Call it a stroke of insanity, dear reader, but I’m a hardened advocate for “ready golf.” The more efficiently a round can be played, the better. If that comes at the expense of a shot or two out of turn, so be it!
This proposal would REALLY solve the slow play problem in golf
This week’s golf game allows for none of such tomfoolery. But, I must admit, it is for good reason. Bingo Bango Bongo requires an insistence on proper etiquette, but for those willing to follow the rules, an awesome game awaits. Here’s how to play.
The Big Picture
Bingo Bango Bongo is a game in which three points are up for grabs on every hole. Each point corresponds to the completion of a different activity. The first golfer to complete each activity earns a point, and at the end of the round, points are added up and cash is divided based on point totals (groups will generally play $1 per point).
Scoring
Bingo: The “bingo” point is given to the first golfer in the group who lands their ball on the green.
I’m addicted to this popular putting game that PGA Tour players use
Bango: Once all balls are on the green, the golfer with the ball closest to the pin earns the “bango” point.
Bongo: The “bongo” point is awarded to the player whose ball lands in the cup first.
Why Etiquette Matters
Etiquette is everything in Bingo Bango Bongo, largely because two-thirds of the points awarded in a given game are dependent upon being the first golfer to achieve them. If a player goes out of turn to win the “bingo” or “bongo” point, the point on the hole is awarded to the second person to achieve either.
Etiquette becomes increasingly important on par-3s, when golfers can theoretically earn both the “bingo” and “bongo” points before the remaining players in the group have teed off.