Are you getting bored with the typical, pressure-filled rounds of golf where only the low score counts and half the group has already emotionally checked-out by the back nine? If you’re seeking an enjoyable, quick, non-competitive diversion that can involve every player on every hole, regardless of handicap, Bingo Bango Bongo would actually be a perfect match for your next round.
Bingo Bango Bongo Golf is a great take on stroke play that awards points for accomplishments of players during their turn. Every player, regardless of their score, will compete for a point, and the fun is extended for the entire hole until they finally hole-out. Furthermore, it is for the players who live and die by the rules and etiquette of golf. The most fun part of this game is demanding that players play in the proper turn order and it is the ultimate fast-paced lesson in golf courtesy, and, aside from everyone having fun at their own pace, that is the entire point.
What Is Bingo Bango Bongo in Golf?
Bingo Bango Bongo is a fun golf format featuring a competition for three separate sequential alternate objectives on every hole. The format is unique in that it rewards specific accomplishments rather than just low score, keeping all players engaged until the ball drops in the cup.
The game is centered on three alternate objectives. Players score points in the following order:
- Bingo: the first player in the group to successfully land their ball on the green.
- Bango: the player, once all balls are on the green, whose ball is the closest to the hole.
- Bongo: the first player to successfully hole out, and complete the hole.
Playing with mixed skill levels is simple in this format. The game is already structured to be fair, but if you choose to integrate handicaps, the simplest approach is to use net scores only for the overall end-of-round tally. You can easily determine the final standings using an article on How to calculate golf handicap?
How to Play Bingo Bango Bongo
Rules are unique because they reward player accomplishment instead of the least amount of strokes; therefore, you will want to follow golf etiquette and the order of play very strictly.
The point scoring system for each hole is quite straightforward:
- Order of Play: The game which is usually stroke play in Bingo Bango Bongo is played differently in a way that the order of play is governed by golf etiquette. In other words the player farthest from the hole is the next one to make a stroke and the one who has ended farthest from the hole is the one to play for the fairway or the rough.
- The Bingo Point: This point is awarded to the player who is the first to reach the green in that order of play. If, out of order, a player reaches the green, then it would cause the bingo point to go to the next player who had already earned a turn.
- The Bango Point: After all balls are on the green, this point is awarded to the player who is closest to the hole. This distance is determined once all players finish and hit the green.
- The Bongo Point: This final point is awarded to the first player to successfully hole out. This point is the only exception where players may putt out of turn to earn Bongo., regardless of who is furthest away.
Scoring System
The way scoring works is basically straightforward: a maximum of 3 points can be won on each hole. The points from a 9-hole or 18-hole round are added up for every player. Any reward (which can be a combination of money, bragging rights, or a calculated adjustment tied to common golf scoring terms) or payout is optional and depends entirely on the group’s agreed rules before the round.
Below is an easy illustration of how three players could record their points through four holes:
| Player | Hole 1 (Par 4) | Hole 2 (Par 3) | Hole 3 (Par 5) | Hole 4 (Par 4) | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Bongo (1) | Bingo, Bongo (2) | Bango (1) | Bingo (1) | 5 |
| B | Bingo, Bango (2) | 0 | Bingo, Bongo (2) | Bango, Bongo (2) | 6 |
| C | 0 | Bango (1) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Variations
To keep the game fresh, many clubs and groups play popular twists on the standard format.
- Joker Rule: This variation allows one designated player in the group to “double” the value of one point on the hole of their choosing before the hole is started. This offers a great way to use the rules of the game strategically advantage and is often used as a house rule to give a competitive boost to a player with a higher handicap.
- The Double-Double: By selecting this option, the match is transformed into a six-point duel. The person who is given the Bingo action receives 2 points, similarly 2 points are awarded to the holder of Bango and 2 points to the Bongo player. Thus, the stake and the pressure are escalated tremendously to almost every single hole.
- The Net Rule: The points are awarded based on gross score, but the final tally is calculated based on net scores. This involves applying handicaps across the 18 holes to determine the true overall winner.
- No Putts: A fun and fast-paced variation where the Bongo point is awarded to the player who holes out first, but only chips or pitches are allowed to win the point—no putters allowed once you are on the green!
Why Play Bingo Bango Bongo?
Bingo Bango Bongo is a great game since it immediately reinforces proper order of play and fosters strategic decision making for every shot, particularly in the short game. The nature of the game will keep high-handicap players engaged and competitive for all 18 holes. Most importantly, the format promotes play from farthest away until the last putt, promoting courtesy and paying attention to the group. The combination of competing for three points at every hole adds value to every shot, regardless of your overall score.
FAQ
What are the rules for bingo bango bongo?
The game revolves around awarding points in connection with three successive events on every hole: Bingo is awarded when the first player reaches the green which is played in order of the players; Bango is awarded to the player whose ball is closest to the flag once every player’s ball is on the green; and Bongo is awarded to the first player to hole the ball regardless of whose turn it was to putt. The order of turns progresses as it does in normal golf rules.
Is bingo bango bongo good for beginners?
Yes. It is a great format for a new player to play, because it rewards specific good behaviors, such as getting to the green, and putting out, so even if the player does not score well, they still remain game.
Who said bingo bango bongo?
The phrase “Bingo Bango Bongo” is unable to be traced to a single originator. It is believed to have been produced organically through the American golfing culture in the 20th century and most likely originated as a simple and rhythmic way of explaining a friendly game with three distinctly different endeavors.
Is bingo Bango Bongo a real golf game?
Yes, it is very real and extremely popular informal golf format. It is also one of the most common betting games for casual rounds, competitions, work outings etc.
