Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Poley is an informal golf side bet usually won by holing a putt from farther away than the length of the flagstick. The group agrees whether each successful putt earns money or points, and whether the bet is automatic or must be called before the putt.
How it matters in match play
Poley can sit alongside an individual Match Play contest, but it does not change the hole result, Match Score or Match Result. Before starting, players should agree whether a qualifying putt earns a fixed Payout from each opponent or a point for a round-long Pot. Because Poley is a casual Side Bet, its trigger and settlement are house rules rather than a Rules of Golf procedure.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Poley |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Side Bet, Stake, Pot, Payout, Putting Green |
Worked example
Alex calls Poley on a 12-foot putt when the flagstick is 8 feet long and holes it; with a $2 house Stake from each of Ben and Chris, Alex receives a $4 Payout, while Dana is not involved because Dana is not in that group.
Sources: www.golfcompendium.com , www.golfcompendium.com , www.beezergolf.com
Common questions
Is Poley an official golf format?
No. Poley is an informal side bet, so the group must set its trigger, value and settlement before play. It is not a separate Rules of Golf competition format.
How do you win a Poley?
In the commonly documented Poley version, hole a putt whose starting distance is longer than the flagstick. Some groups make qualifying Poleys automatic; others require the player to call Poley before putting.
Can Poley use points instead of money?
Yes. A group can award points for successful Poleys and settle the Pot after the round, or agree a dollar value for each successful putt. Record the choice before the first tee shot.
Is Poley the same as Polee?
The names overlap, but documented golf-game guides also use Polee for other flagstick-distance bets, including approach shots inside the flagstick length. Confirm the local meaning rather than assuming every group uses the same version.
Does Poley use handicaps?
Not inherently. The basic side bet is based on the qualifying putt, not a Handicap Index. If a group adds a handicap adjustment, it should write that house rule down rather than treating it as an official allowance.
What happens if a player three-putts after calling Poley?
There is no universal answer. One documented variation makes the caller lose double the bet to each other golfer, while other groups use no penalty or a points adjustment. Agree the consequence before play.