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Closest to the pin

On chosen par 3s, whoever puts their tee shot nearest the flag wins. One pot per hole, and a good reason to aim straight at the stick.

By Gustaf Bratt · Updated 2 September 2026

2 to 4 players Side bets

What is closest to the pin?

Closest to the pin is the classic par 3 bet found at every club competition. On the chosen short holes it is all about precision: whoever puts their tee shot nearest the flag wins the pot. It turns every par 3 into a little championship of its own, and gives even the shortest hitter a chance to shine.

How to play

  • Choose which holes count before the round, usually par 3s.
  • Everyone hits their tee shot at the green.
  • Whoever's ball finishes closest to the pin wins the hole.
  • Normally the ball has to be on the green to count.

How the pot is decided

Each chosen hole has its own pot: the stake times the number of players. The winner of the hole takes the whole pot for that hole. Play closest to the pin on several holes and there are several separate pots to fight over during the round.

Wager Golf lets you choose which holes count, mark the winner on the spot and works out the pots automatically, so there is no need to keep scraps of paper in your pocket.

A worked example

Say there are four of you and you agree a stake of 50 on two chosen par 3s, the 7th and the 16th. Each hole gets its own pot: 50 times four players is 200 per hole.

On the 7th, Anna puts her tee shot closest to the pin, with the ball on the green. She takes the whole 200 pot. Because she put in 50 herself, her net is +150 for that hole, and the other three are 50 down each.

On the 16th everyone misses the green except Erik, who wins the second pot the same way: +150 for Erik, 50 down each for the other three.

  • Pot per hole: stake × number of players (50 × 4 = 200)
  • The winner takes the whole pot; the net is the pot minus their own stake
  • Nobody on the green, no winner: the stakes stay put and no money moves

Add both holes together: Anna wins the 7th (+150) but loses her stake on the 16th (−50), netting +100. Erik the same the other way round, netting +100. The other two lose their stake on both holes, −50 plus −50, so −100 each. It balances out: +100, +100, −100, −100. Wager Golf works out the pots hole by hole and shows who owes whom.

Common questions

Which holes is closest to the pin played on?

Usually par 3s, where everyone hits the green from the tee. You choose between you which holes count before the round — one, two or every par 3 on the course.

Does the ball have to be on the green?

The most common rule is that the tee shot has to finish on the green to count. If nobody is on the green, nobody wins that hole, though you can agree a gentler rule if you prefer.

How is the pot decided?

On each chosen hole the pot is the stake times the number of players. Whoever lies closest to the pin takes the pot for that hole. If no winner is marked, no money moves.

What if two balls are exactly the same distance from the pin?

Measure again if you can, otherwise the two players split the pot. On a pot of 200 that is 100 each, giving +50 net each after their own stake, while the others remain 50 down.

Stop working out Closest to the pin by hand

Wager Golf works out the game and settlement automatically with the right WHS handicap, then shows exactly who owes whom.

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