1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Golf

Defender

By Brent Kelley, About.com

Definition: Defender is a betting game or points game for groups in which one member of the group per hole is designated as that hole's "defender." The defender's job is to get the lowest score on his hole; the other members of the group are trying to beat the defender.

Before teeing off, establish a rotation (for a threesome, A is the defender on the first hole, B on No. 2, C on No. 3, back to A on No. 4, and so on) for the Defender.

When the Defender successfully defends his hole - that is, gets the lowest score - he earns 3 points and the other players lose 1 point. If any member of the group beats the Defender, the defender loses 3 points and each other player gains 1 point. If the Defender ties for low score on his hole, the defender gains 1 1/2 points while the others lose a half-point.

Defender can be played just for points and bragging rights, or a dollar value can be assigned to the points and money divvied up at the end of the round.

For a twist on Defender, see Hog.

Explore Golf

About.com Special Features

Learn to Pitch

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Golf

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.