Golf Games and On the Course Bets - ( Games and Bets D thru L )
If your favorite golf game or golf bet did not make our list, e-mail us the name and a detailed description
Defender: Definition: Defender is a betting game or points game for groups in which one member of the group per hole is designated as that hole's "defender." The defender's job is to get the lowest score on his hole; the other members of the group are trying to beat the defender.
Before teeing off, establish a rotation (for a threesome, A is the defender on the first hole, B on No. 2, C on No. 3, back to A on No. 4, and so on) for the Defender.
When the Defender successfully defends his hole - that is, gets the lowest score - he earns 3 points and the other players lose 1 point. If any member of the group beats the Defender, the defender loses 3 points and each other player gains 1 point. If the Defender ties for low score on his hole, the defender gains 1 1/2 points while the others lose a half-point.
Defender can be played just for points and bragging rights, or a dollar value can be assigned to the points and money divvied up at the end of the round.
For a twist on Defender, see Hog.
Derby: Definition: Derby, more commonly called Shoot Out, is a tournament with a field of 19 players. On each hole, one player is eliminated until only one remains - the champion, crowned on the 18th hole. See Shoot Out for further explanation.
Also Known As: Shoot Out, Horse Race, Rumpsie Dumpsie
Devil Ball: Definition: While there might be slight variations from game to game, Devil Ball is usually just another name for Money Ball, Lone Ranger, Yellow Ball, Pink Ball or Pink Lady. They all mean basically the same thing.
The basics are this: In Devil Ball, groups of four tee off in a competition. On each hole, two scores are combined to create one team score. One of those scores is from the person playing the "devil ball." So when it's your turn to play the Devil Ball, the onus is on you to come through for the team because your score is going to count.
The second score used is usually the low ball of the other three players on the team (however, the other three players might be required to play a scramble or best ball or any other format to produce the second score).
The two scores are added together for the team score.
Before teeing off in Devil Ball, players are designated A, B, C and D, and the devil ball rotates among players throughout the round (A on the first hole, B on the second, and so on).
See the Money Ball definition for a few more variations.
Also Known As: Money Ball, Lone Ranger, Pink Ball, Yellow Ball, Pink Lady
Disaster: Definition: Disaster, a k a Trouble, is a points game in which the winner at the end of the round is the player (or team) that has collected the fewest number of points.
That's because points are "awarded" for bad shots. Hit a ball out of bounds, that's a point.
Points in Disaster can be given any value, and what earns a point can vary from group to group - it's up to you. But a common point system is as follows:
• Water ball - 1 point
• Out of bounds - 1 point
• In a bunker - 1 point
• Failing to get ball out of bunker - 1 point
• 3-putt - 1 point
• 4-putt - 3 points
• Hitting from one bunker into another - 2 points
• Whiff - 4 points
One variation of Disaster is to allow all points accumulated to be erased when a par is made.
Golfers who are likely to add up a lot of points will enjoy that option.
Also Known As: Trouble
Eclectic (Eclectic Tournament):Definition: An eclectic, or eclectic tournament, is a multi-round golf tournament that results in one 18-hole score per player.
Eclectics work this way: Participants play X number of rounds, and compare their scores on each hole per round. The lowest score made on each hole is recorded, producing an 18-hole score. Example: There are three rounds; in Round 1, the golfer makes a 6 on hole No. 1; in Round 2, a 7 on hole No. 1; in Round 3, a 4 on hole No. 1. That golfer's score for the first hole is a 4.
The lowest of each round's scores per hole are recorded on one scorecard and turned in as the final score.
An eclectic can be a stand-alone event contested over consecutive days, or it can be a tournament that runs concurrently, over longer time periods, with other, unrelated tournaments.
For example, the Duffersville Men's Golf Association announces a spring tournament schedule comprised of eight events.
But along with those events, the DMGA offers golfers the option of also signing up for an eclectic, which runs throughout the spring schedule. In this case, the eclectic is comprised of eight rounds (or however many rounds are played over the course of the eight tournaments that make up the spring schedule) played over the course of many weeks.
Also Known As: Ringer tournament
Eliminator: Definition: Eliminator is a tournament format for 4-person teams, or a betting game for several groups of four. Eliminator, also known as In the Bucket, is a best-ball format with a twist: as a player's score is used for the team score, he is "eliminated" from counting as the team score on ensuing holes, until only one player is left whose score is eligible to be used (then the process starts over).
Here's an example: Players A, B, C and D tee off on Hole 1. Player A is the low-ball on the first hole. All players move on to Hole 2, but Player A's score can't be used; Players B, C and D are eligible. On the second hole, Player B is the low-ball. All players move on to Hole 3, but the scores of A and B are now ineligible; only C and D have a chance to provide the team score.
On No. 3, Player C is the low score. And that leaves Player D as the lone survivor - his or her score must be used on the fourth hole. On Hole 5, the rotation starts over, with all four team members eligible to have their score counted.
A variation of Eliminator is that all players who tie for low score are eliminated for the next hole. For example, two members of the team score 5s, while two score 6s. On the next hole, the two who tied for low score can't provide the low score again; the other two players must provide the team score. But all players are eligible again the next hole. If the low score comes via a birdie, however, or all four players tie, then all four players remain eligible on the following hole.
Also Known As: In the Bucket
English: Definition: English is a points competition or betting game that is played among groups of three. On each hole, 6 points are at stake. The points might carry a monetary value that is totaled at the end of the round, with payouts being made on the differences. Or English might simply be played for points and bragging rights. Points are awarded based on the low, middle and high scores on each hole in this manner:
• 4 points to golfer with low score of the group;
• 2 points to golfer with middle score of the group;
• 0 points to golfer with high score of the group
If two players tie for low score, each gets 3 points, with the high scorer getting 0. If two players tie for high score, the low scorer gets 4 points and the two high scorers get 1 point each.
If all three players tie, either 2 points or 0 points are awarded (group members should decide this before the round begins).
Fairways & Greens: Definition: Fairways & Greens is a betting game best for groups of golfers with similar handicaps.
The object is, of course, to hit fairways and greens. The catch is that you have to be the only player to hit the fairway (off the tee) to win the bet, or the only player to hit the green (in regulation) to win the bet.
Determine before the round the value of each fairway and each green. Each hole (excluding par-3s) has two bets - one for the fairway and one for the green. If you're the only player in the fairway off the tee, you win.
If two or more players find the fairway, or two or more players are on the green in regulation, then that bet carries over to the following hole (ala skins).
Fish: Definition: Fish is a betting game for groups of golfers that is modeled after a popular fishing bet, hence its name. The fishing bet is threefold: a bet on who catches the first fish, a bet on who catches the biggest fish, and a bet on who catches the most fish.
Likewise, Fish on a golf course is threefold, but this time involving birdies: a bet on who makes the first birdie, a bet on who makes the longest birdie, and a bet on who makes the most birdies. Each of the three bets carries its own dollar amount (usually the same for all three bets).
Keep track of the distance of each birdie in case you need to go to a tiebreaker for most birdies. The tiebreaker is greater total distance on the birdies. Also, eagles can be set to be worth two "fish" (birdies) for the most birdies bet.
Flags: Definition: Flags is a competition format in which golfers begin the round with an allotment of strokes, then play the course until their strokes run out.
The game gets its name from the fact that little flags are usually given to competitors to stick in the ground at the point at which their final shot is played.
The golfer who stakes his flag the farthest around the course is the winner. Example: Your allotment is 75 strokes. You play the course until you hit your 75th shot, which, let's say, comes on the 16th fairway.
That's where you plant your flag. If no other player's flag is planted beyond yours - say, on the 16th green or 17th tee box - you are the winner.
Flags can be played using full handicaps or partial handicaps to determine the stroke allotment. A player with a handicap of 21, for example, receives 93 strokes on a par-72 course if full handicaps are used (72 plus 21).
Using full handicaps often means that several golfers will reach the end of 18 holes with strokes left; those golfers would go back to No. 1 and keep playing. Alternately, all players with strokes remaining can stop after 18 and the golfer with the most strokes remaining is the winner.
Using partial handicaps, especially two-thirds, usually means that nearly all players will use up their strokes before completing 18 holes.
If players are tied - a number of players make it to the 17th green or 18th fairway, for example - closest to the hole wins.
Also Known As: Flag Competition, Tombstone, Last Man Standing
Florida Scramble: Definition: The Florida Scramble is a variation on the typical scramble in which one player on each team sits out each shot.
A scramble works this way: Each player on the team (usually groups of four, but groups of three work also) tees off. The best of the four shots is selected, all players move their balls to that spot and play their second shots. The best of the second shots is selected, all players move their balls to that spot and play their third shots; and so on until the ball is holed.
In a Florida Scramble, the twist is that the player whose shot is selected doesn't get to play the next shot. So in a Florida Scramble with teams of four, all four players tee off, the best shot is selected, then only three players hit their second shots.
The best of the second shots is selected - and the player who hit it sits out the third shots; and so on until the ball is holed.
A Florida Scramble can help spread the "best shots" around among teammates, but it does mean that one player has to sit out every shot.
Fort Lauderdale Format: Definition: While there may be some regional variations in the specifics, when a tournament is using the Fort Lauderdale format is it usually just a typical scramble format. In other words, Fort Lauderdale is usually just a synonym for scramble.
Also Known As: Fort Lauderdale Scramble, Scramble
Four Ball: Definition: Four Ball is a match pitting two teams of two players (a total of four balls being played, hence the name) against each other using best-ball scoring.
All four players play their own ball throughout; at the end of each hole, the low score among the two partners on each team is that team's score. For example, Players A and B form one team. On the first hole, A scores a 5, B scores a 6, so the team score is 5.
Four Ball can be played as stroke play or match play and is one of the formats used at the Ryder Cup.
Handicap allowances for various Four Ball competitions can be found in the USGA Handicap Manual, Section 9-4 (www.usga.com).
Tournaments called 2-Person Best Ball are similar but not exactly the same.
A Four Ball is team vs. team; a Best Ball tournament might be team vs. team or team vs. field.
Alternate Spellings: Four-Ball
Foursomes: Definition: Foursomes is a competition format in which teams are comprised of two players each, and the players alternate hitting the same ball (which is why Foursomes is also very commonly called "alternate shot").
The first player tees off, the second player hits the second shot, the first player hits the third shot, and so on until the ball is holed. Players alternate hitting tee shots so that the same player doesn't hit every drive.
Foursomes can be played as stroke play or match play. As match play, Foursomes is one of the formats used in the Ryder Cup.
Here's a hint for Foursomes strategy: Try to determine before the round which are the toughest driving holes on the course being played. Factor that into the decision on who hits the tee ball on the first hole.
You want your best driver to be teeing off on as many of the toughest driving holes as possible.
Handicap allowances for Foursomes competitions can be found in the USGA Handicap Manual, Section 9-4 (www.usga.com).
Slight variations on Foursomes include Odds and Evens and Scotch Foursomes.
Also Known As: Alternate shot, Scotch foursomes, Scotch doubles
Greensomes: Definition: Greensomes is a competition format that is a variation of foursomes (2-person teams, each playing one ball). In Greensomes, both players on a team tee off, the best of the two tee balls is selected and that ball is then played alternate-shot until holed.
In regular foursomes, the 2-person team would play alternate shot for the full hole, i.e., only one tee ball would be hit.
Greensomes is essentially a 2-person scramble off the tee, then alternate-shot into the hole.
Also Known As: Canadian Foursomes
Gruesomes: Definition: Gruesomes is a 2-person team game that is more common as a betting game but is also sometimes used as a tournament format.
In Gruesomes, both members of the team tee off - and then the opposing team selects which drive they have to play. Needless to say, the opposing team is likely to select the worst - or most gruesome - of the two drives.
Following selection of the tee ball, the teams play out the hole in alternate shot fashion. The player who hit the "gruesome" tee ball also plays the second shot.
Also Known As: Yellowsomes
Hate 'Em: Definition: On every course, there are a few holes that give every golfer trouble. The ones where, no matter how many times you play the course, you can never quite tame those holes. Don't you just hate those holes?
In Hate 'Em, which can be a tournament format or just a betting game among friends, you get choose three of those holes and, before the round starts, write down a par on each.
A stipulation that usually (but not always) applies is that the three holes must be comprised of one par 3, one par 4 and one par 5.
Hate 'Em is usually played with full handicaps. At the end of the round, add up the strokes (including the three pars on your Hate 'Em holes), deduct your handicap strokes, and the low player (or group) wins.
Hog: Definition: Hog is a betting game similar to Defender but with an added twist.
One each hole, one player is designated as the Hog (determine the order prior to the round - A on No. 1, B on No. 2, C on No. 3, D on No. 4, then back to A and so on).
In Defender, the designated player automatically plays against the other three on his holes. In Hog, all members of the group tee off, then the "Hog" has two options: "hog" the hole by playing against the other three players; or pick one of the other three players as a partner for the hole, making it 2-on-2.
At stake are points, which can have a dollar amount attached. Low score wins; unlike in Defender, ties usually carry over until a winner emerges.
If the "Hog" plays 1 against 3 and wins, he get 3 points; if he loses, the other three players get 1 point each.
If the "Hog" chooses a partner and wins, both players get 1 point; if they lose, the other two players get 1 point each.
At the end of the round, add up points for all players and pay out the differences. Hog is a game best for players of similar skill levels, or for a group using full handicaps.
Honest John: Definition: How well do you know your own golf game? Honest John is one of the simplest golf side bets and puts your predictive powers to the test.
Very simple: Before the round starts, members of the group each put an agreed-upon dollar amount into the pot. Each player predicts the score they will shoot. At the end of the round, the player who came closest to his predicted score wins the pot.
In the Bucket: Definition: "In the Bucket" is another name for Eliminator. It's a best-ball tournament in which every fourth hole, one player is left "in the bucket" - his or her score must count as the team score.
That's because on each of the three preceding holes, the player whose low-ball score counted as the team score is "eliminated" (he still plays, but his score can't be used). After the fourth hole, the rotation starts over again with all players eligible.
Also Known As: Eliminator
Irish Four Ball: Definition: The term and the tournament format "Irish Four Ball" is very popular in Australia. In Irish Four Ball, teams of four golfers - each playing his or her own ball throughout - use a Stableford or Modified Stableford scoring system. The scores of a predetermined number of team members per hole are combined for one team score. For example, if the low two scores are being counted on a given hole, and those scores are 0 and 1 (Stableford, remember), then the team score on that hole is 1.
There are many variations to an Irish Four Ball (sometimes called Irish Stableford). Many Irish Four Balls use the two low balls per hole throughout the tournament. A more popular variation calls for the number of scores per hole to vary throughout the round in this fashion:
Holes 1-6: One low ball
Holes 7-11: Two low balls
Holes 12-15: Three low balls
Holes 16-18: All four scores
(Some using the above format eliminate the one-low ball option, and play six holes each using two low balls, three and four.)
Another variation determines scores based on the type of hole being played:
Par 3 Holes: Two low balls
Par 4 Holes: Three low balls
Par 5 Holes: All four scores
Another common Irish Four Ball variation is to stipulate that teams consist of two men and two women.
So there are many variations, but the basics are that teams consist of four, a Stableford system is used, and a pretermined number of low scores per hole make up the team score.
Also Known As: Irish Stableford
Alternate Spellings: Irish 4-Ball, Irish Fourball
Jack and Jill: Definition: "Jack and Jill" is essentially just another word for "co-ed." A Jack and Jill golf tournament is one is which men and women are paired together. They usually involve one man and one woman pairing up to form a 2-person team. The specific scoring used - best ball, alternate shot, etc. - can vary among just about any format suitable for 2-person teams.
Alternate Spellings: Jack & Jill
Last Man Standing: Definition: Last Man Standing is another name for a Flags tournament. Each golfer begins the round with an allotment of strokes - usually his or her full or partial handicap plus the par of the course being played - and plays until those strokes are used up. The golfer who advances farthest around the course before using up his allotment of strokes is the winner.
Also Known As: Flags, Tombstone, Flag Competition
Las Vegas: Definition: Las Vegas is a betting game for two teams of two players each. Winnings and losings can add up quickly in Las Vegas, so it's a game preferred by better - and wealthier - players.
In Las Vegas, each 2-person team plays for a team score on each hole. But it's not a normal team score. The team members' scores are not combined; rather, they are paired: Player A gets a 4, Player B gets a 5. The team score is not 9, it's 45 (the lower number goes first).
If both players get 4s, that's 44; if one gets an 8 and the other gets a 3, that's 38.
The team score represents the number of points each team earns per hole. Points are tracked throughout the round and the differential is paid off at the end of the round. A single-hole example: Team A scores 4 and 5 for a 45; Team B scores 5 and 6 for a 56; the difference is 11 points.
Points can be worth any amount.
Low-rollers should only play for nickels and dimes. Las Vegas is often played for a dollar per point, and it adds up quickly at that level.
And if your foursome is "flipping the bird," the money can really start to change hands. When employing this rule, a team that makes a birdie and wins the hole can flip the other team's score for that hole. So instead of the low number going first, the high number goes first. The opponent's 5 and 6 wouldn't be 56, but 65.
One safeguard: If one player scores 10 or more, that team's score uses the high number first. So a 3 and a 10 is 103, not 310.
Las Vegas Scramble: Definition: The Las Vegas Scramble is a variation of a regular scramble that involves the use of a 6-sided die. Here's how it works:
Before play begins, assign a number from one to four to each member of your 4-person team. At each tee, all four members tee off, then the 6-sided die is thrown or rolled. Check the number that comes up on the die. If it is a 1, 2, 3 or 4, then the drive of the team member whose number matches must be used on that hole. (Example: On the first hole, all four team members hit drives. Then the number 3 is rolled. The drive hit by the team member who is designated No. 3 is the drive that must be played on this hole.)
If the die comes up 5 or 6, then the team can choose the best drive among the four.
Whether the die chooses your drive for you (rolling 1 through 4), or allows the team to choose the next drive (rolling 5 or 6), the hole is then played out as a normal scramble.
There is a lot of luck involved in a Las Vegas Scramble.
The key point to remember is that the die is rolled only after each player has hit his drive.
Lone Ranger: Definition: Lone Ranger is a tournament format that is variously called Money Ball, Yellow Ball, Pink Ball or Pink Lady.
On each hole, one player in each foursome is designated the "lone ranger." That designation rotates throughout the round; for example, Player A has it on the first hole, B on the second, C on the third, D on the fourth, then back to A on the fifth and so on.
In Lone Ranger, two scores per hole are added together for the team score. Here's the catch: One of those two scores must be from the Lone Ranger. So on each hole, the team score will be the score of the player designated the Lone Ranger, plus the lowest score of the other three players on the team.
Also Known As: Money Ball, Yellow Ball, Pink Ball, Pink Lady
Lone Wolf: Definition: Wolf is a betting game or points game for a group of four players.
Players rotate being the "Wolf." The player designated as the "Wolf" gets to choose whether to play the hole 1 against 3 (himself against the other three players in the group) or 2 on 2.
And if the Wolf chooses to play 2 on 2, he must choose his partner immediately following that player's drive. Example: Player A is the Wolf. Player B hits a bad drive. Player C hits a pretty good drive. If the Wolf wants C as a partner, he must claim his partner before Player D hits his tee ball.
The side with the lowest better ball score wins the hole. If it's 2 on 2, then the winning side wins the bet. If it's 1 on 3, the Wolf wins double or loses double.
There's also Lone Wolf, in which the Wolf announces before anyone tees off - including himself - that he's going it alone, 1 on 3.
On a Lone Wolf hole, the Wolf wins triple or loses triple.
For more details on Wolf, read this explanation of Wolf in Chi Chi Rodriguez's book, "Golf Games You Gotta Play."
Also Known As: Ship, Captain & Crew or Boss wolf
Low Putts: Definition: Low Putts is a popular tournament format or side bet. It's very simple: Keep track of your number of putts throughout the round. At the end of the round, total up the putts. The low individual or low group in number of putts is the winner.