01
Two players
Match play or Nassau. Every hole is a mini contest, and one bad hole only costs you one hole.
PICK YOUR GAME
Five golf games. One scorecard.
Head-to-head, every-hole-counts, or two against two: pick the game that suits your group and let Yardbird keep score. Every game is for points and bragging rights only.
- ✓ Match play
- ✓ Stableford
- ✓ Best ball
- ✓ Skins & Nassau
- ✓ Carryovers explained
Designed for iPhone and Apple Watch first · Android in development
WHICH GAME SHOULD YOU PLAY?
A game for every group.
02
Mixed abilities
Stableford. Points instead of strokes, so a blow-up hole scores zero instead of ruining your round.
03
A foursome
Best ball for two against two, or Skins when everyone plays for themselves.
THE GOLFER'S GUIDE
Skins
Each hole is worth one skin. The player with the lowest score on a hole wins it. If the low score is tied, nobody wins and the skin carries over to the next hole, so the next outright winner takes all of them.
| Hole | Outcome | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Low score tied | 1 skin carries |
| 5 | Low score tied | 2 skins carry |
| 6 | Jay wins outright | Jay earns 3 skins |
Groups should agree on their exact rules before teeing off, such as what happens if the last hole ends tied. Gross Skins compare actual strokes; net Skins adjust scores with agreed handicap strokes. Yardbird scores Skins on gross strokes, so agree on any handicap adjustments as a group before you tee off. 2 to 8 players.
Nassau
Three matches in one round: one on holes 1–9, one on holes 10–18, and one over all 18. Each is played as match play, where winning holes counts rather than total strokes. The front-nine and overall matches start on hole 1; the back-nine match starts on hole 10.
| Match | Example status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Front nine | 2 up | Two more holes won than the opponent |
| Back nine | 1 down | One fewer hole won |
| Overall | 1 up | One hole ahead across the round |
Some groups add side matches called presses; they're a variation, not part of a basic Nassau. Yardbird keeps the three core matches on gross strokes. Two players, 18 holes.
Match play
Two golfers play each hole as its own contest. The lower score wins the hole; equal scores halve it. The score is kept as holes up or down ("2 up"), and the match ends as soon as the leader is ahead by more holes than are left: 3 & 2 means three up with two to play. Yardbird compares gross strokes and keeps the status for you. Two players, 9 or 18 holes.
Stableford
Instead of counting strokes, you earn points against par on every hole. The highest total wins.
| Score on the hole | Points |
|---|---|
| Double bogey or worse | 0 |
| Bogey | 1 |
| Par | 2 |
| Birdie | 3 |
| Eagle | 4 |
Because a disaster hole can't cost more than zero points, Stableford keeps everyone in it and speeds up play: once you can't score a point, pick up. 2 to 8 players.
Best ball (four-ball)
Two teams of two. Everyone plays their own ball, and on each hole the team's better score is the team score. The lowest team total wins. It's the friendliest team game for a regular foursome. In Yardbird, the host sets the teams before the round.
Keep it friendly
Yardbird scores every game on gross strokes for points and bragging rights. It is not a payment or wagering service and never holds or settles money.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions.
Which golf game is best for beginners?
Stableford. A rough hole scores zero points instead of piling up strokes, so newer golfers stay in the game.
What happens in Skins when two players tie for the lowest score?
In standard carryover Skins, nobody wins the hole and its skin carries to the next one. Your group can agree on another rule before play.
What does "3 & 2" mean in match play?
The winner was three holes up with only two holes left to play, so the match ended early.
Is Nassau always match play?
Match play is the usual way, and it's how Yardbird scores it: front nine, back nine and overall, each on holes won.
How many players does each game need?
Match play and Nassau: two. Best ball: four, in two teams of two. Stableford and Skins: two to eight.
Can I follow these games on Apple Watch?
Yes. The watch shows Skins carryovers, Nassau and match play status, Stableford points or best-ball team scores, synced through your iPhone.
Does Yardbird handle money?
No. Every game is for points and friendly competition, not wagers or payouts.
THE NEXT ROUND STARTS HERE
Get in on the first tee time.
Yardbird is still being developed. Join the verified early-access list to hear when iPhone and Apple Watch testing opens, or register your interest in Android.