How to organise a mini golf tournament

A mini golf tournament runs smoothly when the course, competition format and participant list are settled before you start planning the extras. Reserve the course first, then set a date, open registration and allow time to assign teams and starting groups. On the day, participants need clear rules, scorecards and an easy registration point. Drinks, snacks, seating and prizes should be ready before the first group reaches the opening lane.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve the mini golf course
2
Set tournament date
3
Define the competition format
2 people
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Open the registration form
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Close the participant list
9
Assign teams
2 people
10
Put together start groups
2 people
11
Write out tournament rules
12
Order prizes
13
Checking lane rules
2 people
14
Print scorecards
15
Inform participants
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Collect prizes
18
Collect materials
2 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Prepare snacks
3 people
21
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
22
Set up registration desk
2 people
23
Set up competition table
2 people
24
Hang decorations
2 people
25
Connect the music
26
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
27
Sort scorecards
2 people
28
Set up the awards ceremony
2 people
29
Brief volunteers
3 people

Event

30
Receive participants
3 people
31
Register attendance
2 people
32
Brief starting groups
2 people
33
Guide the tournament round
4 people
34
Check scores
2 people
35
Refill drinks
2 people
36
Serve snacks
2 people
37
Restock the buffet
2 people
38
Guide the final round
3 people
39
Calculate final scores
2 people
40
Announce the winners
41
Present prizes
2 people
42
Serve the last drinks round
2 people
43
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

44
Collect waste
3 people
45
Wash dishes
2 people
46
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
47
Clean the venue
3 people
48
Pack up materials
2 people
49
Store leftover stock
2 people
50
Return borrowed materials
2 people
51
Send out the results
52
Share photos with participants

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Party tentsqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Sports equipment

Mini golf clubsqty 55
Mini golf ballsqty 70
Scoreboardsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Measuring tapeqty 2
Spare clubsqty 5

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Small bowlsqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6
Prize table sign

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Administration

Clipboardsqty 15
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 6
Prizes and trophiesqty 12
Name stickersqty 60
Scorecardsqty 70
Tournament rulesqty 15

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the course before announcing the date. Confirm the available lanes, booking hours and course rules, then choose a format that fits the number of participants and the time available.
Close registration before the tournament week, not on the day itself. Use the final list to assign teams, prepare start groups and collect dietary requirements without last-minute changes.
Write the rules in plain language and print enough scorecards for every player, plus a few spares. Check lane rules in advance so questions about obstacles, lost balls or tied scores do not interrupt play.
Set up the registration desk and competition table before participants arrive. Keep scoreboards, clubs, balls, spare clubs and the prize table in separate, clearly marked areas so people are not searching between rounds.
Plan refreshments around the playing schedule. Chill drinks before guests arrive, prepare snacks ahead of time and place reusable cups, plates and serving utensils where players can reach them without blocking the course.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a mini golf course?: Book the course as soon as you have an estimated group size, preferably at least 4 to 6 weeks before the tournament. Confirm the date, available lanes, playing time and any rules for outside food or decorations before sending invitations.
How many players should be in each mini golf group?: Use groups of 3 to 4 players where possible. This keeps play moving and makes it easier to manage scorecards; for a larger tournament, stagger the start groups rather than sending everyone to the first lane at once.
When should I close registration for a mini golf tournament?: Close the participant list about 5 to 7 days before the event. That gives you time to assign teams, prepare starting groups, print scorecards and check dietary requirements.
What food and drinks do I need for a mini golf tournament?: Plan at least 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person per additional hour. Choose snacks that can be eaten quickly between lanes, and prepare them before setup so serving does not delay the tournament.

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