Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Long-Drive Bet is a casual side bet on which player hits the longest qualifying tee shot on an agreed hole or set of holes. Before play, the group must define what counts, such as fairway position, in-bounds status and whether a drive must be measured or simply judged.
How it matters in match play
A Long-Drive Bet is separate from the match result: winning the drive does not win the hole, and losing it does not lose the hole. Agree whether the bet runs on every par-four or par-five tee, selected holes, or one nominated hole, and whether a ball outside the fairway or out of bounds is excluded. The Rules of Golf govern the tee shot itself, not this informal prize or stake.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Long-Drive Bet |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 6.1b |
| Related concepts | Closest-to-the-Pin Bet, Side Bet, Stake, Pot, Payout |
Worked example
Alex, Ben and Chris agree to a $5 Long-Drive Bet on the 4th and 14th holes, with only in-bounds fairway drives counting; Alex’s 242-metre drive on the 4th is longest, so he receives the $15 pot even though Ben wins the match-play hole.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 6.1b
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.worldlongdrive.com
Common questions
Is a Long-Drive Bet an official golf format?
No. It is a casual side bet, so the group or event organiser sets the qualifying conditions and settlement. The Rules of Golf do not prescribe a universal Long-Drive Bet procedure.
Does the longest drive have to be in the fairway?
Not automatically. Make it a condition before teeing off if you want only fairway drives to count. You should also state how to treat out-of-bounds, penalty-area and unmeasurable shots; different competitions can use different conditions.
Does winning the Long-Drive Bet win the match-play hole?
No. The side bet and the match are separate settlements. A player can win the drive prize while losing the hole, or win the hole without having the longest qualifying drive.
Can a drive played from outside the teeing area count?
In match play, Rule 6.1b says the opponent may cancel a stroke played from outside the teeing area; if it is not cancelled, the stroke counts. For a side bet, state in advance whether an uncancelled stroke is eligible, rather than leaving the decision to an argument afterwards.
How should a Long-Drive Bet be settled?
Agree the stake, the eligible holes, the qualifying test and the winner before starting. For example, four players paying $5 each creates a $20 pot for the player with the longest qualifying drive; if nobody qualifies, the group should use its pre-agreed carryover or refund rule.
Is a Long-Drive Bet suitable for handicap match play?
It can sit alongside a handicap match, but it does not alter handicap strokes or the match score. Keep the bet’s eligibility and payout rules separate from the WHS method used for the match itself.