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FeaturesContests & Side Games

Contests & Side Games

Run exciting side competitions alongside your main tournament with sponsor integration, prize tracking, and real-time leaderboards.

Overview

Contests (also known as side games) are optional competitions that add excitement and engagement to golf events. Unlike the main tournament competition, contests focus on specific achievements at designated holes, creating additional prize opportunities and sponsorship value.

Available Contest Types

Hole-in-One

The marquee contest at charity and corporate events. A player who aces a designated par 3 wins a significant prize, typically covered by hole-in-one insurance.

Perfect for: Charity events, corporate outings with major sponsors

Closest to Pin (CTP)

Measure which player’s tee shot lands closest to the hole on par 3s. Multiple players can win across different holes.

Perfect for: All event types, multiple sponsorship opportunities

Longest Drive

Award the player who hits the longest drive in the fairway. Tests power and showcases skill.

Perfect for: Corporate outings, player engagement

Straightest Drive

Award the drive closest to the fairway center line. Tests accuracy over power.

Perfect for: Events emphasizing accuracy, additional sponsor opportunities

Putting Contest

A separate putting competition on the practice green. Engages players during registration or post-round.

Perfect for: Registration area activity, additional engagement

Key Features

Per-Hole Assignment

Assign contests to specific holes:

  • Multiple contests per hole supported
  • Par 3s for CTP and Hole-in-One
  • Wide par 4/5s for Longest Drive
  • Easily identify contest holes on course maps

Maximize sponsor value with built-in sponsor tracking:

  • Sponsor name display
  • Logo upload and management
  • Website links for sponsor attribution
  • Easy reporting for sponsor recognition

Prize Management

Track prizes across all contests:

  • Prize descriptions for player visibility
  • Prize values for budgeting
  • Support for cash, merchandise, and experience prizes
  • Clear winner tracking for prize distribution

Hole-in-One Insurance

Professional insurance tracking for major prize contests:

  • Insurance provider information
  • Policy number reference
  • Coverage amount documentation
  • Claims documentation support

Entry Verification

Ensure accurate results with verification workflow:

  • Staff can verify entries at contest holes
  • Verified vs. unverified status tracking
  • Administrator override capability
  • Audit trail for all entries

Real-Time Leaderboards

Live contest standings for player engagement:

  • Instant updates as entries are submitted
  • Shareable leaderboard links
  • Mobile-optimized display
  • Separate from main tournament leaderboards

Measurement Tracking

Precise result recording:

  • Distance tracking (feet, inches, yards)
  • Automatic sorting by performance
  • Tie-breaking support
  • Historical result storage

Contest Lifecycle

Draft

Initial setup phase:

  • Configure contest details
  • Add sponsors and prizes
  • Test before going live
  • Not visible to players

Active

Live competition phase:

  • Accepting entries from staff/volunteers
  • Real-time leaderboard updates
  • Player visibility on contest standings
  • Status persists throughout event

Completed

Final results phase:

  • Entries locked for accuracy
  • Winners finalized
  • Prize distribution ready
  • Results available for reporting

Use Cases

Charity Golf Events

Contests are essential for charity fundraising:

  • Hole-in-One with car prize drives major donations
  • Multiple CTP contests create sponsor opportunities
  • Putting contest generates registration area engagement
  • Prize auctions and raffles complement contests

Corporate Outings

Enhance corporate events with professional contests:

  • Sponsor visibility at contest holes
  • Prize value matches corporate budgets
  • Multiple winners across different contests
  • Professional signage and branding opportunities

Club Tournaments

Add excitement to member events:

  • Lower-cost prizes appropriate for club setting
  • Multiple par 3 CTP contests
  • Pro shop credit as prizes
  • Member bragging rights

Buddy Trips

Fun side games for golf vacations:

  • Cash pots for contest winners
  • Daily contest opportunities
  • Tracking across multiple rounds
  • End-of-trip prize distribution

Integration Points

Event Management

  • Contests linked to specific events
  • Access from event dashboard
  • Included in event reporting
  • Visibility in player materials

Scoring System

  • Contest entries visible in player activity
  • Separate from round scoring
  • Does not affect tournament standings
  • Complementary engagement layer

Leaderboards

  • Dedicated contest leaderboards
  • Separate from competition standings
  • Shareable public links
  • Mobile-responsive display
  • Sponsor branding on contest pages
  • Logo display in results
  • Website attribution links
  • Recognition tracking

Reporting

Track contest performance:

  • Entry counts per contest
  • Winner information
  • Prize distribution records
  • Sponsor attribution data

Getting Started

Ready to add contests to your next event?

  1. Read the complete setup guide
  2. Create your first contest from your event dashboard
  3. Add sponsors and configure prizes
  4. Activate contests when your event begins
  5. Announce winners at your awards ceremony