A greenie is a closest-to-the-pin side game. On a par 3, the player whose tee shot finishes on the green and closest to the hole wins the greenie. It's a quick, easy add-on to skins or a Nassau, and it gives everyone something to play for on every short hole.
Basic greenie rules
- On the green in one: the tee shot must finish on the putting surface.
- Closest to the pin wins. Measure, pace it off, or trust the group's eye.
- Many groups require par: the winner must make par or better, or there's no greenie.
- Each other player pays the winner the agreed value.
Common variations
- Every hole: closest approach on the green on any hole, not just par 3s.
- Carryovers: an unclaimed greenie rolls to the next par 3.
- Double greenie: a birdie by the greenie winner pays double.
Tracking greenies with Weekend Skins
Weekend Skins records a greenie winner, or No Greenie, on each hole, and adds it into the live standings and final results alongside your skins and Nassau. Your group decides which holes count and whether par is required; the app just records the result. Greenies are part of Weekend Skins Pro.
Greenie FAQ
Do you have to make par to win a greenie?
In many groups, yes: the player closest to the pin must make par or better to collect. If they don't, there's no greenie on that hole, or it carries over. Agree on the rule before the round.
Are greenies only on par 3s?
Usually. The classic greenie is on par 3s, for the player on the green in one shot and closest to the hole. Some groups also play greenies on every hole for the closest approach shot.
Can a greenie carry over?
Some groups carry an unclaimed greenie to the next par 3. Others simply award nothing. Either works; just decide up front.