Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An Arnie is a casual golf side bet awarded when a player makes par on a par 4 or par 5 without reaching the fairway. Published versions differ on whether missing the green in regulation is also required, so the group should agree the test before teeing off.
How it matters in match play
An Arnie is not an official match-play result or a Rules of Golf scoring format. Players may track it alongside a match, but the match itself is still decided by holes won, lost or tied under Rule 3.2. Agree whether the Arnie is a separate dollar side bet or points tally, and whether a qualifying par also affects the match normally.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Arnie |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Par, Greens in Regulation, Birdie, Barkie, Hogan |
Worked example
Alex and Ben agree on $2 Arnies before playing. On a par 4, Alex misses the fairway, misses the green, then holes out in four; under the agreed version he earns $2, while Ben's fairway par earns nothing.
Sources: readygolf.com , www.myscorecard.com , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is an Arnie an official Rules of Golf format?
No. It is a casual side bet, not an official match-play or stroke-play format. Agree its conditions and value before the round.
What score wins an Arnie?
The commonly published version requires par on a par 4 or par 5 without reaching the fairway. Some descriptions also require missing the green in regulation, so write down the local version first.
How much is an Arnie worth?
There is no standard amount. The players set a dollar value or points value before starting, then settle the qualifying Arnies under that agreement.
Can an Arnie be played in a match?
Yes, as a separate side bet if everyone agrees. It does not change which player wins the hole: official match play still uses the applicable gross or net hole score.
Does a birdie count as an Arnie?
Normally the published Arnie condition is par, so a birdie does not qualify unless your group explicitly changes the house rule. Record that variation before play.
Is an Arnie the same as a Barkie?
No. An Arnie is generally a par made without reaching the fairway, while a Barkie is a separate side bet linked to hitting a tree and still making par. House rules can vary.