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
Sponsor Integration
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 Management
- 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?
- Read the complete setup guide
- Create your first contest from your event dashboard
- Add sponsors and configure prizes
- Activate contests when your event begins
- Announce winners at your awards ceremony