How to organise a mini golf tournament

A mini golf tournament runs smoothly when the course, player list and scoring system are settled before the day itself. Start by booking the course, defining the rules and setting a firm registration deadline. Then assign starter groups, prepare scorecards and print the match schedule. On the day, leave time for registration, equipment checks and a short rules briefing before the first round begins. Food, drinks and prizes also need a clear handover plan so they do not distract from scoring.

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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 rules
2 people
3
Send invitations
2 people
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Close the participant list
7
Assign starter groups
2 people
8
Confirm court reservation
9
Collect prizes and medals
10
Do the shopping
2 people
11
Prepare scorecards
2 people
12
Print the match schedule
13
Pack up the prize table
14
Fill coolers
2 people
15
Prepare snacks
3 people
16
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
17
Set up the registration table
2 people
18
Post competition information
2 people
19
Hang decorations
2 people
20
Check mini golf equipment
2 people

Event

21
Receive participants
3 people
22
Hand out race numbers
2 people
23
Explain the tournament rules
24
Guide the First Round
4 people
25
Enter first-round scores
2 people
26
Refill drinks
2 people
27
Serve snacks
3 people
28
Assist with the second round
4 people
29
Set up the dinner buffet
3 people
30
Serve dinner buffet
4 people
31
Guide the final round
4 people
32
Check final scores
2 people
33
Announce the winners
2 people
34
Present prizes and medals
2 people
35
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

36
Collect waste
3 people
37
Wash dishes
3 people
38
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
39
Clean the venue
3 people
40
Remove decorations
2 people
41
Pack leftover food
2 people
42
Return mini golf equipment
2 people
43
Empty coolers
2 people
44
Share the results

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
Registration desk
Buffet tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 4

Sports equipment

Mini golf clubsqty 60
Mini golf ballsqty 60
Scorecardsqty 180
Pencilsqty 60
Bib numbersqty 60
Conesqty 12
Measuring cup for scoresqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Megaphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 6
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Bread basketsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 80
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Trophiesqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the course before sending invitations, then confirm the reservation again shortly before the tournament. Check how many players each starting group can handle and build the schedule around that limit.
Close registration several days before the event, not on the morning itself. Use the final list to assign starter groups, record dietary requirements and prepare race numbers and scorecards.
Write the scoring rules in plain language and print enough copies for each group. Explain tie-breaks, penalties and how scores are submitted before players start the first round.
Prepare the registration table separately from the prize and buffet tables. Keep the laptop, printer, pencils and scorecards together, and test extension cords and power strips before participants arrive.
Plan the first hour minute by minute: open registration, check mini golf clubs and balls, give the rules briefing, start each group and enter first-round scores. Fill coolers and set out snacks before this sequence begins.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a mini golf course for a tournament?: Book the course as soon as you know the approximate group size, ideally at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Confirm the reservation again 3 to 7 days before the tournament, including the start time and number of players.
How many players should be in each mini golf group?: Use the course’s recommended group size, commonly 3 to 5 players. Smaller groups move more quickly and make scoring easier, while larger groups can create queues at each hole.
When should I close registration for a mini golf tournament?: Close the participant list 3 to 7 days before the event. This gives you time to assign starter groups, print the schedule and scorecards, and account for dietary requirements.
How long does a mini golf tournament take?: Allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes for an 18-hole round, depending on group size and course traffic. Add at least 30 minutes for registration, the rules briefing, score collection and prizes.

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