How to Organize a Footgolf Tournament

What Does Organizing a Footgolf Tournament Involve?

Organizing a footgolf tournament means turning a casual group of friends into a structured event with defined rules, scheduled play, and clear progression. At its core, you need to handle player registration, set a format (most commonly stroke play over 9 or 18 holes), assign tee times or playing groups, provide scorecards, plan breaks, and communicate results and next-round details. The goal is to ensure every player knows where to be, when to play, and how to advance.

Step 1: Determine the Number of Players and Course Capacity

Start by confirming how many players will participate. Footgolf is played on a golf course, often using the shorter tee boxes and larger holes. A standard footgolf course has 9 or 18 holes. Each hole takes about 5–10 minutes for a group of four, so a full 18-hole round can take 2–3 hours. The course layout dictates how many groups can start simultaneously: generally one group per hole, with tee times spaced 8–10 minutes apart.

Example: With 32 players and 9 holes, you could have 8 groups of 4, all starting on different holes (a "shotgun start") to finish around the same time. Alternatively, if the course requires sequential tee times, you might send groups off every 10 minutes from the first hole.

Step 2: Choose a Tournament Format and Build a Bracket

For a single-day event with friends, stroke play (total shots over the round) is easiest. If you want knockout excitement, use a bracket system after a qualifying round.

Stroke Play Format

Every player completes the same number of holes, and the lowest total score wins. This works for any number of participants and requires no elimination. You can split players into flights based on skill to keep it competitive.

Bracket Format

If you prefer match play, build a single-elimination bracket. The number of players should ideally be a power of two (8, 16, 32). If not, use byes or a qualifying round. For example, with 20 players, run a 9-hole stroke play qualifier, then take the top 16 into a bracket. Pairings can be random or seeded by qualifying score. Each match is played over 9 or 18 holes; the winner advances.

For a relaxed event, a round-robin or group stage can work, but it takes more time. A simple bracket keeps progression clear.

Step 3: Plan the Schedule, Including Tee Times and Breaks

Create a timeline that accounts for registration, warm-up, the round itself, and any breaks. A typical 18-hole footgolf round takes 2.5–3 hours. If you have multiple rounds (e.g., bracket play), you need to schedule breaks between rounds for rest and score tallying.

Example schedule for a 16-player bracket over 18 holes (shotgun start at 9:00 AM):

• 8:00 – 8:45: Player registration and warm-up
• 8:45 – 9:00: Rules briefing and group assignments
• 9:00 – 12:00: Round 1 (all 16 play stroke play to determine seeds, or first bracket matches)
• 12:00 – 1:00: Lunch break and score posting
• 1:00 – 3:30: Quarterfinals (8 players, groups tee off in order)
• 3:30 – 5:30: Semifinals and final (if time allows)

Always build in buffer time. Footgolf groups can be slowed by searching for balls or waiting on other groups. If using tee times, space them 8–10 minutes apart.

Step 4: Organize Playing Groups and Assign Tee Times

Group players to keep the pace of play smooth. Usually four players per group is maximum. Mix skill levels if it's a social event, or group similar skill levels for competition. Assign tee times or starting holes. If using a shotgun start, each group begins on a different hole simultaneously. If using sequential tee times, list each group's start time clearly.

For bracket play, pair opponents together in the same group. If a match finishes early, they can wait or proceed to the next hole only if the course allows.

Step 5: Prepare Scorecards and Scoring Procedures

Use standard footgolf scorecards, which list each hole, par, and space for player names and scores. In stroke play, each player records their own score and a playing partner verifies. In match play, the scorecard tracks holes won or lost. Have a central scoring table where players return cards after the round. For accuracy, designate a scorer per group or rotate the responsibility.

Step 6: Establish Tie-Break Rules in Advance

Decide how to handle ties before the tournament starts. Common methods:

• Sudden-death playoff: Tied players replay a designated hole until one wins.
• Scorecard playoff: Compare scores on the hardest hole (highest stroke index), then next hardest, etc.
• Retrogressive countback: Compare total scores on the last 9 holes, then last 6, last 3, last hole.

For stroke play, a scorecard playoff is easiest. For match play, a sudden-death playoff on a short hole works well. Put the tie-break rule in writing and announce it at the start.

Step 7: Communicate the Next Round Clearly

After each round, post results and the next round pairings in a visible location (clubhouse board, digital group chat, or printed sheets). For bracket play, show the bracket with names and times. Use a simple format like "Match 5: Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 2, Tee Time 1:10 PM, Hole 1". Also announce any changes over a loudspeaker if available.

Provide a tournament sheet with the full schedule, rules, and bracket so players can follow along. If using an online tool or spreadsheet, share the link.

Step 8: Handle Player Registration and Logistics

Set up a registration method: online form, email, or sign-up sheet. Collect names, contact info, and skill level. Limit entries based on course capacity. On tournament day, have a check-in table where players confirm attendance, pay any fee, and receive scorecards and rules. Keep a waiting list for last-minute dropouts.

Step 9: Plan for Course Layout and Local Rules

Obtain a course map showing footgolf tee boxes and holes. Mark out-of-bounds areas, hazards, and any local rules (e.g., maximum number of kicks per hole). Brief players on etiquette: stay quiet during kicks, don't walk in another player's line, and keep pace. If the course shares space with golfers, clarify right-of-way rules.

Step 10: Finalize Details and Run the Event

On the day, arrive early to set up signage, check tee markers, and coordinate with course staff. Use a clipboard or digital spreadsheet to track results. Have a volunteer at a central scoring table to answer questions and post updates. After the final round, hold a brief awards ceremony.

With these steps, you can turn a casual gathering into a smooth, enjoyable footgolf tournament that players will want to repeat.