Have you ever been thrilled to hit your shot into a sand bunker? OK, maybe “thrilled” is a stretch but have you ever thought: “This bunker shot could actually earn me a few dollars”? If you’re playing a side game called “sandies,” it absolutely can.
What’s a sandy in golf?
A sandy (or sandie) is a popular golf side bet. The sandy is awarded to a player who makes par or better on a hole after hitting their ball into a greenside bunker. To qualify, you must:
- Hit your approach shot into a bunker (usually around the green)
- Get out of the sand and onto the green
- Finish the hole with par or better
For example, if you find the bunker on your second shot on a par-4, hit the ball out of the sand and make the putt to save par, you just scored a sandy.
How much is a sandy worth?
Sandies reward great recovery and short-game skill. They mostly add excitement (and pressure) to bunker shots that might otherwise be dreaded. Usually, the group agrees to a fixed amount per sandy. Many times, it’s $1 or $5 and it pays out at the end of the round.
What other side games can you play?
If you’re playing with a group that likes to spice things up, sandies are often combined with other golf side games. If you only play sandies, you may find everyone a little too eager to hit their shots in the greenside bunker!
Greenies – A greenie is usually played only on par-3s. To win the greenie, you must be the first player to land your ball on the green in regulation (typically with your tee shot on a par-3) and be closest to the pin among the group. Some groups also require that you make par or better to claim the prize.
Birdies – A simple one: Make a birdie, win the pot. Some groups collect a birdie pool and divide it among all birdies made that day. Others pay a set amount for each birdie.
Barkies – Make par or better on a hole after hitting a tree (tree bark, get it?) somewhere along the way. It’s a reward for a well-recovered “scramble” hole.
Chippies – Chip in from off the green for par or better. Doesn’t matter how you got there. If the ball leaves the ground off the green and drops in, that’s a chippy.
Final thoughts
Adding games like birdies, greenies, barkies and sandies makes a casual round more engaging. Now, all you need is our guide on how to get out of the bunker in one shot. Check it out here. (How to Get Out Of the Bunker in One)
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