ball is still in the air. Once the ball lands, the banker cannot double back. This turns that player’s $10 into $20. Players who didn’t double stay at $5
- Everyone finishes the hole and compares scores to the banker
Winning and losing
- Beat the banker’s score, you win your bet amount from the banker
- Lose to the banker, you pay the banker your bet amount
- Tie the banker, push, no money changes hands
Who becomes the banker next?
There are different ways to play this. The most common is the outright winner of the hole becomes the banker on the next hole. If the hole is a push, the same banker stays. But your group can decide your own rules. For example, if two or more players tie for the lowest score, you can award the banker role to whoever had the longest made putt. You can also agree that if the banker ties with any player, the banker holds the role for another hole. Pick a rule before the round starts and stick with it.
Doubling recap
- Only non-banker players can call a double, and only after their tee shot and while the ball is still in the air
- Only the banker can double back, and only against players who already doubled, and only while their own ball is still in the air
- A double back only applies to that specific player, everyone else keeps their original bet
Keeping score
At the end of each hole, record everyone’s score and any doubles. Running totals update automatically so you always know who owes what.
Settling up
At the end of the round the app shows each player’s final number. Green means you collect, red means you pay.