Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Gross Prize rewards a gross result: recorded strokes, including penalties, before handicap deductions. It is a competition-specific award category rather than a universal Rules definition. The competition terms set eligibility, scoring and tie procedures.
How it matters in match play
A Gross Prize has no single match-play rule. Match play normally decides each hole by comparing gross or net scores, while a club may separately offer a prize under its Terms of the Competition for a player's gross score or match result; confirm the stated basis before play.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Gross Prize |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.1c (gross score); Rule 3.3a (stroke-play winner); competition Terms govern the prize category |
| Related concepts | Gross Winner, Gross Score, Net Prize, Prize Division |
Worked example
In an illustrative 18-hole gross division, Alex records 82 strokes and Ben records 86, so Alex wins the Gross Prize; a separate Net Prize could go to a different player after handicap strokes are applied.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.1c (gross score); Rule 3.3a (stroke-play winner); competition Terms govern the prize category
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , archive.golf.org.au
Common questions
Is a Gross Prize the same as a Gross Winner award?
Usually they describe the same outcome: the Gross Winner is the player who wins the gross-scoring category, and the Gross Prize is the award attached to it. The Committee should define the category and tie method in the Terms of the Competition.
Does a Gross Prize use handicap strokes?
No. A gross result is the recorded score before handicap strokes are deducted. A Net Prize uses the competition's handicap scoring instead, if the Terms of the Competition provide for one.
Can a match-play event offer a Gross Prize?
It can if the event's Terms of the Competition create that prize category, but the Rules of Golf do not prescribe one standard Gross Prize. Check whether the award is based on gross hole results, a gross total, or the match result.
Is Gross Prize an official Rules of Golf definition?
No. The Rules define gross score and distinguish gross from net scoring, but a Gross Prize is a competition-label used by organisers. Its eligibility, value and tie procedure must come from the event's Terms of the Competition.
Can one competition have both Gross and Net Prizes?
Yes, an organiser may run separate gross and net categories when the Terms of the Competition say so. The categories should state how scores are calculated and whether a player can win more than one award.
Does the lowest gross score always win a Gross Prize?
Not automatically. In a stroke-play gross category, the lowest total normally wins, but the Committee may set divisions, rounds and a tie procedure. Read the Terms of the Competition rather than assuming a universal prize rule.