Nearest the pin
Pick a par-three hole before the round. The golfer whose tee shot finishes closest to the hole wins the side game. Decide whether the ball must finish on the green and how ties are handled. It is simple, quick and provides excellent material when everyone misses the putting surface.
Longest drive
Choose a suitable fairway and measure only tee shots that finish on it. This keeps the contest clear and stops a heroic drive into the neighbouring hole from becoming a legal argument. For mixed abilities, choose a hole where each player can use their normal tee.
Match play
In match play, each hole is a separate contest. The player or team with the lower score wins the hole; tied holes are halved. Handicap strokes can make the format competitive across the fourball. Agree whether you are playing singles or betterball teams before starting.
Betterball
Pair the fourball into two teams. On each hole, the better net score from each pair counts. Betterball keeps everyone involved because one partner can recover after the other discovers the trees. It works especially well when handicaps vary across the group.
The deliberately unserious ones
Your group can also reward or punish the moments that become clubhouse stories: first ball in the water, most three-putts, worst shot, longest putt, or drinks on the loser. Write the winning condition clearly and keep the stake friendly.
Keep a social golf bet fair
Agree the format, handicap treatment, eligible holes, tie rule and stake before play. Every participant should opt in. Keep stakes affordable, never chase losses and remember that the point is a better round with your mates.