The clean version
Rabbit Rules
- 1
Start each nine, six-hole segment or full round with the Rabbit loose.
- 2
The first golfer to win a hole outright catches the Rabbit.
- 3
A later outright winner takes the Rabbit from the current holder.
- 4
Tied holes leave the Rabbit where it is.
- 5
The golfer holding the Rabbit at the segment end wins the prize.
Before the first tee
Set Up the Game
- Choose 1, 2 or 3 Rabbit segments
- Choose gross or net
- Set each segment value
- Define what happens if the Rabbit remains loose
Worked example
How the Scoring Works
Alex wins hole 2 outright and catches the front-nine Rabbit. Ben wins hole 7 outright and takes it. If holes 8 and 9 tie, Ben holds the Rabbit at the turn and wins that segment.
Mix it carefully
Can Rabbit Be Played With Other Games?
Rabbit tracks possession and does not interfere with normal stroke, match or event scoring.
House-rule territory
Popular Variations
- Rabbit goes loose again when the holder loses
- Separate front and back Rabbits
- Three six-hole Rabbits
- Rabbit requires a birdie or better
Play smarter
Strategy Without the Spreadsheet
- An outright win matters more than a low aggregate score.
- Protecting the Rabbit late in a segment changes risk decisions.
- Make the loose-Rabbit rule explicit so a tie on the last hole is easy to settle.
Quick answers
Rabbit FAQ
What happens on a tied hole in Rabbit?
The current holder keeps the Rabbit; if it is still loose, it remains loose.
How many Rabbits are played in 18 holes?
A common setup uses separate front-nine and back-nine Rabbits, but groups also use 3 six-hole segments or 1 full-round Rabbit.
Does winning the most holes win Rabbit?
No. The winner is the golfer holding the Rabbit when the segment ends.