House rules vary. This is the common way to play Bingo Bango Bongo. Settle the details (points, stakes, handicaps) on the first tee, before anyone has hit a shot they'd like to renegotiate.
The three points
| Point | Goes to |
|---|---|
| Bingo | The first player to get their ball onto the green |
| Bango | The player closest to the hole once every ball is on the green |
| Bongo | The first player to hole out |
Three points are available on every hole, so 54 over 18 holes. Most points wins.
Order of play matters
The game only works if you follow honours strictly: the player farthest from the hole plays next, on every shot. That gives the short hitter, who is often away, the first chance to hit the green (Bingo). On the green, the player farthest away putts first, so a long lag that drops still wins Bongo.
Common house rules
- If nobody reaches the green in regulation, Bingo goes to the first player on in any number of shots.
- Off-green chip-ins: if a player holes out from off the green, many groups award Bingo, Bango and Bongo to that player when nobody else is on yet.
- For a faster game, play "ready golf" but keep strict honours on and around the green.
Why it works for mixed groups
Your total strokes don't matter, so a big number on one hole doesn't knock you out. Higher handicaps can win Bingo by laying up short and pitching on first, or Bongo by holing a long putt. It's the side game we'd suggest for a family round or a first round with new playing partners.
Example. Ben (furthest back) hits his third shot onto the green first: Bingo to Ben. Once all four balls are on, Cal is closest: Bango to Cal. Ben, still farthest away, putts first and holes it: Bongo to Ben. Ben 2, Cal 1.
The scorecard
Bingo Bango Bongo card
Official-ish scorecardPick who earned each point on every hole. Everything stays in your browser; nothing is saved or sent. Your secrets are safe.
Questions people actually ask
Do you need handicaps for Bingo Bango Bongo?
No. That's the appeal: points don't depend on your score, so mixed abilities compete naturally.
What if two balls are equally close for Bango?
Very rare; if it happens, agree to split the point or award none.
Can you play it as a team game?
Yes: pair up and add partners' points together.
Playing for money? Keep it friendly and legal where you live. The best stake is one nobody minds losing.