Table of contents
Key takeaways
- The tee sheet is the backbone - get the intervals right and pace of play follows
- Pin placements and tee markers need to be set specifically for competition, not left from casual play
- A starter on the first tee manages the flow and catches issues before they become post-round disputes
- Scorecards should be checked for accuracy before results are posted - unsigned or miscalculated cards cause headaches
- Lightning protocols are non-negotiable on a golf course - know the procedure before tournament day
It's 7:15 on a Saturday morning. The club championship shotgun start is at 8:00. Two pin placements are within three feet of the edge. The tee markers on the 7th haven't been moved from yesterday's position. The scoring tent doesn't have pencils. And the starter - the person managing the first tee - hasn't arrived.
Golf tournaments at community clubs look simple from outside: people play golf, someone collects the cards, results get posted. In practice, tee sheet management, course preparation, rules administration, and results processing all need specific attention.
This is the operational guide.
The midweek timeline
Wednesday - confirm
Tee sheet: Build the tee sheet or shotgun assignment. Confirm entries. Intervals: 8-10 minutes for stroke play, 10-12 for four-ball formats.
Course setup request: Brief the superintendent on pin positions (fair, not tucked) and tee marker placement for the competition tees.
Volunteers: Starter, scorer/results processor, course marshal if needed.
Friday - final checks
Course walk: Verify pin positions, tee markers, hazard markings, and course condition. Confirm scorecards are printed with correct hole handicaps.
Tournament day timeline
60 minutes before - starter in position
- Tee sheet displayed at the pro shop and first tee
- Scorecards distributed
- Local rules and tournament conditions posted
- Practice facilities open
Tournament play
- Starter manages groups onto the course
- Course marshal monitors pace of play
- Scorer collects and checks cards post-round
Post-round
- Cards verified: signatures, totals, handicap calculations
- Results compiled and posted within two hours
- GHIN handicap system updated
- Prize distribution
Equipment checklist
- ] Scorecards (tournament-specific, printed)
- ] Pin position sheet for players
- ] Local rules sheet posted at first tee
- ] Score collection box or tent
- ] Results board
- ] Pencils (many pencils)
- ] Closest-to-the-pin markers (if applicable)
- ] Cart signs with tournament rules
Weather protocol
Lightning: Sound the horn/siren when lightning is visible or thunder is audible. All players off the course immediately. 30/30 rule applies. The tournament committee has sole authority to suspend and resume play.
How TidyHQ helps
Golf clubs managing tournament programs, membership categories, and handicap tracking benefit from having everything in one system. Our event management tools handle recurring tournaments, entry management, and results communication. The membership database tracks member categories, guest fees, and competition participation.
Frequently asked questions
What tee time interval should we use?
8-10 minutes for individual stroke play. 10-12 minutes for four-ball or team formats. For shotgun starts, all groups start simultaneously - tournament must finish within the course's time window.
How do we handle slow play?
A course marshal with authority to speak to groups. Published pace-of-play expectations. Some clubs use timing systems for competitive events. The marshal is the most effective measure.
How quickly should results be posted?
Within two hours of the last card being returned. Members expect same-day results.
Golf tournament planning is systematic work. Tee sheet, pin positions, scorecards, results processing. Start on Wednesday, confirm by Friday, and trust the checklist on Saturday.
References
- USGA (United States Golf Association) - The governing body for golf in the US, including Rules of Golf and handicap system
- GHIN (Golf Handicap and Information Network) - USGA's handicap management system
- PGA of America - Professional development and tournament management resources
Header image: by Sebastian Luna, via Pexels
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