Bundle
Bundle is delightfully simple: everyone antes up to create a cash pot, and that bundle passes from player to player whenever someone makes a mistake. The player holding the bundle after 9 holes keeps half the pot; whoever has it at the end keeps the rest. Every shot matters because any mistake could cost you the cash.
How to Play
1. Create the Pot
Before teeing off, each player antes the agreed amount.
For a 4-player game with a $10 ante, the bundle pot is $40
2. Starting Position
Player 1 (first in the tee order) holds the bundle to start.
3. Bundle Passes
The bundle passes to the next player in the tee order when the current holder commits any of these "penalty events":
- Out of Bounds (OB)
- Water hazard / penalty area
- Double bogey or worse
- Three-putt
- Opponent makes birdie (bundle passes to the birdie maker)
4. Track the Holder
After each hole, record who holds the bundle. In Green Math, this updates automatically.
5. Split the Pot
The split ensures two winning moments:
- 9-Hole Round: Final holder keeps the entire pot
- 18-Hole Round: Holder after Hole 9: 50% of pot | Holder after Hole 18: Remaining 50%
Important: It's possible for the same player to win both halves!
Penalty Events in Detail
Out of Bounds
Bundle passes immediately when a shot goes OB. Passes to the next player in rotation.
Hazards
Any shot into water or red/yellow stakes. Includes shots you take a drop from.
Double Bogey+
Determined after the hole is complete. 2 or more over par on that hole.
Three-Putt
Requires 3+ putts on the green. Passes immediately when the third putt is holed.
Opponent Birdie
When any opponent makes birdie (1 under par), bundle goes directly to the birdie maker. If multiple players birdie, first one to hole out gets it.
Settlement Examples
Example 1: 18 holes, $10 ante, $40 pot
- After Hole 9: Player 2 holds bundle → wins $20
- After Hole 18: Player 4 holds bundle → wins $20
Example 2: 9 holes, $20 ante, $80 pot
- After Hole 9: Player 3 holds bundle → wins $80
Strategy & Psychology
When You Have It
- Play conservatively—fairways and greens
- Two-putt everything, even for birdie
- Avoid hero shots over water
- Focus on avoiding penalties rather than winning holes
When You Don't
- Attack pins to try for birdie (steals bundle)
- Watch others sweat—pressure causes mistakes
- Hope for others to blow up
- Play aggressively to create chaos
Momentum Swings
Bundle can change hands 3-4 times per hole. Front nine holder has huge incentive to protect it on holes 10-18. Players out of contention often play aggressively, causing chaos.
Variations
Back Nine Ante
After the Hole 9 split, everyone antes again for a fresh pot. Same rules for holes 10-18.
Birdie Bonus
Add side presses where birdies pay out separately. Keeps aggressive play in the mix.
Modified Penalties
Some groups only pass on OB and water (less chaos). Others add penalties for bunkers or missed greens.
Why Bundle Works
- Simple Rules: Easy to explain to new players
- Constant Drama: Bundle can change hands multiple times per hole
- Single Pot: No complex settlement math
- Twilight Perfect: Designed for quick nines with maximum engagement
- Everyone Watches: You care about every shot, even if you don't have the bundle
Recommended Stakes
- Conservative: $5 - $10 ante
- Moderate: $20 - $50 ante
- Aggressive: $50+ ante
Track Bundle Automatically with Green Math
Green Math tracks who holds the bundle in real-time, automatically passes it on penalty events, and handles the pot splits. No arguments, no confusion—just track scores and we'll tell you who gets paid.
Start a free round →