Steps to Running a Successful Miniature Golf Tournament

Running a successful miniature golf tournament, like any athletic event, requires planning, participation and funding. Whether your tournament is for a small group or a larger field of experienced players, you can make the tournament a memorable experience for everyone involved by taking the time to get organized before the mini golfers begin showing up at the first tee.

  1. Preparation

    • The first things you'll need to decide on for the tournament are a date and time. Once a date and time are selected, it's time to secure a venue. Most communities in the United States have a miniature golf course nearby, so finding a place to hold the tournament shouldn't be difficult. Contact the course where you want to hold the tournament and reserve it for the date and time of your choice. Doing this will ensure the course's availability for the selected time and date. If your group is small, it's likely the course will not need to provide you with a reservation, but it is best to check.

    Funding

    • Depending on the size of miniature golf tournament you are planning, the course will eventually need to be paid for the use of its facilities. If the tournament is a fundraiser, simply charge an entrance fee that covers course fees, participatory paraphernalia such as t-shirts, and a little extra for the organization for which funds are being raised. The course will provide the necessary equipment, like clubs and balls, and will likely allow you to pay on the day of the tournament. In some instances, the course may require a down payment for the reservation.

    Advertising and Prizes

    • If your objective is to attract as many players as possible, find out if the course will allow you to advertise the tournament. If your field is limited to a specialized group of participants, such as a church congregation, make sure the event is advertised where the group regularly gathers. You can also raise funds by contacting local businesses about purchasing sponsorship of particular holes. Sponsorship can go for $25 a hole or whatever you feel will sell. Awarding top finishers for their performances is something that shouldn't be overlooked. Figure the expenditures for trophies, certificates or other awards into the entrance fee. You might want to use the monies collected from entrance fees as the top prizes.

    Tee Time

    • Once the tournament's field has been established, group the participants into groups of two or four, or however many you wish. On tournament day, arrive at the course well before the tee time to make sure things are in order with the course. Use this time to set up sponsored advertising, tables, chairs or whatever else is needed to run the event. Instruct other tournament personnel to arrive early to ensure pre-tournament preparations are handled. When the tournament is over, consider holding a post-tournament dinner or ceremony at a nearby pizza parlor or sports bar. These types of establishments often welcome gatherings of this nature.