How to Run a Golf League

Step 1: Define Your League Structure

Before anything else, decide the basics: how often you'll play, how many events per season, and whether it's individual or team-based.

• Frequency: Weekly, biweekly, or monthly events
• Season length: 8-12 events is typical for a league season
• Team vs individual: Individual standings with team events mixed in works well
• Minimum players: 6-8 is ideal, but leagues work with as few as 4

Step 2: Choose a Points System

Points are how you track standings across the season. Choose a system that rewards consistency while still making each event matter.

For casual leagues, a flat system keeps everyone engaged. For competitive groups, a standard or FedEx-style system creates more separation and drama.

Step 3: Pick Your Tournament Formats

Don't play the same format every week. Rotating formats keeps things fresh and tests different skills. A good mix might be:

• Individual stroke play (3-4 events)
• Two-man best ball (2-3 events)
• Scramble (1-2 events)
• Stableford (1-2 events)
• Match play or skins (1 event)

Learn about all tournament formats →

Step 4: Manage Handicaps

Handicaps level the playing field. Without them, the same few players win every week and everyone else loses interest. You have a few options:

• Official GHIN index: Most accurate, but requires everyone to maintain a handicap
• League-only handicap: Calculate from league scores only. Simpler, but less portable.
• No handicap: Only works if everyone is a similar skill level

Calculate course handicaps →

Step 5: Set Up Communication

Good communication is the difference between a league that thrives and one that fizzles out. You need a central channel for:

• Announcing upcoming events and tee times
• Polling the group on course and date preferences
• Sharing results and standings after each event
• General trash talk and camaraderie

Many groups use a mix of group texts and spreadsheets. A dedicated platform like ClubUp consolidates chat, polls, scoring, and standings in one place.

Step 6: Track Season Standings

Season standings create long-term investment. After each event, award points based on finishing position. Keep a running leaderboard visible to everyone.

Consider a playoff structure: the top 4-8 players in the standings play a final event at season's end. This keeps players engaged even if they're not in first place — making the playoff is its own goal.

Step 7: Add Betting & Side Games

Side games add excitement without requiring major stakes. Nassau bets, skins, closest-to-the-pin, and long drive contests keep every hole interesting.

Set stakes that everyone is comfortable with. The point is fun and engagement, not financial stress.

Read our golf betting rules guide →

Tips for a Successful League

• Be consistent: Set a regular schedule and stick to it. Predictability drives attendance.
• Rotate courses: Playing different courses keeps things interesting and tests different skills.
• Celebrate results: Share leaderboards and highlights after every event. Recognition drives engagement.
• Keep it simple: Don't over-complicate rules. The easier it is to participate, the more people will show up.
• Automate what you can: Manual scorekeeping and spreadsheets burn out organizers fast. Use tools built for the job.