Fun Formats, Great Gifts and Games Your Players Will Love

Formats That Always Work...

Scramble or Captain's Choice
The Scramble is probably the most-common format for team tournaments. It can be played by 2-, 3- or 4-person teams, and involves choosing the one best shot following every stroke, with each team member then playing again from that one spot. Variants include the Texas Scramble, Florida Scramble and Ambrose. Each team generates one team score.

Best Ball
In a Best Ball tournament, all members of each team play their own balls on each hole. At the completion of the hole, the lowest score among all team members serves as the team score. Best Ball can also be called Four Ball, and variations include 1-2-3 Best Ball. Remember, though, this format will take a bit longer as each player is playing his or her own ball tee to green.

Alternate Shot
Alternate Shot is a format for 2-person teams and is sometimes called Foursomes. The two players on a team alternate hitting shots, playing the same ball. Odds and Evens and Scotch Foursomes are other versions of Alternate Shot. Moves quickly because teams are only hitting half the shots!

Modified Stableford
A Stableford competition can be played by individuals or as a team tournament. In Modified Stableford, the idea is to have the highest score - because your score on each hole is worth a certain amount of points. A birdie, for example, might be worth 2 points, whereas a bogey is a minus 1. The International, played on the PGA Tour every year, is a Modified Stableford.

Callaway Scoring
The Callaway System is a quasi-handicapping system that can be employed for a stroke play event in which most or all of the particants do not have handicaps. The Callaway System involves consulting a chart following the round to determine a handicap deduction and handicap allowance. It levels the field and evens the competition without the hassle of having USGA Handicaps.

Many games can be employed to add fun (and fun-draising!) to your outing. You may choose any or all of these popular options...

Mulligans
Selling "do-overs" allows teams to buy a competitive advantage and adds strategy as to when they use them.

Forward Tees
Each team can purchase the ability to play from the very front tees. Like mulligans, it allows teams to buy a competitive advantage and adds strategy as to which holes they should choose.

Closest To The Pin, Long Drive, Straightest Drive, Longest Putt
These un-manned contests are almost a standard at most events. Be sure to consider separating them out among men/women/seniors as applicable.

Highest Score/Shortest Drive
Be sure to add some contests for your beginner and intermediate players. If all you do is offer Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive, you'll eliminate many of your players' chances to win. These can add laughs and fun if you know the "winner" will take it well!

Gifts and Prizes...
Your players will always have more fun if there is an attractive array of gifts and prizes available. While donated items keep your costs down, be sure to purchase some of your prizes in the Pro Shop because logo items from the course make great keepsakes of the day.