How to Play the 'KP Duty' Game

In the Army, "KP duty" refers to kitchen duties (potato peeling, dish washing, etc.). In golf, "KP," for some reason, stands for "closest to the pin." So in the golf game named "KP Duty," golfers are trying to earn points by being closest to the pin on each green.

Actually, there are a couple ways to earn points in KP Duty, because what is the first step in winning closest to the pin? Getting your ball on the putting surface in regulation.

This is how points are earned in the standard version of KP Duty:

• Any golfer in the group (2, 3, or 4 golfers) earns a point by hitting the green in regulation.
• The one golfer whose ball is closest to the pin (among those who earned GIRs) earns an additional point.

Let's make sure we understand the term "green in regulation." Each hole's par is a combination of two putts plus the expected number of strokes an expert golfer needs to reach the green. So on a par-3 hole, a green in regulation means hitting the green with your first stroke; on a par-4, with your second stroke; on a par-5, at least by your third stroke. Do that in KP Duty and you earn the GIR point.

And then, if you are also the closest to the pin among your fellow-competitors, you also earn the KP point. (Of course, if you are the only one in the group who hits the green in regulation, you automatically get the KP point.)

You can wager on KP Duty, if you wish, by adding up points at the end and paying out the differences; or by playing for a single pot to which the group members contribute at the beginning of the round.

A group of four golfers can play KP Duty as individuals, or can pair off into a 2-vs.-2 game in which the points earned by each member of a side are added together. Some groups stipulate that if the closest-to-the-pin point earner also 1-putts, he earns two points instead of one for the KP.

More golf games:

• How to play Oozles and Foozles
• The Greenies side game explained
• Long list of golf games and side bets