The Ultimate Guide to Golf Outing Contests and Games
Golf outings and tournaments are fantastic opportunities for camaraderie, competition, and a bit of friendly rivalry. Whether you’re organizing a charity event, a corporate gathering, or a casual day out with friends, adding a variety of on course games and contests can make the experience even more memorable. In addition, these contests and games can provide additional sponsorship opportunities or generate additional revenue. If you’re looking for fun on course golf hole contest ideas, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some creative ideas to inject a bit of excitement into your next golf event.
Skill Prizes
Skill prizes are so common in outing and tournaments that players come to expect them. They are a fun challenge and give each team something else to play for.
Longest Drive Contest
This classic contest never fails to get participants excited. Usually done on a par-5 or long par 4, a prize can be offered for the longest drive that stays within the fairway. This not only challenges players to hit their best shots but also adds an element of suspense and fun.
Closest to the Pin
Place a marker on one of the par-3 holes and see who can get their ball closest to the pin. This contest is a great way to test players’ precision and short-game skills. For an extra twist, consider having multiple “Closest to the Pin” contests on different holes throughout the course.
Longest Putt
Place a marker on any green and whoever holes the longest putt wins the prize. This skill prize is always a hit because less skilled players have a better chance of winning than the other skill prizes.
Hole-in-One Challenge
This is the ultimate test of skill and luck. Choose a par-3 hole and offer a significant prize (think $5-10,000 or a car) for anyone who manages to sink a hole-in-one. There are several companies that offer ‘Hole-In-One Insurance’ which allows you to pay only a few hundred dollars and they cover the cost of the prize if a hole-in-one does occur.
On Hole Challenges
Placing challenges or contests on various holes throughout the event can make the round more interesting and fun while providing some sponsorship and revenue generating opportunities.
Fun Hole Formats
Most golf events are in a scramble format. This format creates a fun team atmosphere and reduces the pressure of a traditional round of golf. But even scrambles can get boring, especially when a team is only using shots from 1 or 2 of the best players. Designating some holes with a challenge or different formats can also introduce an element of strategy and team camaraderie that will enhance the experience.
Fore! Cards offers tee signs with a ton of options for fun twists to the standard scramble format.
Beat the Pro
Hire a golf pro and let participants challenge them on a specific hole. Players can try to beat the pro’s score, and those who succeed could win a prize or bragging rights. This is a great way to make the event more engaging.
Long Driver
Hire a long drive contest competitor and have them set up on a long par 4 or par 5. As groups come through the hole, they can make a donation to have the long driver hit a drive for them. This is not only extremely fun and entertaining but is a great way to drive donations of revenue for your event.
Bet the Green
Have someone set up on a long par 3 and take bets on whether each player will hit the green. For example, a player can bet $20 and if they hit the green, they win $40. You can also have the winnings paid back in donated pro shop credit or gift cards from a sponsor.
Random Tee Shot Challenge
The Random Tee Shot challenge requires each player to roll a 12-sided dice with each side representing a club. Players roll the Random Club Dice and must use whatever club they land on for their tee shot. Imagine trying to hit a driver into a 100 yard par 3. Prizes can be awarded for hitting the green or you can sell ‘mulligans’ where players can get another chance but have to roll the dice again. This fun challenge levels the playing field and adds a fun and challenging element to the hole
Between Hole Contests
Not all contests or challenges need to take place on a hole. Utilize the space in between holes to provide extra opportunities for fun experiences and generating revenue. Usually the pace of play at large outings can be slow with groups often waiting in between holes. Adding fun challenges in between hole can eliminate waiting and make the round a lot more enjoyable.
Putting Contest
As players cross over from hole 9 to 18, they will most likely pass by the practice green. This is a great opportunity to set up a putting course where players can pay an entry fee and compete for the best score. This is a fun way to showcase putting skills and engage players in a less strenuous contest.
Chipping Contest
Place targets at various distances and see who can land their ball closest to or in each target. This is a fantastic way to highlight and practice short-game skills, and it can be a fun and competitive addition to the event.
Conclusion
Incorporating these games and contests into your golf outing or tournament can transform a standard round of golf into an exhilarating and memorable experience. Whether you’re aiming for competitive excitement or just some light-hearted fun, these ideas offer a variety of ways to engage participants and create lasting memories. So grab your clubs, gather your friends, and get ready to elevate your next golf event!
Make your event more fun with Fore! Cards On Course Games Fore Events!