How to organize a mini golf tournament

A mini golf tournament works best when the format is fixed before you invite anyone. Decide how many rounds and players each group will have, then reserve the course and set a registration deadline. After that, collect dietary requirements, publish the rules and assign players to groups. Leave the final week for practical checks: print scorecards, confirm the booking, prepare prizes and send parking information. On the day, use separate registration and buffet tables so check-in does not block refreshments.

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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
Set the tournament format
2 people
2
Reserve the mini golf course
3
Send invitations
2 people
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Order prizes for the winners
7
Develop competition rules
2 people
8
Assign participants definitively
2 people
9
Confirm reservation final
10
Check the weather forecast
11
Print scorecards
12
Print participant list
13
Send route and parking information
14
Do the shopping
3 people
15
Check prizes and materials
2 people
16
Bundle scorecards and pens
2 people
17
Prepare decorations
2 people
18
Prepare snacks
3 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Pack up materials
2 people

Event

21
Open venue
2 people
22
Check the course and facilities
2 people
23
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
24
Set up the registration table
2 people
25
Set up the buffet table
3 people
26
Hang decorations
3 people
27
Test music and lighting
2 people
28
Receive participants
3 people
29
Hand out starter pack
2 people
30
Explain the tournament rules
31
Guide the Groups to the Lanes
4 people
32
Supervise the first round
4 people
33
Refill drinks
2 people
34
Process the interim results
2 people
35
Serve snacks
3 people
36
Supervise the second round
4 people
37
Set up the buffet
3 people
38
Serve the buffet
4 people
39
Guide the final round
3 people
40
Check final standings
2 people
41
Announce the winners
2 people
42
Say goodbye to participants
2 people

Aftercare

43
Collect waste
3 people
44
Wash dishes
3 people
45
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
46
Clean the venue
3 people
47
Pack up materials
2 people
48
Return borrowed items
2 people
49
Clear away leftover food
2 people
50
Send results to participants

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Mini golf clubsqty 32
Mini golf ballsqty 40
Scorecardsqty 40
Pensqty 40
Spare pencilsqty 10
Scoreboard
Prizesqty 3

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Buffet tableqty 2
Registration desk
Coolersqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Chargersqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 50
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Prize table sign
Directional signsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom
Litter picker
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the format before sending invitations. Set the number of holes, rounds and players per group, and decide how ties will be settled so the rules fit on one short handout.
Set registration and dietary deadlines at least 7 days before the tournament. This gives you time to make final group assignments and buy suitable snacks and drinks.
Confirm the course reservation twice: once when booking and again 2–3 days before the event. Check the start time, group size, facilities and what equipment the venue provides.
Prepare one scorecard and pen for every participant, plus spare pencils and a scoreboard. Bundle the materials by group so registration takes only a few minutes.
Finish the venue setup before players arrive. Place the registration desk near the entrance, keep the buffet table separate, and check extension cords, coolers, waste bins and directional signs before opening.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a mini golf course for a tournament?: Book the course at least 4–6 weeks ahead for a group tournament, especially if you need several consecutive start times. Confirm the reservation again 2–3 days before the event.
How many players should be in each mini golf group?: Use groups of 3–4 players for a smooth tournament. Larger groups often create delays at each hole, while groups of 2 can make the event feel less social.
When should I send mini golf tournament invitations?: Send invitations 3–4 weeks before the tournament and set the registration deadline 7 days before it. Keep the final week for assigning groups, printing the participant list and sharing route information.
What should I prepare for scoring at a mini golf tournament?: Prepare one scorecard and pen per participant, plus at least 10% spare pencils or pens. Have a visible scoreboard ready and decide in advance how you will check totals and resolve ties.

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