Hammer

Setup

Handicaps

Strokes given on applicable holes for net scoring.

Points

Base value per hole. Hammers double the points. Set max hammers per hole.

How to play Hammer

1. Each hole starts at a base value (e.g., 1 point)
2. At ANY point before holing out, you can 'HAMMER' your opponent
3. A hammer DOUBLES the current point value for that hole
4. Opponent must ACCEPT (play on at doubled points) or CONCEDE (lose current points)
5. After accepting, the opponent can 'RE-HAMMER' to double again
6. Hammers can go back and forth until someone concedes or holes out

Standard golf order. The psychological game is constant.

Scoring

Ties: Halved holes at current hammer value = no points exchanged

Most points after 18 holes. Large swings possible.

Strategy

• Hammer when you have positional advantage - opponent in trouble
• Conceding smartly saves points - don't let pride cost you 8 points
• Save hammers for high-leverage situations (opponent's difficult shot)
• Watch body language - confident opponents might be bluffing
• Some groups limit to 2-3 hammers per hole to cap exposure

Example

• Mike10 HCP1 point lead
• Dave14 HCPTrailing

Hole 16, par 4. Base value 1 point. Mike in fairway, Dave in bunker.

What happens

1. Tee shots: Mike fairway, Dave greenside bunker. Mike HAMMERS! (2 pts)
2. Dave accepts - confident in his sand game
3. Dave blasts to 4 feet! Dave RE-HAMMERS! (4 pts)
4. Mike accepts, hits approach to 12 feet
5. Dave sinks his 4-footer for par. Mike misses his 12-footer.
6. Dave wins 4 points on the hole!

Base (1) → Hammer (2) → Re-Hammer (4). Dave wins 4 points.

Dave's clutch bunker shot and re-hammer turned a 1-point hole into a 4-point swing. Hammer rewards guts!