Dots (Junk / Garbage)

Before the round the group agrees which achievements count (greenies, sandies, barkies, arnies, chippies, polies, birdies, etc.), whether negative dots apply (three-putts, water, OB), and the value per dot. Players call or record dots as they happen; many groups require you to announce a dot before the hole is finished. Runs alongside any main game.

Typically 1 dot per achievement with harder ones (chip-in, eagle) worth 2-3; a sample card: par 1, birdie 2, eagle 3, fairway 1, GIR 1, one-putt 1, sand save 1, chip-in 2; negatives such as three-putt -1, double bogey -1, lost ball -2. Settle by (winner's dots minus yours) x dot value, or pay each dot to every other player. Typical stakes $0.25-$5 per dot.

• Positive-only vs positive-and-negative dots
• Team dots in 2-v-2
• Trash = negative-only version
• Legends (all bets named after pros: Arnies, Hogans, Nicklauses, Murphies)
• Zoo/Animals (penalty-only version)
• Positive-only or negative-only menus
• Standout shots worth 2
• Snake carried as a badge instead of a dot

• Write the dot menu on the scorecard before the first tee
• Cap the menu at 4-8 items; too many dots slows play
• Require witnesses for barkies and polies
• Call dots when they happen, not after
• Keep the menu short for pace of play