Page type: Glossary / definition
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Meaning
A per-hole bet is an informal golf wager in which each hole is settled separately, rather than waiting for the whole round. The group agrees before playing whether a hole is worth a fixed amount, points, or a carryover when the hole is tied.
How it matters in match play
A per-hole bet can settle each match-play hole separately: the winner receives the agreed amount, while a tied hole is a push or carries forward under house rules. The wager does not alter the official match result or create a recognised format. Handicap strokes in an organised match still follow the applicable competition terms and handicap provisions.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Per-Hole Bet |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a–c (underlying match-play hole results and handicap strokes); WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C (individual match play recommended allowance) |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Hole Score, Halved Hole, Won Hole, Handicap Stroke |
Worked example
Alex and Ben agree on $5 per hole with a carryover: Alex wins hole 1, so Ben pays $5; hole 2 is halved, so $5 carries to hole 3; Alex wins hole 3 and receives $10.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a–c (underlying match-play hole results and handicap strokes); WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C (individual match play recommended allowance)
Sources: www.scga.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is a per-hole bet an official Rules of Golf format?
No. It is an informal side wager. The Rules of Golf describe how a match-play hole is won, lost or tied, but they do not prescribe a per-hole money stake, point value or carryover rule. Agree those details before the round.
What happens when a hole is tied in a per-hole bet?
There is no universal answer. Your house rules might return the stake, split it, or carry it to the next hole. A carryover should be stated before play; for example, a tied $5 hole followed by a win makes the next settlement $10.
Should handicap strokes be used for a per-hole bet?
Only if the players agree, or if the wager is attached to an organised competition with stated Terms of the Competition. In individual match play, WHS Appendix C recommends a 100% allowance; the lower Playing Handicap normally plays from zero and the difference is given as strokes on the allocated holes. A casual side game should not assume a different allowance.
Does winning a per-hole bet mean winning the match?
No. The bet is settled according to its agreed hole-by-hole rules. The official match result is determined separately under the match-play format, including the lead and number of holes remaining.
Can a per-hole bet use points instead of money?
Yes. Groups can agree on points, such as one point for a hole win, and settle the total at the end. That is still a house-rule side game, not a prescribed Rules of Golf scoring method.
When should the group agree the per-hole bet rules?
Before the first tee shot. Confirm the stake or points, whether handicaps apply, how a tied hole is handled, whether a carryover is capped, and when any balance is settled.