Mini golf tournament checklist

A mini golf tournament needs more than a course booking. Decide the format early, confirm the final reservation, and keep registrations, dietary requirements and group assignments in one place. On the day, the registration table, scorecards, pens, scoreboard and prizes should be ready before the first players arrive. This checklist also covers food, drinks, directions and the small setup details that are easy to leave until the last minute.

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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

Set the tournament format
2 people
Reserve the mini golf course
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Order prizes for the winners
Develop competition rules
2 people
Assign participants definitively
2 people
Confirm reservation final
Check the weather forecast
Print scorecards
Print participant list
Send route and parking information
Do the shopping
3 people
Check prizes and materials
2 people
Bundle scorecards and pens
2 people
Prepare decorations
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Pack up materials
2 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Check the course and facilities
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up the buffet table
3 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Test music and lighting
2 people
Receive participants
3 people
Hand out starter pack
2 people
Explain the tournament rules
Guide the Groups to the Lanes
4 people
Supervise the first round
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Process the interim results
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Supervise the second round
4 people
Set up the buffet
3 people
Serve the buffet
4 people
Guide the final round
3 people
Check final standings
2 people
Announce the winners
2 people
Say goodbye to participants
2 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Pack up materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Clear away leftover food
2 people
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

Set the tournament format before sending invitations. Decide how many rounds or holes each group will play, how scores are recorded, and how ties are settled so the competition rules are clear from the start.
Reserve the course and confirm the booking twice: once when you make it and again shortly before the event. Send route and parking information with the invitations, then check the weather forecast before the final confirmation.
Close registration early enough to assign participants definitively. Print the participant list, prepare one scorecard and pen per player, and pack spare pencils in case someone loses or breaks a pen.
Prepare the competition table separately from the buffet. Keep the scoreboard, prizes and prize table sign together, while reusable cups, plates, cutlery, serving platters and serving spoons stay at the food table.
Finish the physical setup before guests arrive. Allow time to check the course and facilities, arrange tables and chairs, set up registration and buffet tables, chill drinks, and place directional signs where players need them.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a mini golf tournament?: Book the course as soon as you know the likely group size, ideally at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Confirm the final reservation again 3 to 7 days before the tournament.
How many scorecards and pens do I need for a mini golf tournament?: Prepare one scorecard and one pen per participant, plus at least 10% extra. For 30 players, pack 33 scorecards, 33 pens and several spare pencils.
When should I close registrations for a mini golf tournament?: Close registrations 7 to 10 days before the event. That gives you time to collect dietary requirements, assign groups definitively, print the participant list and order prizes.
How early should I arrive to set up a mini golf tournament?: Arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the first tee time. Use that time to check the course, set up the registration and buffet tables, chill drinks, bundle scorecards and pens, and place the prizes.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.