Green on 19
Achievement overlay

How to Play Dots / Junk

Also called: Junk · Garbage · Trash · Funnies · Side dots

Dots is a customizable collection of small golf side bets. Players earn 1 or more dots for pre-agreed achievements such as a greenie, sandy, barkie or long putt, then settle the net dot total after the round.

Best for

Groups that like constant mini-wins and want action independent of the main match.

Handicaps

Usually not needed. Define the achievement precisely so every player is judged by the same condition.

The clean version

Dots / Junk Rules

  1. 1

    Choose the exact achievements that earn positive or negative dots.

  2. 2

    Set one value per dot or assign different values by event.

  3. 3

    Record each event on the hole where it happens.

  4. 4

    Require any validation condition, such as making par after a greenie or sandy.

  5. 5

    Net every player's dots and settle using the agreed method.

Before the first tee

Set Up the Game

  • Choose 4 to 8 events
  • Define each event in one sentence
  • Set values and validation rules
  • Choose individual or bilateral settlement

Worked example

How the Scoring Works

A golfer hits the par-3 green closest to the pin and makes par, earning a Greenie. Later, that golfer makes par after a bunker shot and earns a Sandy. At $1 per dot, those events add $2 before netting.

A dispute-resistant starting point

Green on 19 Default Contract

Choose 4 to 8 events Define each event in one sentence Set values and validation rules Choose individual or bilateral settlement

Exact scoring math

Dots / Junk Formula

Player total = sum of each event count × its contracted value. Cash balance is the total relative to the group average.

Settle it before it starts

Disputes and Edge Cases

Lock ties, timing, multipliers, handicap use and maximum loss before tee-off. The written round contract controls any house-rule variation.

Mix it carefully

Can Dots / Junk Be Played With Other Games?

Dots are designed as an overlay. Keep the menu short enough to record without slowing play.

Best complementary games

NassauRead the companion guideSkinsRead the companion guideWolfRead the companion guideVegasRead the companion guideQuota / ChicagoRead the companion guideStablefordRead the companion guideSnakeRead the companion guide

House-rule territory

Popular Variations

  • Greenie for closest in regulation
  • Sandy for par or better from a bunker
  • Barkie for par after contacting a tree
  • Polie for a made putt longer than the flagstick
  • Negative dots for water balls or 3-putts

Play smarter

Strategy Without the Spreadsheet

  • Use names everyone understands and define edge cases before play.
  • Require validation when the group wants skill rather than luck to earn the dot.
  • Limit the menu; too many events create recording fatigue.

Quick answers

Dots / Junk FAQ

What are Dots in golf?

Dots are points for small on-course achievements or mistakes that are tracked alongside the main score.

What is the difference between Dots, Junk and Garbage?

They are common alternate names for the same customizable side-bet concept.

How many dot types should a group use?

Four to 8 clearly defined events usually creates variety without slowing the round.