Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
St. James Roll is a three- or four-player golf betting game played with each golfer's own score. On each hole, players earn points for beating other players in the group; the highest total wins, and a pre-agreed value per point determines the settlement.
How it matters in match play
St. James Roll is not Match Play: everyone competes against the group rather than one opponent on each hole. Players normally compare gross hole scores, unless the group agrees another basis before starting. It is a casual side game, so its points, tie treatment, Roll Call multiplier and money settlement are house rules, not a WHS allowance or Rules of Golf competition format.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | St. James Roll |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Dots, Side Bet, Stake, Payout |
Worked example
In an illustrative four-player round, Alex has 28 points, Ben 22, Chris 19 and Dana 15 at $1 per point. Alex receives $6 from Ben, $9 from Chris and $13 from Dana; Ben receives $3 from Chris and $7 from Dana; Chris receives $4 from Dana, so Alex's net win is $28.
Sources: www.golfdigest.com , golf.com , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How many golfers play St. James Roll?
The commonly described version is for three or four golfers, with each player keeping an individual score and competing against the other members of the group.
How are points awarded in St. James Roll?
In a typical four-player version, the lowest score earns three points, second earns two, third earns one and last earns none when all scores differ. Ties change that distribution, so agree the tie method before teeing off.
What is Roll Call in St. James Roll?
Roll Call is an optional multiplier: a call can double the points for a hole, with additional calls potentially tripling or increasing them again. Published versions differ in detail, so set the timing, eligible callers and call limit as house rules before play.
Does St. James Roll use handicaps?
The game is often described using each player's score without prescribing a WHS allowance. If your group wants net scores, agree that house rule in advance; do not assume the 100% individual Match Play allowance applies to this non-standard points game.
How does money settle in St. James Roll?
Agree a dollar value per point before the round. At the end, each player can settle the point difference against every other player, or the group can use another agreed method; record the convention clearly to avoid disputes.
Is St. James Roll an official Rules of Golf format?
No specific Rules of Golf rule defines St. James Roll. The underlying round should still follow the applicable Rules of Golf, while the points, multipliers and payout are a casual house game.