Green on 19
Team points

How to Play Umbrella

Also called: Umbrella game · Five-point Umbrella · Six-point game

Umbrella is a 4-player, 2-vs-2 points game. Teams compete for a menu of hole points, often low individual score, low team total, birdie, greenie and proximity achievements. Winning every available point opens the Umbrella and usually doubles the hole.

Best for

Foursomes that want several ways to contribute on every hole.

Handicaps

Net scoring is recommended for low-score points; skill-event points may remain gross.

The clean version

Umbrella Rules

  1. 1

    Create 2 teams of 2 and publish the points available on every hole.

  2. 2

    Award each point independently using gross or net treatment defined for that category.

  3. 3

    Total the points won by each team on the hole.

  4. 4

    If one team wins every available point, apply the agreed Umbrella or sweep multiplier.

  5. 5

    Add the net point result across 18 holes.

Before the first tee

Set Up the Game

  • Choose teams
  • Publish the point menu
  • Define net and gross categories
  • Set sweep multiplier and maximum per-hole loss

Worked example

How the Scoring Works

With 5 points available, Team A wins low ball, low total, birdie, greenie and closest-to-pin. Team A sweeps 5-0; if the Umbrella doubles a sweep, the hole counts as 10 points.

Mix it carefully

Can Umbrella Be Played With Other Games?

Umbrella already bundles multiple side events. Adding more event or multiplier games duplicates scoring and raises exposure.

Best complementary games

SnakeRead the companion guide

House-rule territory

Popular Variations

  • Five- or six-point menus
  • Birdie point only on par 4s and 5s
  • Automatic partner rotation
  • No sweep multiplier

Play smarter

Strategy Without the Spreadsheet

  • A player can help through team total even after losing low ball.
  • Know which points are still alive before conceding or picking up.
  • Cap sweep exposure because one hole can contain many units.

Quick answers

Umbrella FAQ

What opens the Umbrella?

One team winning every point available on the hole, usually triggering a multiplier.

How many points are used in Umbrella?

House versions commonly use 5 or 6; the group must publish the exact menu.

Can Umbrella be combined with Dots?

It can, but it is usually a poor fit because Umbrella already includes several achievement points.