Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Sandie is a casual golf side bet awarded when a player recovers from a bunker and meets the group’s agreed scoring test, commonly making par or better. Some groups instead use the sand-save test: getting up-and-down in two strokes, regardless of the final hole score.
How it matters in match play
A Sandie is an optional side bet layered over match play, not part of the official hole result. Alex and Ben can still decide each hole by gross or net strokes under the Rules while separately awarding a Sandie for an agreed bunker recovery. Set the bunker type, score threshold, value and who pays before play; different conventions can produce different winners.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Sandie |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Sand Save, Par, Side Bet, Stake, Birdie |
Worked example
Alex and Ben agree that a Sandie is worth $2 when a player reaches par or better after visiting a greenside bunker. Alex hits into sand on a par-4, takes two further strokes and makes par, so Alex earns $2; Ben makes bogey and earns no Sandie.
Sources: www.liveabout.com , thegolfnewsnet.com , www.myscorecard.com , www.pgatour.com , www.randa.org
Common questions
Does a Sandie have an official Rules of Golf definition?
No. It is a recreational side bet, so the group must set its conditions. The Rules of Golf govern how the hole is played and scored, but they do not prescribe a Sandie payout or qualification test.
Do you need to make par for a Sandie?
Not universally. A common house rule is par or better after being in a bunker. Another convention uses a sand save: getting the ball up-and-down in two strokes, regardless of the hole score. Agree the version before teeing off.
Does a fairway bunker count for a Sandie?
Only if your group says it does. Many descriptions use a greenside bunker, while some side-game scorecards distinguish greenside and fairway bunker awards. Record the agreed bunker locations and any different value before the round.
Can a Sandie be worth points instead of money?
Yes. Groups may award points or attach a dollar value to each qualifying recovery. If money is used, agree the Stake and settlement method in advance; the Rules of Golf do not set the amount.
Can a birdie from a bunker count as a Sandie?
Usually yes under a par-or-better house rule, but confirm whether the group treats a Birdie as one Sandie or adds a separate bonus. The payout and any bonus are editorial house rules, not official scoring requirements.
Is Sandie the same as Sand Save?
They overlap but are not always identical. Sand Save is also used for the performance statistic of getting up-and-down from a greenside bunker regardless of score, whereas a Sandie side bet may require par or better and may use different bunker limits.