Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Defender is a casual golf betting game, usually for three players, in which one player defends each hole alone against the other two. The defender rotates in a pre-agreed order. Points are awarded according to whether the defender records the lowest score, ties, or loses the hole.
How it matters in match play
Defender is not the formal Match Play format in the Rules of Golf; it is a house side game played alongside a normal round. Each hole is treated as a small one-against-two contest, but the group must agree whether to use gross or net scores, how ties score, and how money settles. Do not assume the WHS individual-match allowance applies to Defender.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Defender |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Wolf, Stroke Play, Handicap Competition, Side Bet, Stake |
Worked example
Using the two-point house system, Alex defends a par 4 and scores 4 while Ben scores 5 and Chris scores 4: Alex ties for the low score and receives 1 point, while Ben and Chris receive none for that hole; at $2 per point, the agreed settlement is calculated from the final point totals.
Sources: golf.com , www.golfdigest.com , www.golfcompendium.com , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How many players do you need for Defender?
Three players are the usual fit because the defender rotation uses all 18 holes evenly: each player defends six holes. Four can play, but common versions leave two holes unassigned or use a shortened 16-hole game, so agree the arrangement before teeing off.
How does scoring work in Defender?
There is no single official scoring system. A common version awards the defender two points for the lowest score, one point for a tie, and one point to each of the two opponents when the defender loses. Groups may choose another published or house variation before play.
Does Defender have a standard handicap allowance?
No standard Defender allowance is established in the sources used here. If handicaps are used, the group should state whether scores are gross or net and document the house method before play; do not automatically apply the WHS allowance for formal individual Match Play.