How Dots works
Before the round, agree on which achievements earn a dot and what each dot is worth. During the round, you collect a dot every time you pull one off. At the end, players settle up on the difference in dots.
Common dots
| Dot | How you earn it |
|---|---|
| Birdie | One under par on a hole (an eagle is usually worth 2 or more) |
| Greenie | Closest to the pin in regulation on a par 3, then make par or better |
| Sandy | Make par or better after being in a bunker on the hole |
| Chippie | Hole out from off the green |
| Polie | Make a putt longer than the flagstick |
| Barkie | Make par or better after hitting a tree |
| Arnie | Make par or better without ever hitting the fairway (named for Arnold Palmer) |
Some groups add negative dots, like losing one for a three-putt or a ball in the water.
Settling up
The fairest way is to pay the difference between every pair of players. At $1 a dot, if Anne finishes with 6 dots and Ben with 2, Ben pays Anne $4.
A worked example: $1 a dot
| Player | Dots earned | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Anne | 2 birdies, 1 greenie, 1 polie | 4 |
| Ben | 1 sandy, 1 chippie | 2 |
| Cal | 1 barkie | 1 |
Pairwise: Ben pays Anne $2, Cal pays Anne $3 and Cal pays Ben $1. Anne finishes +$5, Ben −$1 and Cal −$4 — which adds up to zero.
Why groups love Dots
- Everyone has a chance. You don’t need the lowest score to collect — one lucky chip-in counts.
- It stacks with anything. Dots pairs well with a Nassau or Skins for extra action.
- It’s easy to customize. Add or drop dots to fit your group.
Dots FAQ
What is a greenie in golf?
A greenie is earned by the player whose tee shot finishes closest to the pin on a par 3, as long as it is on the green and they go on to make par or better.
What is a sandy in golf?
A sandy is making par or better on a hole after being in a bunker on that hole, most often by getting up and down from a greenside bunker.
Is Dots the same as Junk or Garbage?
Yes. Dots, Junk, Garbage and Trash are names for the same type of game, where you earn points for good shots and achievements.
How do you pay out dots?
Most groups pay the difference between every pair of players at the agreed value per dot.
