How to Play the 'Longest Yard' Golf Game
For example, you're playing a 380-yard hole. That's 380 points to the winner of that hole. A 125-yard hole is worth 125 points to the winner, a 540-yard hole gets the winner 540 points. Obviously, points add up very quickly when holes are being won. In theory, playing a golf course from the tips, more than 7,000 points can be awarded playing Longest Yard.
We say "in theory" because there will inevitably be some halved holes, perhaps quite a few of them, and in Longest Yard tie scores on a hole means no points are awarded on that hole.
To keep the number of halves to a minimum, and to maximize the number of points handed out, play Longest Yard 1-vs.-1, or, in a group of four golfers, pair off into 2-vs.-2 sides. Using any scoring format you like — the Longest Yard format only deals with the points at stake on each hole.
Because Longest Yard can result in thousands of points being awarded, be very careful with the value you place on the points — with how much the bet is worth. You can assign a value to each point, if you wish, but that can add up very quickly. Even at just a penny a point, from the back tees many golf courses would put $70 in play.
An alternative, for golfers who want to keep the wagering risk to a minimum, is to set a value for the overall win. Win the most points, win the value agreed upon at the start. For example, before the round you might agree that the Longest Yard bet is worth $5 to the winner from each of the losers.
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