Competition Awards
These recognize skill and performance on the course.
- Low Gross (Overall) — The lowest score without handicap adjustments.
- Low Net (Overall) — The lowest score after handicap adjustments.
- Low Gross / Low Net by Flight — Break the field into skill-based flights and award winners in each.
- Closest to the Pin — The classic. Usually on a par 3.
- Longest Drive — Measured on a straight, wide fairway.
- Longest Putt — Mark the longest made putt during the round.
- Straightest Drive — Closest to a centerline wins. Rewards accuracy over power.
- Closest to the Line — Closest ball to a marked line across the fairway.
- Putting Contest Winner — Run a putting contest before or after the round.
- Hole-in-One — If someone makes one, they deserve recognition.
Fun & Humor Awards
These keep the mood light and give everyone a shot at recognition.
- Best Dressed — Individual or team. Let the crowd vote.
- Best Team Name — Award the most creative team name.
- Most Honest Golfer — For the team with the highest score. Awarded with good humor.
- Golden Mulligan — For the player who used their mulligans most strategically (or desperately).
- Best Golf Cart Decoration — If you allow cart decorating, award the most creative one.
- Best Celebration — Most enthusiastic reaction to a great shot.
- Closest to the Beer Cart — Closest ball to where the beverage cart is parked.
- Sand Trap Survivor — For the player who escaped the most bunkers.
- Water Hazard Hero — For the player who found the most water — and kept playing.
- Most Improved — For returning events, recognize who improved the most year-over-year.
Team Spirit Awards
- Best Team Theme — Matching outfits, coordinated costumes, or a creative concept.
- Loudest Cheering Section — For the team with the most enthusiastic fans.
- Spirit of the Game — A sportsmanship award for the team that best represented the event's values.
Raffle & Random Awards
- Door Prize Drawings — Random drawings for all registered players.
- Hole Sponsor Giveaways — Let sponsors award prizes at their holes.
Award Ideas by Budget
Low budget:
- Certificates
- Trophies from a local shop ($10–$30)
- Gift cards ($25–$50)
- Pro shop credit
- Free round of golf
Mid budget:
- Engraved trophies or plaques
- Golf accessories (rangefinders, bags, push carts)
- Gift baskets
- Restaurant or experience gift cards
High budget:
- Custom championship belts
- Weekend golf trips
- High-end clubs or equipment
- Cash prizes
- Hole-in-one car or vacation (via insurance)
Tips for a Great Awards Ceremony
- Keep it short. 15–20 minutes max.
- Announce in order of excitement. Start with fun awards, build to the big winners.
- Use a leaderboard. Display scores on a screen so everyone can follow along.
- Thank sponsors. Mention them as you hand out prizes.
- Have prizes ready. Nothing kills momentum like scrambling to find things.
- Take photos. Winners with their prizes make great social content.
Final Thought
Awards are about more than trophies. They're moments — chances to recognize players, celebrate the day, and send people home with a story. Mix competition with creativity, and your tournament will be the one people remember.
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