Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
In a golf side game, a pot is the shared pool of money or agreed stakes contributed by participating players and paid out under a pre-agreed settlement. Its amount, winner and carryover rules are house terms, not a standard Rules of Golf format.
How it matters in match play
A pot can sit alongside match play, but it does not change how holes or the match are decided under the Rules. The players should agree whether the pot follows the match result, individual hole results, or a separate side game, and how ties, concessions and any carryover settle. Keep that money agreement separate from the official match score.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Pot |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Side Bet, Stake, Payout, Settlement, Match Play |
Worked example
Alex, Ben, Chris and Dana each put $5 into a pre-agreed pot, making $20; if Alex wins the agreed side game, Alex receives $20 and is $15 ahead after their $5 contribution, subject to the group’s stated house rules.
Sources: www.scga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What does pot mean in golf betting?
It is the pooled stake contributed by the players in an agreed side game. The group must decide who can enter, what adds to the pool and how the winner or winners are paid.
Is a pot part of the Rules of Golf?
No. A casual pot is a private wagering arrangement, not a scoring format or Rules of Golf procedure. The USGA says informal gambling can be allowed when participation is optional, the players generally know one another and all money won comes from the participants, provided it does not abuse the Rules of Golf or Rules of Handicapping.
Can a match-play group use a pot?
Yes, as an optional side arrangement. Agree before starting whether the pot is paid for the match winner, hole results or another side game; also state how ties, conceded holes and carryovers are handled. The official match result remains governed by match-play scoring.