Organising a golf tournament seems complicated until you have done it once. The reality is that with good planning and the right decisions at the key moments, a well-run amateur tournament is perfectly achievable for any group, company or community that wants to create a memorable day.

This guide walks through the entire process: from choosing the format to the day of the event.

Before you start: the three questions that define everything

Before booking the course or designing the prizes, there are three questions that determine practically every decision that follows.

How many players will take part? A tournament of 20 people functions very differently to one of 80. The number determines the course, the format, the duration of the event and the budget.

What is the profile of the participants? A tournament among registered players with an official handicap requires different course management and a different set of rules to one among colleagues who play occasionally. Knowing the average level and the spread within the group is essential.

What is the main objective? Competition? Socialising and enjoyment? Brand visibility? Fundraising? The answer shapes the format, the level of rigour in applying the rules and the type of experience you want to create.

Choosing the course

Choosing the course is the most important decision in the process and it is worth taking time over it. Some criteria to consider:

Capacity and availability. A tournament of 80 players needs a course that can open multiple simultaneous tee times and absorb that volume without affecting the pace of play. Always confirm with the club that the chosen date has enough availability.

Difficulty appropriate for the group. A course with a very high Slope Rating can be frustrating for mid-level or high-handicap participants and extend the round excessively. Choose a course with a difficulty index that matches the group's profile.

Complementary facilities. Is there space for a prize-giving ceremony? Is there a restaurant or the possibility of organising catering? Are the changing rooms adequate for the number of participants? These details make a real difference to the overall experience.

Group green fee price. Most courses offer reduced rates for groups above a certain number of players. Negotiate the price before confirming the date — the margins are often wider than they appear, especially in low season or on weekdays.

With Teeup you can check the availability of partner courses and access special conditions for events and tournaments through the platform.

Choosing the format

The format determines how the tournament is scored and, to a large extent, how long rounds last and how engaged players of different levels remain throughout the day.

Stableford

The most common format in amateur tournaments. Players score using a points system (bogey = 1 point, par = 2, birdie = 3...) with handicap strokes applied hole by hole. Its advantages: it is quick, the handicap levels the playing field well, and a bad hole does not drag down the rest of the round.

Recommended for: tournaments with a wide range of levels, first-time organisers, large groups.

Medal (Stroke Play)

Players count every stroke and the net result (gross score minus the course handicap) determines the winner. It is the most demanding format and requires the most rigour in applying the rules.

Recommended for: players with an official handicap who are familiar with the rules, tournaments where the level of competition is the priority.

Scramble

A team format (usually pairs or groups of four) in which all members hit, the best shot is chosen, and everyone plays from that position. The result is collective.

Its advantages for the organiser: it is the most inclusive format (lower-level players contribute without their mistakes penalising the team), it generates much more interaction among participants, and round times are generally shorter.

Recommended for: corporate tournaments, events where socialising is the priority, groups with a wide range of levels.

Match Play

A hole-by-hole format between two players or two pairs. The winner is whoever wins more holes, regardless of the number of strokes per hole. It is exciting but logistically difficult to manage in large tournaments.

Recommended for: small-format leagues, multi-round circuits, tournaments where there is enough time to manage the draw.

Fourball

Two teams of two players compete hole by hole. In each hole the best score of the pair counts. Combined with handicap, it is a very balanced format with strong competitive tension.

Recommended for: medium-to-high level groups, tournaments where a team format is wanted with more individual weight than scramble.

Handicap management in the tournament

This is one of the most frequently questioned points, especially when the tournament mixes players with an official handicap and those without one.

If all players have an official WHS handicap: the process is straightforward. Calculate each player's Course Handicap (Handicap Index × Slope Rating / 113 + difference between Course Rating and par), and that is the number of strokes they receive. In Stableford, strokes are applied hole by hole following the Stroke Index (SI) order of the course.

If there are players without an official handicap: an estimated handicap needs to be assigned. The usual practice is for the organiser or an experienced player to assess the level and assign an indicative number (typically between 20 and 36 for recreational players). It is not perfect, but it allows the round to be competitive.

Handicap limits: in some tournaments, particularly corporate events or those with significant prizes, a maximum handicap limit is applied (for example, maximum 28 or 36) to avoid excessive advantages for players who declare a very high level.

Basic rules: what must be covered

A well-organised tournament needs clear rules that participants know before they tee off. They do not need to be extensive, but they must cover the essential points:

• Format of play and scoring system.
• Handicap application: how it is calculated, whether there is a maximum limit.
• Local rules of the course: special obstacles, GUR (ground under repair) areas, OB rules.
• Maximum playing time: many tournaments apply a time rule to prevent very slow groups from holding up the course.
• Lost ball and out of bounds: in amateur tournaments it is common to apply the provisional ball or the lateral relief rule with penalty to avoid stopping play.
• Tiebreaks: how ties are resolved if several players finish with the same score.
• Categories and prizes: whether there are categories by handicap level, gender or age.

Managing the course on the day

On the day, coordination with the club is essential.

Tee sheet. Most tournaments are organised with staggered tee times every 8-10 minutes to spread groups across the course. Prepare the tee sheet with assigned groups and distribute it in advance.

Initial briefing. Before the first tee times, a brief 5-10 minute briefing with all participants allows the rules to be reiterated, questions to be answered and the atmosphere of the event to be set.

Referees or reference points. In larger tournaments it is worth designating one or two people who know the rules well and can resolve disputes on the course.

Scorecard collection. Establish a collection point for scorecards at the end of the round and a clear process for reviewing and tallying scores.

Indicative budget for a 40-player tournament

Costs vary enormously depending on the course and the services included, but here is a rough breakdown:

Item	Indicative range
Green fees (40 × group price)	€1,200 – €3,200
Prizes (trophies, vouchers, equipment)	€300 – €800
Catering / post-round meal	€600 – €1,500
Organisation materials (scorecards, bags...)	€100 – €300
Sponsorship or entry fee	Variable (may cover part or all)

The entry fee per player is typically between €30 and €80 depending on whether it includes the green fee, food and prizes. With good negotiation on the group green fee and sponsors for prizes, a tournament of this size can be organised on a very tight budget.

The most common mistakes when organising a tournament

Not confirming course availability far enough in advance. Courses book up weeks or months ahead, particularly in high season or at weekends.

Underestimating round time. A group of 40 players can take between 4 and 5 hours to complete 18 holes. Plan the schedule with margin.

Not communicating the rules in advance. Questions and disputes on the course slow down play and create tension. A clear set of rules sent ahead of time prevents this.

Prizes that participants do not want. A sleeve of balls, a green fee voucher or relevant golf equipment always works better than a decorative object.

No contingency plan for the weather. In Spain the climate is usually favourable, but it is worth having clear protocols for rain or extreme wind.

With Teeup you can manage the logistics of your tournament, access courses with group conditions and connect with a community of players who already understand how organised golf works.

Download Teeup and start planning your next tournament.