Funnies (golf)

Funnies are terms used during a game of golf to describe various achievements, both positive and negative. They are different from traditional expressions such a birdie, eagle, etc. in that they do not necessarily refer to strict scores, but to unusual events which may happen in the course of a game. They are constantly being developed and there is some variation in their interpretation and usage throughout the world.

The main use of funnies is to add interest to informal matchplay games as they enable players to win something regardless of the overall outcome of the match. They are frequently associated with gambling, with money, usually small stakes, changing hands depending on which funnies occur.

The most common funnies and their usual meanings are:

These are all positive outcomes, resulting in a gain, either financial or simply in pride, for the successful player.

A negative funny is:

Less common funnies:

Positive:

Negative:

Other occurrences that are used for gambling:

Positive:

Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin are most usually competed for by all of those taking part on Golf Society or corporate days with prizes for the winners.

Negative:

"Carry the Can" Funnies:

Rather like Atlas, who incorrectly was said to have been left supporting the world on his shoulders when someone passed it to him, there is a category of Funny which passes from one player to another rather than simply being won or lost as you go along. Each time it is passed, the fund is increased by one as in a skins game and the player left holding the funny at the end of the round pays out the amount it has accumulated to each of the other players.

Most common:

Less common:

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Wikipedia