MIND / GAME ON M
Try Rabbit, the game where it pays to stay out in front BY CHRISTOPHER POWERS Be the Hare, Not the Tortoise N OT EVERY GAMBLING game has to require a wire transfer from the Caymans to cover losses. Some involve VARIATIONS: As soon as the Rabbit is caught, the title transfers to the new low golfer, skipping the step of having to set it free before claiming it. on ensuing holes is tied (by any play- ers in the group), that player still is the Rabbit.
The only way to chase down the Rab- bit is for another player to also win a hole outright, in which case the Rab- bit is now free to be won again (you can’t steal it from someone). If another player wins a hole after the Rabbit is free, that golfer now is the carrot-eater. This game is played on both nines, so the player who holds the title after the ninth wins whatever amount of money was determined before the round. A new game then starts on the back nine with a second winner coming after the 18th. If no one is the Rabbit after the ninth, the game continues, and the winner on 18 gets both pots of cash. No one is the Rabbit on 18? You can decide how to divvy the wager, if at all.
relatively low stakes and yet are still a lot of fun to play. “Rabbit” falls into this category. Here’s what you need to know. NUMBER OF PLAYERS REQUIRED: 2 to 4 BEST FOR: Either the casual or serious gambler. Folks who want to add a fun little side game, though it can also be the main game. HOW TO PLAY: Rabbit gets its name be- cause you have to chase the golfer who is the first to have the lowest score on a hole outright – he or she is the Rabbit. If handicaps are involved, that would be the low net score of the group. After that person wins a hole, if the low score
Another variation makes it much more difficult to catch the bunny by adding “legs.” Let’s say Player A wins the first and second holes outright. Player A would now have “two legs” of the Rabbit, meaning the other play- ers in the group would have to win two holes just to set it free again. This re- wards the player who gets off to a fast start, stays on a hot streak and is the clear pacesetter. Big leads are great. Just watch out for that tortoise late on the back nine! If you have another game or some on-course wagering you’d recommend, message me on Twitter/X @Cpowers14.
PHOTOGRAPH BY GLYN KIRK/GETTY IMAGES
14 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
MAY 2025
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