Bingo Bango Bongo: A Fun Golf Format You Should Try

The Bingo Bango Bongo golf format adds a fun element to a round with friends. There are three points up for grabs on every hole and you only need two players to get started.

What is the Bingo Bango Bongo golf format?

Bingo Bango Bongo is a points-based golf game where three points are available on each hole. Anyone can play and you don’t need a golf handicap to participate in this game.

How to play

There are three points available on each hole:

• Bingo – First player to hit the green (1 point)
• Bango – Once all players are on the green, the player closest to the hole (1 point)
• Bongo – First player to hole out (1 point)

The most important rule of Bingo Bango Bongo is that you must play in proper order. The honor system comes into full effect here when hitting approach shots to the green and when putting.

Bingo Bango Bongo can be played with two to four players and it is an individual format, not a team event. You’ll need a way to track points using a scorecard or an app and you can put a wager on the point value if that makes sense for your group.

Why it’s fun

The Bingo Bango Bongo format levels the playing field. High and low handicaps can win points in different ways. Even if you didn’t hit the green in regulation, you can still be closest to the hole.

There are points up for grabs on every hole so you don’t have to worry about being completely out of it early in the round.

One bad shot doesn’t mean you’re out of chances to win points.

When I’ve played this format, one of the best parts was how it kept everyone engaged. Players paid attention to each other’s shots.

Quick side note: The honor system doesn’t slow things down as much as you might think. Off the tee, you can still play ready golf. On the greens, a player can putt out and still see if others hole their longer putts before claiming the Bongo point. As long as everyone’s reasonable, the pace of play stays smooth.

Final thoughts

There isn’t a ton of pre-round strategy planning for a game of Bingo Bango Bongo but there are still smart ways to earn points. Going for the green first can work but if you miss, you might set yourself up for an easier Bango point. Pay attention to your playing partners. If someone’s already on the green, it might be smarter to lay up short and chip closer instead of going straight at the flag.