Tips For Playing in Your First Golf Tournament
Playing in your first golf tournament can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. To help you navigate through your first tournament successfully, here are six tips:
What to bring: Your golf clubs (if you need to rent some, call the golf course in advance to let them know), golf shoes (if you have them), golf balls, tees, a ball marker, a jacket and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and a snack for on the course - tournaments often take longer to play than a casual round. If there’s rain in the forecast, you might want to bring an umbrella.
When to get there: Aim to get to the golf course an hour before the tournament start time. You’ll need to check in at registration, get your clubs on your cart and warm up. Check the tournament agenda to see if there’s any other activities like shopping, games, etc. before your tee time, if so, you may want to arrive earlier to participate.
Tournament Lingo: There’s a few golf tournament terms you might not be familiar with. Here’s a cheat sheet to help you understand the day a bit better…
A shotgun start is when players start at every hole on the course at the same time. This means everyone finishes at the same time. If the tournament is a shotgun start, you’ll need to be at your golf cart or golf bag (if you’re walking) about 30 minutes before the shotgun start so you can get out to your hole.
Stroke play format is when everyone in the group keeps their own score, counting all their shots.
A scramble format is more relaxed than stroke play. Each player on a team hits off the tee, but then everyone plays from the spot of the best shot. This continues with every shot until the ball is in the hole. You’re always hitting from where the best shot is.
Alternate shot is when two partners form a team and alternate shots on a single ball.
Best ball is when players form a team but each play their own golf ball. After each hole, the lowest (best) score is used as the team score.
What to wear: Your golf attire. Check with the golf course to see if there’s a dress code. Also check the tournament details to see if there’s a dinner after golf and if that requires a change of clothes. Some tournaments might have a “theme” which means you can bring a couple accessories or an outfit that goes with the theme - get creative! Don’t forget to check the weather to see if you need to bring warmer layers or rain gear!
Course Etiquette: Knowing basic golf etiquette is key to playing in a tournament so you’re respectful to your playing partners. Here’s a couple things to remember
Don’t talk or make noise when people are getting ready or hitting a shot.
Don’t stand in front of people hitting or in their line of sight. Stand still and to the side when they’re hitting so they can focus on the ball and the hole.
Don’t walk in people’s “line” on the green. In other words, don’t step on the grass where the ball will roll from their putter to the hole — it can leave an imprint and ruin their putt.
Keep up with pace of play by only taking one practice swing, getting ready to hit your shot while others are hitting theirs and only looking for your ball for 1 minute.
HAVE FUN: Try to relax and enjoy the day! Trust us, everyone is nervous. Don’t be afraid to ask other players for help if you need it. Golfers love to talk about golf - it’s a game of passion! Regardless of your skill level, take the pressure off yourself and embrace the learning process, enjoy the competition, and have fun on your first tournament! As they say, any day on the golf course is better than a day in the office.
Don’t be shy about signing up for a corporate or fun tournament. Once you’ve played in one, you’ll have the confidence to play in many more. It’s a great way to network, meet new friends and improve your game!
