Longest drive, nearest to the pin and matchplay: rules for your event

A golf simulator only really comes alive when there is something to win. With a few simple game modes you turn a group of individual shots into an exciting competition. In this article we explain the four challenges we run at events, including rules and tips.

Longest drive: who hits it furthest?

The best-known golf challenge. The aim is simple: hit the ball as far as possible.

Rules

1. Everyone gets one shot (or a fixed number of shots, for example two, with the best one counting).
2. You hit with a driver or another wood.
3. The ball must land on the fairway, within the lines on the screen. A ball in the trees or the rough does not count.
4. The simulator measures the total distance. The longest ball wins.

Why the fairway rule matters

Without it, it is only about hitting as hard as possible, regardless of direction. With the rule you also need a bit of control. That makes it fairer, and it gives beginners a chance against the big hitters.

Tip: Use categories. A separate leaderboard for men, women and juniors, or a prize for the longest beginner, keeps it exciting for everyone.

Nearest to the pin: who gets closest to the flag?

Here it is not about power but precision.

Rules

1. Everyone gets one shot on a short hole, for example a par 3 of 100 to 140 metres.
2. You choose your own club, or we give you an iron.
3. The ball must be on the green to count.
4. The simulator measures the distance to the flag. Whoever is closest wins.

Why this one works for everyone

A beginner on a good day can easily beat an experienced golfer. This is often the challenge with the most surprising winner.

Matchplay: one against one

Matchplay is a format in which you do not play against the clock or the scorecard, but directly against an opponent.

The rules as we play them at events

1. Two players play one hole against each other.
2. Whoever completes the hole in the fewest shots wins the match.
3. In case of a tie, a nearest to the pin shot decides.
4. The winner goes through to the next round, the loser is out.
5. We play a knockout tournament like this until one champion remains. The winner gets a prize.

Tip: Let the best players from the longest drive and nearest to the pin go through to a matchplay final. That way you build a programme with a clear climax.

Hole-in-one: the jackpot

A hole-in-one is every golfer's dream: the ball from the tee into the hole in one shot.

How it works

During the challenges on a short hole, every shot could be a hole-in-one. If someone hits one, they win a green fee of their choice at a golf course in the Netherlands.

How big is the chance?

Small. Even on a simulator a hole-in-one is rare. But that is exactly why every shot is exciting. And if it happens, you have the story of the day.

Putting together a programme

A set-up for about 30 people in one and a half to two hours:

Part	Time
Warm-up and instructions	15 minutes
Nearest to the pin, one shot each	20 minutes
Longest drive, one shot each	20 minutes
Matchplay final with the best 8 players	30 minutes
Prize-giving	10 minutes

With short game modes, around 30 people per hour get their turn. Have a bigger group? Then read how to use a golf simulator at your corporate event.

The leaderboard

A visible leaderboard makes every challenge more exciting. Everyone can see who is at the top and what they need to hit to get on it. At a trade show you can also use the leaderboard to collect contact details: see trade show activation with a golf simulator.

Who runs it?

You can run the challenges yourself, but that means you spend the whole afternoon on order, scores and instructions. With our fully hosted package we do it for you:

• instructions and tips for beginners;
• managing the order so the pace stays high;
• keeping the leaderboard;
• the prize-giving, with a golf prize for the winners.

On request we run the whole programme in English. Fully hosted costs €800 per event, excluding VAT and travel costs (€0.25 per km). Request a quote or view the packages.