Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Dots is a casual golf betting game in which players earn or lose points, called dots, for agreed achievements and mistakes during a round. The group chooses the events, point values and stake before starting, then totals the dots and settles the differences at the end.
How it matters in match play
Dots can sit alongside a singles or team match as a separate side bet. The match itself is still decided by holes won, lost or tied under the agreed scoring method; Dots simply awards additional points for selected achievements such as a birdie or green in regulation. It does not replace the match result or create a Rules of Golf format.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Dots |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Birdie, Eagle, Greens in Regulation, Sand Save, Side Bet |
Worked example
For an illustrative $1-per-dot game, Alex earns 2 dots for a birdie and 1 for a green in regulation, while Ben earns 1 dot for a sand save; after the round Alex has 8 dots and Ben 5, so Ben pays Alex $3 if that settlement was agreed beforehand.
Sources: 18birdies.com , www.scga.org , www.golfcompendium.com , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is Dots an official Rules of Golf format?
No. Dots is a casual collection of side bets. Agree the scoring, eligible achievements, penalties and settlement before play; the Rules of Golf still govern the underlying round where applicable.
What counts as a dot?
There is no universal list. Common examples include a birdie, eagle, green in regulation, sand save, closest-to-the-pin result or chip-in, while some groups subtract dots for a three-putt or worse score. Your group sets the list and values.
Can Dots be played during match play?
Yes, as a separate side bet, provided the group agrees how it works. Keep the Dots tally separate from the official hole-by-hole match score, and do not treat a Dots point as a hole win.
How is Dots settled?
At the end of the round, each player totals positive and negative dots. If the agreed value is $1 per dot, a five-dot difference is a $5 settlement; other stakes and split arrangements are house rules.
Do all players need to use the same Dots rules?
Yes. Decide the eligible events, point values, whether negative dots apply, whether points carry between holes or nines, and the payment method before the first tee shot.
Can handicaps be used in Dots?
There is no standard Dots handicap allowance. If your group wants handicap adjustments, write the method into the house rules before play rather than presenting it as a World Handicap System requirement.