Clear the seven columns by moving their bottom cards onto the foundation, one rank higher or lower than the card on top. Draw from the stock when you're stuck. Like real golf, the lowest score over 9 holes wins.
Last updated:
Hole1/9
Left35
Stock16
Round0
Scorecard
⛳
Hole complete
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How to use the Golf Solitaire
Look at the bottom card of each column: these 7 cards are the only ones you can play.
Click a card that is one rank higher or lower than the top card of the foundation (suits don't matter). For example on a 7 you can play a 6 or an 8.
Build long runs. You can go up and down freely: 7, 8, 7, 6, 5… Every card you play uncovers the one above it.
Stuck? Click the stock (or press D) to turn its next card onto the foundation and carry on from there.
The hole ends when the tableau is clear or no moves are left. Your score is the number of cards left; clearing the table scores minus the stock cards left. Play 9 holes for a full round.
Golf Solitaire scoring
Each deal is one hole and a full round is 9 holes. Like real golf, a lower score is better.
Result of the hole
Hole score
Example
Cards left in the columns
+1 for each card left
4 cards left = +4
All 35 cards cleared
−1 for each card still in the stock
Cleared with 6 stock cards unused = −6
Cleared with an empty stock
0
Last card played after the final draw = 0
Which cards can be played?
Foundation top card
Standard rules
With K–A wrap-around
Ace
2
2 or King
2 to Queen
One rank lower or higher (e.g. on a 7: 6 or 8)
Same
King
Queen
Queen or Ace
Suits and colors never matter. Only the exposed (bottom) card of each column is available, and you can change direction freely, for example 5, 6, 7, 6, 5, 4.
Strategy tips
Count your options before each play. If two cards fit, choose the one whose follow-up card (the card it uncovers, or another exposed card) can continue the run.
Dig into the tallest columns. Columns with many cards hide the most options; clearing a short column early can leave you with fewer exposed cards later.
Kings and Aces are dead ends in the standard game: only a Queen follows a King and only a 2 follows an Ace. Save them for when you'd otherwise have to draw.
Don't rush the stock. Every stock card you leave unused is worth −1 if you clear the table, so make every possible play before drawing.
Use Undo to explore. Try a run, and if it ends early, back up and pick a different branch.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules of Golf Solitaire?
35 cards are dealt face up into 7 columns of 5. One card from the remaining 17 starts the foundation and the other 16 form the stock. You may move the bottom card of any column onto the foundation if it is one rank higher or lower than the foundation's top card, regardless of suit. When no card fits, turn the next stock card onto the foundation. The goal is to clear all 35 tableau cards.
How does Golf Solitaire scoring work?
Each deal is a hole. If cards are left in the columns when you run out of moves, your score for the hole is the number of cards left. If you clear all the columns, you score minus one for every card still in the stock. Over 9 holes, the lowest total wins, just like golf.
Can I play a King on an Ace?
Only if you switch on the K–A wrap-around option. In the standard game, Aces are low and Kings are high, so only a 2 can go on an Ace and only a Queen can go on a King. With wrap-around on, a King can follow an Ace and an Ace can follow a King, which makes the game a little easier.
Is every game of Golf Solitaire winnable?
No. Because the stock is limited and every card is dealt face up, some deals cannot be cleared no matter how you play. Planning long runs and keeping options open in several columns gives you the best chance.
What's a good score in Golf Solitaire?
A hole with 0 to 3 cards left is a strong result, and any negative score means you cleared the table. Over a 9-hole round, finishing under about 30 is very good play; luck of the deal matters a lot, so compare rounds rather than single holes.
Can I undo moves?
Yes. Undo takes back plays and stock draws one by one, as many as you like, until you press Next hole. Your game is also saved automatically, so you can continue later.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.