Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Barkie is a casual golf side bet earned when a player’s ball hits a tree during a hole and the player still makes par or better. The group agrees the value before playing; some versions count only par, while others include birdie or higher-value variations.
How it matters in match play
Barkie is not a match-play scoring result or a Rules of Golf format. If Alex and Ben play a hole-by-hole match and also agree on Barkies, they settle the Barkie side bet separately from who wins the hole. The group should agree whether par or better qualifies, how a tree contact is confirmed, and whether a Barkie pays each opponent or a shared pot.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Barkie |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Par, Birdie, Side Bet, Stake, Pot |
Worked example
Alex’s tee shot clips a tree on the 6th hole, but Alex scores 4 on the par-4, so Alex earns one Barkie; with a pre-agreed $2 stake, each of three opponents pays Alex $2, for $6, unless the group chose a shared pot.
Sources: www.golfcompendium.com , www.beezergolf.com , www.myscorecard.com , www.randa.org
Common questions
Does a Barkie require a par?
Not universally. One commonly described version requires par after hitting a tree, while other golf-game guides say par or better. Agree the qualifying score before the round; do not assume a birdie pays extra unless your group adopts that house rule.
Is Barkie an official Rules of Golf format?
No. Barkie is a casual side bet, not a competition format defined by the Rules of Golf. Keep the wager separate from the official hole result and follow the Rules of Golf for playing and scoring the round.
How much is a Barkie worth?
There is no standard amount. Players agree a cash stake or points value before teeing off. For example, a group might set each Barkie at $2, but that is a house agreement rather than an official golf rule.