Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Greenie is a casual side bet, usually on par-three holes, rewarding the player closest to the pin. The group may require the ball to be on the putting green and a score of par or better. Stakes and qualifying conditions are house rules.
How it matters in match play
A Greenie is separate from the match result: it can run alongside Individual Match Play or another round, but it does not decide a Won Hole under the Rules of Golf. Agree before teeing off whether the bet is awarded by tee-shot proximity, requires a Par or better, and carries over when nobody qualifies. Keep the side-bet mark separate from the Match Score.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Greenie |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Closest-to-the-Pin Bet, Side Bet, Par, Putting Green, Match Score |
Worked example
Alex, Ben, Chris and Dana agree on a $2 Greenie for each designated par-three. Alex is 1.2 metres from the hole on the green and makes Par, so Alex wins the $2 Greenie from each other player, $6 in total; this is an illustrative house-rule example, not a historical result.
Sources: www.golfcompendium.com , www.beezergolf.com , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is a Greenie an official Rules of Golf competition format?
No. It is a casual side bet, so the group must set its conditions. The Rules of Golf govern how the round is played, while the Greenie payment is a separate agreement.
Does a Greenie normally apply on every hole?
Usually not. Common versions use designated par-three holes, but players can agree another scope. Write the qualifying holes and value down before the round.
What happens if the closest player makes a Bogey?
There is no universal answer. Some versions require Par or better and carry the Greenie to the next qualifying hole; others pay for proximity alone. Agree the condition before play.
Can a Greenie be played during match play?
Yes, as a separate side bet if everyone agrees. It does not change which player wins, loses or halves a hole, and it should not be confused with the official Match Result.
Who pays when two players are equally close?
The group should choose a tie method in advance, such as a carryover or a split payment. The Rules of Golf do not supply a Greenie payout method.
Should a Greenie be recorded on the official scorecard?
Record it in a separate side-bet note or agreed scorecard mark. Do not alter official hole scores to show a Greenie, because the bet is not part of the Rules of Golf score.