Birdie BankSkins Game: Rules, Carryovers & How Payouts Work
Each hole is worth a "skin." Tie it and it carries over. Learn skins game rules, carryovers, and how to split the payout — with examples.
In a skins game, every hole is worth a skin (a set dollar amount). Win a hole outright and you win the skin. The twist: if two or more players tie the low score, nobody wins and the skin carries over to the next hole, stacking its value. A run of ties can make one late hole huge.
Skins is great for 3–6 players because everyone stays in every hole — one great hole and you cash.
Worked example ($5 skins, 4 players): holes 1–3 tie (3 skins carry). On hole 4 you make the only birdie and take all 4 skins.
Validation (optional): some groups require you to "validate" a skin by matching your score on the next hole.
Tired of doing this math in the parking lot?
Birdie Bank scores Skins 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 is a skin in golf?
A set dollar value on each hole; win the hole outright and you win the skin.
What happens when a hole is tied in skins?
Nobody wins — the skin carries over and stacks onto the next hole.
How do you calculate skins payouts?
Total the skins each player won (including carryovers) and settle at the agreed per-skin value.
Tired of doing this math in the parking lot?
Birdie Bank scores Skins 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.