Closest to the Pin
On every par 3, whoever's closest to the hole collects from everyone else who's in.
2 or more players
Closest to the Pin is the easiest side bet in golf. On every par 3, whoever's tee shot finishes nearest the hole wins it. No math, no handicaps, just a tape measure argument on the green.
Not everyone has to play. Players can sit it out and still play every other game in the round.
How to play Closest to the Pin
- 1Decide who's in
Anyone who wants in, is in. Players who sit out don't pay and can't win.
- 2Set a stake per par 3
Agree on what each par 3 is worth, say $5. Each player in pays that much to the winner.
- 3Find the closest ball
After everyone's tee shot, the ball nearest the hole wins. Most groups require it to be on the green.
- 4No one on the green? Push
If nobody qualifies, nobody wins the hole and no money changes hands.
- 5Settle up
Add up each player's par 3 wins. Every win collects the stake from each other player who's in.
Four players at $5 a par 3
- Hole 3: Zak sticks it to 6 feet. Mark, Phil, and Cory pay him $5 each: $15.
- Hole 7: nobody hits the green. Push.
- Hole 12: Phil sits this game out, so only Mark, Zak, and Cory are in. Mark wins and collects $10.
- Your worst case is losing every par 3: four par 3s at $5 is $20.
Common variations
The most common rule: a ball off the green can't win, even if it's closer. That's when "No one" comes in.
Some groups carry a par 3 nobody wins to the next one. Three Putt treats it as a push.
Frequently asked questions
Can there be a tie?
No. One player wins each par 3. Measure if you have to.
What if nobody hits the green?
It's a push. Nobody wins the hole and no money changes hands.
Do I have to play if the rest of my group does?
No. Each player chooses whether they're in. Players who sit out don't pay and can't win.
Does it use handicaps?
No. It's measured off the tee, so handicaps don't apply.
Skip the 18th-green math
Three Putt scores Closest to the Pin for you and shows exactly who owes who. Everyone can score from their own phone, or one person can handle it. Nothing to download.
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