Birdie BankNassau Golf Bet: Rules, Presses & How the Money Works
The Nassau is golf's most popular bet — three wagers in one. Learn the rules, presses, and exactly how the money works, with a worked example.
A Nassau is the most popular bet in golf — three separate bets in one match: low score on the front 9, low score on the back 9, and low score on the total 18. A "$2 Nassau" means each is worth $2, so the base bet is a max of $6 win or loss.
Play it straight-up (gross) or with handicaps so different skill levels compete fairly. Works 1v1 or as two-player teams.
The press: when you're 2 down in any segment you can "press" — start a new side bet for the remaining holes to win your money back. Presses are why a $2 Nassau can settle for far more than $6.
Worked example ($5 Nassau): win the front 9 (+$5), lose the back 9 (−$5), win the total 18 (+$5) = +$5. Add a winning back-9 press (+$5) = +$10.
Tired of doing this math in the parking lot?
Birdie Bank scores Nassau automatically while you play and tells everyone exactly who owes who the second the round ends — no spreadsheets, no arguments. Free on iOS and Android.
Frequently asked questions
What does a $2 Nassau mean?
Three $2 bets — front 9, back 9, and total 18 — for a max base win/loss of $6 before presses.
What is a press in a Nassau?
A new bet started mid-segment (usually when 2 down) covering the remaining holes, used to win money back.
Can you play a Nassau with handicaps?
Yes — apply each player's handicap strokes so different skill levels compete fairly.
Tired of doing this math in the parking lot?
Birdie Bank scores Nassau automatically while you play and tells everyone exactly who owes who the second the round ends — no spreadsheets, no arguments. Free on iOS and Android.