18 Fun Contest Ideas for Every Hole at Your Golf Tournament

Classic Contests

These are the staples. If you're not already doing them, start here.

1. Closest to the Pin (Par 3) — The most common contest. Place a marker, measure distances, and award the winner at dinner.
2. Longest Drive (Par 4 or 5) — Pick a wide, straight hole. Mark a landing zone — ball must be in the fairway to qualify.
3. Straightest Drive — String a line down the center of the fairway. Closest ball to the line wins.
4. Longest Putt — Any hole. Mark the longest made putt. Players self-report or a volunteer verifies.
5. Putting Contest (Practice Green) — Before or after the round, run a putting contest. Three balls from 20 feet — most made wins.

Skill Challenges

6. Chipping Challenge — Set up a target on the fairway or near a green. Players chip from a set distance. Closest wins.
7. Beat the Pro — Hire a local pro or long-drive competitor. Players try to beat their shot.
8. Hole-in-One Contest — Offer a big prize (car, vacation, cash) through hole-in-one insurance.
9. Accuracy Challenge — Set up a target in the fairway. Closest ball wins.
10. Flop Shot Challenge — Players attempt a flop shot over a bunker or obstacle. Closest to the pin wins.

Fun & Silly Games

11. Marshmallow Drive — One player per team hits a marshmallow instead of a golf ball. Longest marshmallow wins. Pure comedy.
12. Poker Run — At each of 5 designated holes, players draw a card. Best poker hand at the end wins.
13. String Game — Each team gets a length of string (e.g., 10 feet). They can use it to move their ball closer to the hole — but once it's gone, it's gone.
14. Mulligan Hole — Sell mulligans at registration, but only allow them on one designated hole. Creates drama.
15. Wheel Spin — Set up a prize wheel at a hole. Every player spins once. Small prizes, swag, or raffle entries.

Sponsor Activations

16. Sponsor Tent with Giveaway — Sponsor sets up a tent at a tee box. They hand out swag, collect business cards, or run a mini-contest.
17. Beverage Hole — A sponsor provides drinks at a specific hole. Brand visibility plus player appreciation.
18. Photo Booth Hole — Set up a branded photo backdrop at a scenic hole. Players take photos and tag the sponsor.

Planning Your Hole-by-Hole Layout

You don't need a contest on every hole. A good mix:

• 2–3 closest-to-the-pin (par 3s)
• 1 longest drive (wide par 4 or 5)
• 1–2 fun games (poker run, marshmallow drive, etc.)
• 2–3 sponsor activations (tents, beverage holes, giveaways)
• 1 hole-in-one contest (if using insurance)

Space them out so there's something to look forward to every few holes.

Logistics Tips

• Mark contest holes clearly. Signs at the tee box should explain the rules.
• Have volunteers at key holes. Someone needs to measure closest-to-the-pin and verify longest drives.
• Collect results in real time. Use a group chat, walkie-talkies, or tournament software to track contest leaders.
• Announce winners at dinner. Build suspense by revealing results during the awards ceremony.

How to Involve Sponsors

Contests are a great sponsorship opportunity. Offer:

• Contest naming rights: "The [Sponsor] Closest to the Pin"
• Hole activation: Sponsor staffs a tent and interacts with players
• Prize sponsorship: Sponsor provides the prize in exchange for recognition

Final Thought

Contests and activations turn a round of golf into an experience. They give players stories to tell, sponsors visibility, and organizers more ways to engage the field. Pick a few that fit your event and execute them well.