The Rabbit Golf Game: Rules Explained
The Rabbit is golf's simplest fun game: on every hole, the player who makes the best score “holds the rabbit” — and scores 1 point per opponent strictly beaten. With 3 players, winning a hole alone is therefore worth 2 points; with 4 players, 3 points. At the end of the round, whoever has collected the most points wins. A single rule to remember, no points scale to memorise, and yet a real game mechanic: the more opponents behind you on the hole, the more your win pays — beating everyone is always worth more than sharing first place. Every hole starts from scratch, a disaster only costs the hole you are on, and the suspense lasts until the 18th. It is the perfect game for turning an ordinary round into a chase.
▶ The rule in 60 seconds, in French with English subtitles — the Game of Swing channel
How to play the Rabbit, hole by hole
- Everyone plays their own ball and counts their strokes, as in a normal round — 2 to 4 players.
- Compare the scores on the hole. The player with the best score “holds the rabbit”.
- Award the points: 1 point per opponent strictly beaten. Beat 2 opponents = 2 points; beat 3 = 3 points.
- If players tie for the lead, each co-leader scores the same number of points — one per opponent they have strictly beaten.
- Add up over 18 holes. The player with the most points wins the game.
Three players. Hole 4: Marc makes 4, Julie 5, Paul 6 → Marc holds the rabbit and beats 2 opponents: Marc 2 pts. Hole 5: Marc 4, Julie 4, Paul 5 → tied for the lead, each beats only Paul: Marc 1 pt, Julie 1 pt. Winning a hole alone pays double a shared win — that is the whole subtlety of the game.
The “Points for all” variant
In the classic version, only the rabbit holder scores. The “Points for all” variant, switched on with one tap in the app, opens scoring up to everyone: every player scores 1 point per opponent they beat on the hole. In the example above (Marc 4, Julie 5, Paul 6), Marc would score 2 points and Julie 1 point. This variant tightens the leaderboard and rewards consistency — ideal when abilities vary widely, so nobody falls out of contention.
Why you should take up the Rabbit
- Zero mental load. One rule, no scoring table: you can explain it on the 1st tee in thirty seconds, beginners included.
- Every hole is a new chance. The total of strokes doesn't count: only holes won earn points, and a bad hole is soon forgotten.
- A clear win pays more. 1 point per opponent beaten: the game pushes you to finish the job rather than settle for a tie.
Frequently asked questions
How do you score points in the Rabbit?
The best score on the hole “holds the rabbit” and scores 1 point per opponent strictly beaten: 2 points with 3 players, 3 points with 4 players when you win alone. The most points at the end of the round wins.
What happens when a hole is tied?
Each co-leader scores the same number of points: one per opponent they strictly beat. Players tied with each other earn no points from one another.
What is the “Points for all” variant?
A configurable option in which every player — not just the winner of the hole — scores 1 point per opponent beaten. Scores are tighter and consistency is rewarded.
Is the Rabbit suitable for beginners?
Yes: a single rule, every hole starts from scratch, and a bad hole only costs the hole you are on. It is the first fun game to try for moving beyond simply counting strokes.
Every format on a single page: step-by-step rules, a worked example, the points scale and a strategy tip — to read the night before a round or to print. The Rabbit is in it, along with the 5 formats you can play for free in the app.
Download the free sample →PDF · 14 pages · direct download, no email needed · the complete guide covers all 41 formats
Catch the rabbit, the app does the counting
Enter the scores: the Game of Swing app awards the rabbit points and handles ties and the “Points for all” variant. The Rabbit is waiting in the catalogue of 41 formats — with 5 free games to get you started.
Try the app for free → 5 free games, no account required — on your phone and computerGot a game in mind? A house variant to share? The app grows with every update — send us your idea, the best ones join the catalogue.