Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Mutt and Jeff is a golf side game or tournament format that counts only scores on par-3 and par-5 holes. Par-4 scores are excluded from the special total. Players usually compare the resulting gross or net total after the round, under the agreed event or house rules.
How it matters in match play
Mutt and Jeff is not itself a hole-by-hole match-play format. Two opponents can use its agreed par-3 and par-5 total as a separate side bet, but that total does not replace the Rules-based match result; decide in advance whether gross or net scores and any handicap strokes apply.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Mutt and Jeff |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Net Score, Gross Score, Scorecard, Handicap Competition, Side Bet |
Worked example
Illustrative example: Alex records net scores of 4, 3, 3, 5 and 4 on the five par-3 holes (19), and 5, 6, 5 and 4 on the four par-5 holes (20), giving a Mutt and Jeff total of 39; Ben's 41 loses the agreed $5 side bet.
Sources: www.golfcompendium.com , www.shwgc.com , www.orangehillscountryclub.com , www.beezergolf.com , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What holes count in Mutt and Jeff?
Only the par-3 and par-5 holes count towards the special total. Par-4 holes are left out.
Is Mutt and Jeff played with handicaps?
It can be played with or without handicaps. If handicaps are used, agree before teeing off whether the normal hole-by-hole allocation or a house adjustment applies to the counted holes; there is no WHS allowance specifically named Mutt and Jeff.
Is Mutt and Jeff an official Rules of Golf format?
No specific Mutt and Jeff format appears in the cited Rules of Golf or WHS format tables. Treat it as a casual side game or event arrangement, while still playing each hole under the Rules of Golf if the round is intended to be a Rules-governed round.
Can Mutt and Jeff be used during match play?
Yes, as a separate agreed wager, but it does not change who wins individual holes or the match. Settle the Mutt and Jeff total independently.
What does Mutt and Jeff mean on a scorecard?
It means the organiser will extract the scores from the par-3 and par-5 holes and add them, usually after the round, rather than using every hole in the round total.
Does every course have four par-5s and five par-3s?
No. The number of counted holes depends on the course. Use the actual par-3 and par-5 holes shown on that course's scorecard and state any event-specific convention.