PGA · Stars and Scrubs
What Is Stars and Scrubs in DFS?
Last updated October 5, 2026 by Ship It Nation
Stars and scrubs is a DFS lineup structure where you spend heavily on several expensive players and fill other roster spots with low-salary players. The cheap players free up salary for the stars; they are not necessarily bad players.
Why It Matters
In full-tournament golf contests at events with a cut, an eliminated golfer loses the chance to add points from later rounds. Evaluate each cheap golfer's scoring potential and likelihood of advancing rather than assuming low salary means a missed cut. Getting every golfer through improves your opportunities, but it does not guarantee a winning lineup; no-cut events remove this particular risk.
Example
Say you roster two expensive golfers on DraftKings and fill the other four spots with golfers priced below $7,000. Both expensive golfers contend, but two cheap golfers miss the cut. You keep their earlier points, yet only four golfers can add weekend scoring. A balanced lineup with all six advancing has more remaining scoring opportunities, though it is not guaranteed to beat yours.
Compare the points you gain by upgrading to a star with the points you sacrifice at the cheap spot. Check whether both players still fit your lineup's scoring scenario.
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Common Questions
Is stars and scrubs better for cash games or GPPs?
It can work in either. In cash games, prioritize cheap players with dependable opportunities. In GPPs, which are tournaments, more uncertain cheap players may fit a lineup built for a high score. When the same stars and cheap players are popular, consider how you will avoid duplicate lineups.
What is the opposite of a stars and scrubs lineup?
A balanced build. You spread more of your salary across mid-priced players instead of combining several expensive players with very cheap ones. Neither structure automatically scores more: compare the complete lineups rather than assuming that expensive players guarantee a higher ceiling.
Does stars and scrubs mean picking bad players?
No. Scrubs refers to low salaries, not necessarily poor ability. A cheap player can be underpriced because an injury creates a larger role before salaries adjust. A player with little opportunity is a different proposition, even if both players cost the same amount.