Golf forum

Hello All

I was hoping for a bit of advice. My brother and I have organised a Golf day in a few weeks time.

We aim to do 18 holes in the morning then another 18 holes in the afternoon , there should be about 20 lads involved. I was after some ideas on the best way to score each round ( Stableford , Matchplay etc) and any other side comps we could throw in ( Longest Drive , Nearest the pin etc ) and how they are judged.

I hope thats clear enough . Its the 1st one we've organised so any suggestions , tips ideas are welcome .

Thanks

Al

Easiest way to score is Stableford.  get each group to swop cards and mark the holes where extra shots are given. So for over 18 handicappers mark holes with 2 shots, under 18 handicappers mark holes with 1 shot.

If the group do not know scoring remind them - net score, then 1 pt for a bogey, 2 for par, 3 for a birdie and 4 for an eagle etc.

Side comps. Speak to the pro at the golf course, they will suggest the ideal holes for nearest to the pin and longest drive. They may even have markers available. For both competitions the first group out will place the marker. Also have a piece of paer to write names on.  As other groups come along, they can move the marker if they do better, and also wrote their name on  the paper. The last group will then collect and bring back the markers.  Ask everyone to turn the markers sideways to reduce the hitting area of the marker.

 If you have any special features on any hole, then you can turn them into mini side competitions as well. FDro e.g on sunday at the HHC 2 we had a sweepstake for the numebr fo balls that ended up in the water at the 18th.

I am sure other will contribute ideas.

I'd advise against 36 holes in a day. 27 is sensible, but it's your decision.

Stableford is better than matchplay for a golf day,a s you arrive at an overall winner in just 18 holes.

Side comps like Satwinder said are good on signature holes covered with water, or on a course I played in the past with horrendous rough we had a sweep before the round for the number of balls lost throughout the day. Winner got a dozen balls, or a pro shop voucher.

Don't offer any CASH prizes, as it it not permitted under amateur rules. Some people say that ubnder a certain value is fine, and I'm afraid they are wrong. A bet between playing partners is one thing. An organiser offering cash prizes is another. I know you haven't mentioned this, but it needs to be said.

Yes, i would go the stableford route.

Players can then pick up when they have ran out of shots - keeping the game flowing.

Nearest the pin

Longest drive

Best scores on par 3's only

least number of putts

Having organised a similar event Alan i would keep it simple.

In the morning 18 holes of Stableford. It keeps things moving faster than stroke play and prevents players becoming dishearted if they score a 9 on the 1st hole.

Closest to pin and longest drive are common and very easy to set up even if the pro isnt available to help. First group go out with the pegs and last group bring them back in to the clubhouse simple.

If you have time then a 9 hole texas scramble is always fun. You can use the results of the stableford to split the groups evenly.

A good tip too is to make sure you are in the first group as you can then start totting up the scores back at the clubhouse without being too pressured.

Good luck with it!