Prizes are a big part of the fun of any golf day, society outing or club competition. A well-chosen trophy becomes a treasured memento; a thoughtful set of prizes makes every golfer feel involved, not just the winner. Whether you are organising a charity day, a corporate event or your society's annual championship, here is how to plan prizes that suit your budget and your players.
Planning your prizes
1. Set the budget
Decide how much you can spend on prizes, either from entry fees, sponsorship or donations. For charity events, donated prizes and sponsors can cover much of the cost. Read golf sponsorship for businesses.
2. Choose your categories
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Main competition | Winner, runner-up and third place (individual or team) |
| Divisions | Separate prizes for low, middle and high handicaps |
| Novelty prizes | Nearest the pin, longest drive, straightest drive, nearest in two |
| Spot prizes | Random draw, best-dressed, best score on a particular hole |
| Fun awards | Most improved, best team spirit, wooden spoon |
| Special prizes | Hole-in-one prize, birdie prizes, best gross score |
For format ideas, read golf formats and games explained.
3. Match prizes to the format
- Team scrambles: prizes for every member of the winning team.
- Stableford or medal: individual prizes, possibly by division.
- Match-play knockouts: a trophy for the winner and runner-up. Read match play golf.
Trophies
Types of trophy
- Cups and bowls: traditional and impressive, ideal for annual competitions.
- Plaques and shields: with space for engraving each year's winners.
- Crystal and glass: elegant awards for corporate events.
- Figurines and golf-themed awards: golfers, clubs or balls on a base.
- Medals: a low-cost option for every member of a team.
- Replica trophies: winners keep a smaller replica, while the main trophy stays with the club or society.
Perpetual trophies
A perpetual trophy is held by each year's winner and returned before the next event, with names engraved on a plate or base. It builds tradition and history. Make sure:
- Winners know when to return it.
- There is space for future engraving.
- The trophy is insured if valuable.
Engraving
- Order early: allow several weeks before the event.
- Confirm spellings of names and event titles.
- Keep it short: event name, year and winner.
- Engrave after the event for winners' names, or bring an engraving plate to fit later.
Prize ideas
Practical golf prizes
- Golf balls, always popular. Read choosing the right golf ball.
- Gloves, towels, umbrellas and headcovers.
- Rangefinders or GPS devices for big prizes. Read rangefinder vs GPS.
- Golf bags, trolleys or clothing.
- Pro-shop vouchers, letting winners choose.
Experience prizes
- Rounds at well-known courses.
- Golf lessons or a club fitting. Read custom golf club fitting.
- Golf breaks or resort stays.
- Simulator or entertainment-venue sessions. Read golf entertainment venues.
Non-golf prizes
Wine, food hampers, restaurant vouchers and gift cards appeal to everyone, including non-golfing partners.
For more ideas, read gift ideas for golfers.
Novelty competitions
Novelty competitions on selected holes keep everyone interested:
- Nearest the pin on a par 3: mark the closest ball with a marker or flag.
- Longest drive on a par 4 or 5, in the fairway.
- Straightest drive: closest to a line down the middle of the fairway.
- Nearest in two on a par 5.
- Longest putt holed on a particular green.
For a big prize, add a hole-in-one competition, often backed by prize indemnity insurance. Read our hole in one guide.
Presenting the prizes
- Plan the order: novelty prizes first, then divisions, then the main winners.
- Have the results checked before announcing them.
- Keep it short and fun, with a few words about each winner.
- Photograph winners with their trophies.
- Thank sponsors and helpers.
Read how to organise a golf day for the full event plan.
Fairness and transparency
- Publish the rules and prize structure in advance.
- Use official handicaps, and make sure players' handicaps are up to date. Read the World Handicap System explained.
- Avoid multiple prizes for the same player, or set a rule on how this is handled.
- Resolve ties with a published method, such as countback on the last nine, six, three and final hole.
Frequently asked questions
How many prizes should a golf day have?
Enough to make the day fun without diluting the main prizes: typically prizes for the top three individuals or teams, two to four novelty prizes and a few spot prizes.
How do you decide a tie in a golf competition?
Many events use a countback: the best score over the last nine holes, then the last six, three and final hole.
What is a perpetual trophy?
A trophy held by each year's winner and returned for the next event, with winners' names added over time.
What are good prizes for higher handicappers?
Handicap divisions, novelty prizes and spot prizes give all golfers a chance to win something.
The bottom line
Good prizes reward the winners and keep everyone else involved. Plan categories and a budget early, mix trophies with practical golf and non-golf prizes, add novelty competitions, order engraving in good time and present the prizes with a smile. Your golfers will remember the day, and want to come back next year. For more ways to make events memorable, read business golf guide.