Let's make this clear right from the start: The PGA of America does not condone gambling on golf games in any way, shape or manner. That said, we understand that almost for as long as people have been playing golf, they've been willing to put a little something on the outcome of their matches - even if it's only bragging rights. And many of the games listed below don't require anything more on the line than bragging rights to make the competition even more fun.

The reason for this goes well beyond whatever is on the line at the end of the day. For a huge majority of golfers, it increases the enjoyment of the competition and helps them focus their attention on the game, as two-time PGA Champion Paul Runyan explained:

"I don't care if we play for marbles or matchsticks, just as long as we play for something," Runyan frequently said. "Playing with nothing on the line is like going for a walk in the woods. It's pretty and it's nice exercise, but it's not competition."

In this and the following columns, we'll explain some of the most popular games you can play on the golf course. Some may already be familiar to you, but others may be new and will, we hope, add to your enjoyment. This is particularly true if you happen to be a beginning golfer.

Remember always, though, no matter what you are playing for, don't get in over your head. The point of golf is to have fun - and golf stops being fun when the stakes get too high.

Another thing to keep in mind: The U.S. Golf Association takes a dim view of gambling. While the USGA does not object to wagering among individuals or teams as long as that wagering is limited to the participants, the Rules of Golf prohibit amateurs from competing for prize money. To that end, the USGA opposes types of gambling such as calcuttas, auction pools, pari-mutuels or other organized events that encourage people to bet on players other than themselves or their partner(s). Players participating in such events without waiving their right to cash prizes are deemed to be playing for prize money and may be at risk of having their amateur status revoked.

With that said, what follows is a partial list of games you can play to spice up a round of golf. Unless otherwise noted, most of these games can be played either with handicaps or in a straight gross-score format.

Arnies -- A point is won by a player who manages to make par or better on a hole without ever hitting a shot into the fairway. Named after Arnold Palmer, in recognition of his legendary ability to scramble out of trouble.

Automatics -- An agreement between players or teams that when one entity falls a predetermined number of holes down in a match (usually two) a new match begins while the existing match continues in place. For example, if the automatic kicks in when a player or team falls 2 down, this is referred to as an Automatic Two-Down.

Basket -- A series of side competitions that offer a possible six points per hole, one point each for: closest to the pin in regulation; low ball; fewest putts (or combined putts when played in a team format); birdies; and two points for low team total. If a team wins all six points, they've won a basketful (hence the name), and the point totals are doubled.

Best-Ball -- A match in which a player plays against the best-ball of two or more other players. This can also be played as a team match, when one team matches its best-ball against the best-ball of the other team. When played as part of the Ryder Cup or Walker Cup, this is known as a four-ball competition, and is also occasionally known as a better-ball format.

Best-Drive -- A foursome match in which all four players drive, and then each team picks the best drive and finishes the hole in an alternate-shot format.

Bingle-Bangle-Bungle -- A competition in which three points are at stake on each hole. One point is awarded to the player who hits the green first. A second point goes to the player whose ball is closest to the hole once all players have reached the green. The third point goes to the player whose ball is the first into the hole. This is a particularly good game to play if your group is made up of players with a wide disparity in handicaps.

Birdies -- A game where players receive points for birdies. Sometimes one point is awarded for a net birdie and two for a gross birdie.

Bloodbath -- A form of foursomes play in which each golfer drives, but the opponents get to select which ball must be played by their opposing team.

Chicago -- A handicap formula in which players are awarded a set number of points based on their handicap. For example, a 1-handicapper gets 38 points, a 2-handicapper 37, etc. Players are then awarded additional points according to their score on each hole. A bogey earns one point; a par two; a birdie four; eight for an eagle and 16 for a double eagle. The player who wins the most points in excess of his or her original quota is the winner.

Fairway and greens -- This is a game that Ben Hogan favored in practice rounds, for obvious reasons. Each player gets a point for hitting a fairway and a point for hitting a green in regulation. The winner can be determined on a per-point basis, which almost always reduces the amount of anyone's losses, or as a winner-take-all.

Flags -- A side game where points are awarded for tee shots on part 3s that come to rest inside the measure of the flagsticks (or pins, hence the name).

Foursomes -- A match-play format in which two-player teams play one ball each. This format is often referred to as "alternate shot." Team members decide which player will drive on odd-numbered holes and which will drive on even-numbered holes, based on the strengths and weaknesses of their individual games. Players alternate hitting shots until play is finished on a hole. This format is a popular element of international team competitions.

Freebies -- An agreement prior to the start of play that allows each player a predetermined number of replays or "freebies" in the course of the round. The only stipulation is that once players elect to use one of their freebies, they must play that ball, even if it ends up in a worse position than the original shot. In some competitions, especially charitable events, players are allowed to purchase an unlimited number of freebies per round, with the proceeds going to the charity or common fund.

Got'cha -- A game in which each player has the right to make his or her opponent replay up to four shots per round.

Greenies -- A side competition in which a player (or team) is rewarded for hitting the closest shot to the green on a par 3.

Next week we will round out the list of games you can play on the golf course. Until then, here's wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays, and a new year full of great golf!

Rick Martino is Director of Instruction for The PGA of America. He teaches at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and is ranked among the Top 50 instructors by Golf Digest Magazine. The author of the PGA Manual of Golf (Warner Books/$34.95), Martino can be reached at (800) 800-GOLF or by email at pgalearningcenter@pgahq.com.