Best Buddies-Trip Tournament Format Ever!

Warning....long post, but I've been running tournaments for trips with my buddies for years now, and figured some of you planning trips might appreciate this.

I use this format for an annual week long trip to Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic with 7 of my buddies. It's based on 6 competitive rounds and we each throw in $600 which covers your total action for the trip. You could use whatever amount you agree upon. I build a scoreboard using MS Excel and have it printed on poster sized foam board.

We have a pairings dinner prior to the trip and also establish everyones starting HC. This usually involves a bunch of banter because we don't simply go off of USGA HC index; we argue it out until we reach a consensus so no one has a perceived "edge." We determine HCs before the pairings drawing for obvious reasons. This format will seem a little complicated at first, but once you "get it," it's quite simple to understand and always makes for a fun and exciting tournament. I've included pretty much every detail, but if you have any questions just let me know. Enjoy...

TOURNAMENT FORMAT:

This tournament format is a partner’s "modified net" Stableford competition with a match play component. Player's receive 100% of their starting handicaps as the strokes fall on the card. Starting handicaps are determined by the committee. Points are awarded per hole as follows:

NET STABLEFORD SCORING SYSTEM:

Double Eagle = 12 points

Eagle = 8 points

Birdie = 4 points

Par = 2 points

Bogie = 1 point

Double Bogie = 0 points

Triple bogie or worse = -3 points

(all points awarded are for "NET" scores per hole)

Each player plays off of 100% handicap in this format. This means that in the Stableford portion of the competition, each player plays against an assumed quota of 36 points (theoretical “net” par through 18 holes = 36 points). Handicaps are adjusted daily by a maximum of 2 strokes, up or down, based on individual daily Stableford performance. Handicaps are not adjusted daily for match play.

Daily prizes are awarded to the best performing team. In addition to the Stableford score, there are bonus points awarded for the daily four-ball matches. Scoring for the match play portion of the competition is 1 point earned for winning the front nine, 1 point for winning the back nine, and 1 point for the overall match. Additionally, half points are awarded based on the winning team’s “holes-won” margin. (e.g. Team A beats Team B 3 up overall, team A earns an additional 1 1/2 points.) (Also, halved nine hole matches earn each team 1/2 point.) Strokes for match play are at 100% off of the low player in the foursome based on each player’s handicap at the start of the trip. Handicaps for the match play portion of the tournament remain fixed and are not adjusted daily.

Match play bonus points will be added to each team’s Stableford “plus or minus” point total. (They will not, however, have any impact on handicap adjustments.) Daily and aggregate team points (plus or minus) and individual Stableford points (plus or minus) will be recorded on our score board. Aggregate team (plus or minus) points at the end of the tournament will ultimately determine our champions. Total individual Stableford (plus or minus points only) will determine our overall individual winner.

Daily HC ADJUSTMENTS:

There will be a maximum handicap adjustment of 2 strokes per round in either direction based upon each player’s performance per round relative to their Stableford quota of 36 points (theoretical net Stableford par). Adjustments will be calculated utilizing the following scale:

Stableford Score Next Round Adjustment

-11 points or worse Add 2 strokes

-6 to -10 points Add 1 stroke

0 to -5 points No adjustment

+1 to +5 points Subtract 1 stroke

+6 points or better Subtract 2 strokes

NOTE: Only the players scoring in the ranges specified will get their handicaps adjusted for the subsequent round. Everyone has a legitimate chance of staying competitive in the overall tournament, but in the end, the best player(s) for the week will be identified. Please keep in mind the scoring format’s inherent potential for significant point swings, combined with the daily handicap adjustments, can get you right back in the tournament…even after a bad round or two.

PAIRINGS & HANDICAPS:

A drawing was held prior to the trip to determine the following teams and HCs for the week:

TEAMS & PLAYER’S STARTING HANDICAPS:

1. Player#1 (9) and Player#2 (10)

2. Player#3 (11) and Player#4 (13)

3. Player#5 (4) and Player#6 (16)

4. Player#7 (16) and Player#8 (12)

The above teams were drawn in the order shown, so that order has been used to determine each team’s number. We will follow a standard “Double Round-Robin” format in which teams will proceed through a rotation that will have each team facing off against each other twice, with the exception of the final round, where the leaders and their next closest competitors will play head to head for the championship.* We will hold a daily drawing to determine foursome sequence of play “honors.” **

ROUND ROBIN FORMAT:

Round #1: 1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4 Round #4: 1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4

Round #2: 1 vs. 3, 2 vs. 4 Round #5: 1 vs. 3, 2 vs. 4

Round #3: 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3 Round #6: TBD

* If the tournament is close after Round #5, it is theoretically possible for a winner to emerge from the match between the teams in third and fourth place going into the final round.

** Leaders will have honors on the first tee within each match.

PRIZES / PAYOUTS:

Prize distribution based upon a $600 per man buy-in as follows:

Overall Team Championship: 1^st - $1600.00 per team, 2^nd: - $800.00 per team

Team Daily Combined Points vs. Field: 1^st - $200.00 per team

Individual Points (only) vs. Field: 1^{st -} $100.00 daily, 1^st Overall (Medalist) - $600

(All payouts based on 6 rounds, $600.00 entry fee per man, $4,800.00 total pot.)

Ties in the daily competition and for anything other than 1^st place in the overall competition will result in the prize money being split evenly amongst the players tied. Should the overall individual tournament end in a tie, we will have a 3 hole playoff.

The format for the playoff will be the same “net” Stableford scoring format used for the tournament, aggregate score of partners over 3 holes. Playoff participants will receive 100% of their final round handicap while playing holes 1, 2, and 3. Highest point total after those 3 holes determines our winner. If no winner is determined after the playoff, the play will continue onto hole number 4 to begin sudden death, continuing until a winner emerges.

Please pay your $600 entry fee promptly upon arrival.

Here is an image of the scoreboard at the completion of the tournament:

[attachment=2074925:2014 Scoreboard image GolfWRX.jpg]

Well, either this post is too long to keep the average WRXers attention or it's so thorough you all get it and don't have any questions...lol. oh well

Hope your buddies all appreciate the amount of work you did.

My three friends and I headed up to Myrtle Beach - a full week of nothing but golf. We kept it simple. Since we are all fairly even we all tossed in $20/day for the main bet. Low score won $50, second got his money back and broke even, third took the last $10 and last place lost his whole stake for the day. In addition there were some side bets (CTPs and such)

In the end not a lot of money was exchanged (I was the "Big loser" having lost $60 for the week), no feelers were hurt, and we all had a blast. Best of all it was nice and simple so no fighting took place. We had to clarify some rules:[list]
[*]No 'gimme putts' - it isn't in until it is in
[*]No moving the ball without a majority saying it is ok because of a plug, unfair lie, or casual water
[*]The betting money goes into an envelop at the beginning of each round to be divided immediately at the end of the round
[*]Side bets cannot effect the main bet
[/list]
That was a great time up there. Just a really, really great time.

[quote name='Medic' timestamp='1392773047' post='8698059']
Hope your buddies all appreciate the amount of work you did.

My three friends and I headed up to Myrtle Beach - a full week of nothing but golf. We kept it simple. Since we are all fairly even we all tossed in $20/day for the main bet. Low score won $50, second got his money back and broke even, third took the last $10 and last place lost his whole stake for the day. In addition there were some side bets (CTPs and such)

In the end not a lot of money was exchanged (I was the "Big loser" having lost $60 for the week), no feelers were hurt, and we all had a blast. Best of all it was nice and simple so no fighting took place. We had to clarify some rules:[list]
[*]No 'gimme putts' - it isn't in until it is in
[*]No moving the ball without a majority saying it is ok because of a plug, unfair lie, or casual water
[*]The betting money goes into an envelop at the beginning of each round to be divided immediately at the end of the round
[*]Side bets cannot effect the main bet
[/list]
That was a great time up there. Just a really, really great time.
[/quote]

thanks...sounds like you guys had a blast, and yes my guys really do appreciate it. We've been doing this for quite a few years and finally have it perfected. I have spent a decent portion of my career writing policy, so I'm into the logic, unintended consequences, subtle nuances, and false objections of the format. This system is very effective at spreading the wealth around enough to keep everyone happy while still preserving the integrity of being a tournament that rewards the players that play the best.

Yeah, I am going to have to re-read this scoring system.

[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1392776584' post='8698545']
Yeah, I am going to have to re-read this scoring system.
[/quote]

hahaha...yea I suppose it does require your full attention...lol! Once you get it though it's really simple. We've made it more complex by adding the match play element, but the guys really like that component of the format. One thing to also keep in mind is that you can easily modify the format for shorter trips/less tournament rounds and/or more or less players. Personally I thiink 8 is the perfect number of guys for a trip...very manageable, but I've dealt with groups as high as 24. You can also mess around with the daily HC adjustments to suit the needs/wants of your group...

Yes, I have one question - Can I come? Sounds pretty epic.

Thanks for sharing. I'm in the same position as you for my group so I'm always interested in seeing new formats.

Is everyone in your crew 100% on board with all aspects and totally focused on the comp? The biggest problem I encounter is that, while everyone enjoys the competition, some people are really into it, some just go along with whatever, some never have any clue what's going on, etc. as such, I have to keep things as simple as possible.

Last year on a buddy trip we had some games like this and it was fun, but way too stressful. We played 36 every day and only gambled on the morning 18. On the afternoon round it was just golf, nothing more, nothing less. I really enjoyed the afternoon rounds so much more honestly. Maybe I just don't gamble enough on the course though and I just don't get it.

My fear is there is always the risk of something going sour when you gamble on the course. Usually it starts with a rules interpretation issue and can go anywhere from there. How do you handle that in these trips if it arises?

My thought is, nothing can go wrong if we just go play. Hell I'm just happy to be out of the house on a trip and away from the normal day to day rush. However if we gamble with a lot of rules and formats someone takes the chance of being a sour puss and can mess up a good trip. Or the guys who start drinking on day one and hit it hard for the whole trip, how do you keep those guys happy when they don't get any of their $600 back and think it's because of "insert BS excuse"?

It's obviously working for you OP so kuddos to you and your group for keeping it together!

[quote name='Marrrk' timestamp='1392781034' post='8699277']
Thanks for sharing. I'm in the same position as you for my group so I'm always interested in seeing new formats.

Is everyone in your crew 100% on board with all aspects and totally focused on the comp? The biggest problem I encounter is that, while everyone enjoys the competition, some people are really into it, some just go along with whatever, some never have any clue what's going on, etc. as such, I have to keep things as simple as possible.
[/quote]

Yes, all of my guys are totally "on board" and love it, but in the beginning I did have to explain why we were doing this, or why we were doing that. Usually the questions/complaints would come from someone who failed to think it through before complaining. Now everyone gets it and really loves it though. So much so there have been no tweaks to the format in the last 3 years.

It reads complicated because you've got to specify everything when writing it out, but in actuality it's pretty simple.

The guys know they're simply trying to score as many Stableford points as possible each day, while also trying to win their four ball match.

This format is especially exciting because you can have huge swings in points at any time. This year one of the guys had a hole-in -one on a stroke hole for a net double eagle...12 points. One of his opponents hit 2 shots in the ocean and made net triple for a -3. That was a 15 point swing! Avoiding the minus 3s puts some real pressure on, especially after a ball out of bounds, etc.

You would also be surprised at the number of times the match play component impacts who wins the daily.

[quote name='ew25950' timestamp='1392781963' post='8699389']
Last year on a buddy trip we had some games like this and it was fun, but way too stressful. We played 36 every day and only gambled on the morning 18. On the afternoon round it was just golf, nothing more, nothing less. I really enjoyed the afternoon rounds so much more honestly. Maybe I just don't gamble enough on the course though and I just don't get it.

My fear is there is always the risk of something going sour when you gamble on the course. Usually it starts with a rules interpretation issue and can go anywhere from there. How do you handle that in these trips if it arises?

My thought is, nothing can go wrong if we just go play. Hell I'm just happy to be out of the house on a trip and away from the normal day to day rush. However if we gamble with a lot of rules and formats someone takes the chance of being a sour puss and can mess up a good trip. Or the guys who start drinking on day one and hit it hard for the whole trip, how do you keep those guys happy when they don't get any of their $600 back and think it's because of "insert BS excuse"?

It's obviously working for you OP so kuddos to you and your group for keeping it together!
[/quote]

You can use this same format and easily change the stakes. We agreed on a $600 throw - in simply because it comes out to $100 of action per round...A number all my guys are comfortable with. The nice thing is that they put the money up in advance and I pay out the daily prizes at dinner. They don't have to keep going in their pockets each day.

Also, I don't think anyone has ever been shut out from at least winning a daily team or individual. That's the beauty of the daily adjustments. Since it's a two man team competition primarily, in our group it has become customary for the teammates to split all monies won, even individual prize money.

I like it.

[quote name='Marrrk' timestamp='1392781034' post='8699277']
Thanks for sharing. I'm in the same position as you for my group so I'm always interested in seeing new formats.

Is everyone in your crew 100% on board with all aspects and totally focused on the comp? The biggest problem I encounter is that, while everyone enjoys the competition, some people are really into it, some just go along with whatever, some never have any clue what's going on, etc. as such, I have to keep things as simple as possible.
[/quote]

Mark another thing to consider is that the guys don't really have to worry themselves with the scoring if they don't want to other than to make sure that they write down the correct score on each hole. I have no problem doing the scoring for each player/team after the round... and it only takes me about 15-20 minutes total for two foursomes. That said, my crew all "get it" at this point, and most like to know where they stand throughout the round. I just review the cards for accuracy before posting the numbers on our scoreboard. I try to do it immediately after the rounds when we get back to the villa while the round is still fresh in everyone's mind and before the cocktails start flowing.

[quote name='dpb5031' timestamp='1392814502' post='8700633']
[quote name='Marrrk' timestamp='1392781034' post='8699277']
Thanks for sharing. I'm in the same position as you for my group so I'm always interested in seeing new formats.

Is everyone in your crew 100% on board with all aspects and totally focused on the comp? The biggest problem I encounter is that, while everyone enjoys the competition, some people are really into it, some just go along with whatever, some never have any clue what's going on, etc. as such, I have to keep things as simple as possible.
[/quote]

Mark another thing to consider is that the guys don't really have to worry themselves with the scoring if they don't want to other than to make sure that they write down the correct score on each hole. I have no problem doing the scoring for each player/team after the round... and it only takes me about 15-20 minutes total for two foursomes. That said, my crew all "get it" at this point, and most like to know where they stand throughout the round. I just review the cards for accuracy before posting the numbers on our scoreboard. I try to do it immediately after the rounds when we get back to the villa while the round is still fresh in everyone's mind and before the cocktails start flowing.
[/quote]

good stuff. i should have noted that i didn't find your system overly complicated, but i deal with some players who can't be bothered to keep track of a straight-up match, let alone anything else. it's such a strange thing to me since i love the games and the formatting so much, but some people need to be reminded every time a putt means anything (even though they'd be bummed if we were out there with no games). i don't quite get it.

As a good friend of the OP and a participant in the above described format, I can attest that this is the best format system I have played under in that it is the fairest handicapping wise. I can also attest that you can come from out of nowhere to win the event. In other words, you are never out of it.

Be wary of the -3 for the "net triple bogey (or higher)" score on a hole. I fell victim to it on few holes the last day while holding the lead and it bit me in the end. Still, no complaints - just a thinner wallet.

[quote name='Marrrk' timestamp='1392824620' post='8701569']
[quote name='dpb5031' timestamp='1392814502' post='8700633']
[quote name='Marrrk' timestamp=' 13 9 2751034' post='8699277']
Thanks for sharing. I'm in the same position as you for my group so I'm always interested in seeing new formats.

Is everyone in your crew 100% on board with all aspects and totally focused on the comp? The biggest problem I encounter is that, while everyone enjoys the competition, some people are really into it, some just go along with whatever, some never have any clue what's going on, etc. as such, I have to keep things as simple as possible.
[/quote]

Mark another thing to consider is that the guys don't really have to worry themselves with the scoring if they don't want to other than to make sure that they write down the correct score on each hole. I have no problem doing the scoring for each player/team after the round... and it only takes me about 15-20 minutes total for two foursomes. That said, my crew all "get it" at this point, and most like to know where they stand throughout the round. I just review the cards for accuracy before posting the numbers on our scoreboard. I try to do it immediately after the rounds when we get back to the villa while the round is still fresh in everyone's mind and before the cocktails start flowing.
[/quote]

good stuff. i should have noted that i didn't find your system overly complicated, but i deal with some players who can't be bothered to keep track of a straight-up match, let alone anything else. it's such a strange thing to me since i love the games and the formatting so much, but some people need to be reminded every time a putt means anything (even though they'd be bummed if we were out there with no games). i don't quite get it.
[/quote]

I don't quite get it either with some types. Fortunately the guys on the trip I have described here all embrace this format and love it. In fact, they'd be disappointed and pissed if we didn't use this format for our trip. The worst is guys who complain or object, but can't or won't logically/rationally explain their position, and won't open their minds enough to grasp the merits of what you've worked hard to put together for the group. And they'd never take the time to come up with something on their own...

Wow, it sounds like you have got that down PAT. I'm sure it seems more complicated than it is but it sounds like a great time. I like how you have multiple things going on at once and that there is a team element involved. Just looking at that chart makes my head hurt though. I'm in my second year of organizing our buddies trip and I can appreciate the amount of work you put into coming up with your own scoring system. It's a pain at times but it's all worth it when it goes off without a hitch.

For ours, we determine a handicap index based on each guy's previous 5 rounds leading up to the tourney. We play two rounds and I calculate each guy's course handicap based on the course slope then allot handicap strokes. We then have a two day stroke play tournament with each guy throwing in some cash to the winner and 2nd place. Side bets are encouraged on the course for closest to the pin and long drive etc. Like they always say, it's really fun and casual until the back 9 on sunday.

Since ours is just stroke play I was able to use a live leaderboard app that we could all access on the course which brings an interesting element to the weekend. Nothing like sweating out a 2 footer for bogey when you know the guys behind you are breathing down your neck.

[quote name='bonorato26' timestamp='1393263066' post='8734990']
Wow, it sounds like you have got that down PAT. I'm sure it seems more complicated than it is but it sounds like a great time. I like how you have multiple things going on at once and that there is a team element involved. Just looking at that chart makes my head hurt though. I'm in my second year of organizing our buddies trip and I can appreciate the amount of work you put into coming up with your own scoring system. It's a pain at times but it's all worth it when it goes off without a hitch.

For ours, we determine a handicap index based on each guy's previous 5 rounds leading up to the tourney. We play two rounds and I calculate each guy's course handicap based on the course slope then allot handicap strokes. We then have a two day stroke play tournament with each guy throwing in some cash to the winner and 2nd place. Side bets are encouraged on the course for closest to the pin and long drive etc. Like they always say, it's really fun and casual until the back 9 on sunday.

Since ours is just stroke play I was able to use a live leaderboard app that we could all access on the course which brings an interesting element to the weekend. Nothing like sweating out a 2 footer for bogey when you know the guys behind you are breathing down your neck.
[/quote]

You are right about organizing trips...it can be a pain. The crew I travel with is great and we each have our niche areas. One guy organizes all of the meals, another guy takes care of making sure we have enough booze, another takes care of tips, and we even have a guy who makes sure we have all the fishing gear we need since we fish after golf. I just take care of the tournament and for me, it's a labor of love. I want the guys to enjoy it and feel that it's 100% fair and competitive. I've got it down to perfect at this point and everyone who's ever played in this format loves it. I posted it here cause I know there are always guys looking for ideas for trips.

@dpb5031 I am organizing an 8 man golf trip to Palm Springs in May. Is there any way you could post your spreadsheet for me to use to organize? This format looks like a great time!!

If you can email it to me that would be awesome... [email protected]

Thanks so much!

We're cheap golfers... We play for $.10 per hole.. and the 9th and 18th are $.20 .. that makes the whole round $2.

The winner of the hole must shoot a bogey or better.

If there's a tie at the end of 18, then the winner of the pot is the person that was closest to the hole on the shortest par 3.

I've had some guys reach out and ask me to email them the format document and scoreboard spreadsheet. I'm happy to send it, just shoot me a PM if you want it and I'll get it to you ASAP.

Thanks for sharing. We do a similar thing with our guys

We did 8 guys for Scotland but the focus was on individual Stablefords and double bogey was a -1 penalty. Team games were all side bets on that Epic 8 round trip

We have another 8 guy trip coming up this April in Lauderdale (while the Masters is on) and are toying with formats . .so thanks again

I like the idea of bonus points if you win your two man matches that day. I will send a PM

[quote name='cardoustie' timestamp='1424293257' post='10980089']
Thanks for sharing. We do a similar thing with our guys

We did 8 guys for Scotland but the focus was on individual Stablefords and double bogey was a -1 penalty. Team games were all side bets on that Epic 8 round trip

We have another 8 guy trip coming up this April in Lauderdale (while the Masters is on) and are toying with formats . .so thanks again

I like the idea of bonus points if you win your two man matches that day. I will send a PM
[/quote]

Yea, my guys really like the match play element added in, and many times those maatch play points make a difference on daily winners/payouts. This year we had one day decided by 1/2 of a point. I also get a lot of questions as to why I keep the handicaps locked for the match play component, whereas they change/adjust daily for the Stableford. The reason for that is so the four-ball matches stay fair and competitive throughout the trip. I'd hate for teams to face each other in match play and have the outcome be a foregone conclusion.

When I first started using this format, I ran it as an individual event. I switched it to teams a few years ago and it has been very well-received. More camaraderie and so forth... There is still a daily individual pay-out and an overall individual winner in the end, so the guy who plays the best throughout the week still gets well-rewarded.

The minus 3s seem to create the most drama. No one likes to give any points back, so it adds pressure. Pump a tee shot into the ocean and your grinding like hell to make par on your second ball to avoid triple bogie and -3 points!

Just returned from another great trip utilizing the format detailed above in this thread. It never disappoints!

I've had a bunch of requests for the WORD document describing the format and the EXCEL doc used for the scoreboard. Anyone interested just PM me with an email address and I'll send 'email to you. Also happy to answer any questions!

Do you think this format will work for 2, 4 man teams?

Yes, no problem.

We are doing this for our trip to Ireland this weekend. Seems like a great format

This makes me want to become friends with you. I have to organize almost everything for our group and I still have a few who complain or won't bother keeping a handicap but will want a crazy # of strokes. Kudos to you.

We just returned from a 7 round trip to Ireland with 12 guys. I am "the Committee" and organized the trip, When thinking about the format, I happened upon this thread and found it intriguing, After a few emails with the leader of this thread, I decided to adopt the format. At our pairings dinner a week before we left, I rolled out the format. There was some discussion that it was complicated but the Committee paid no attention, Once we got into it, everyone fell in line and felt it was great. We played it as described and then used the winners after the 6th round to be captains of a Ryder Cup singles format on the final day.

We had an awesome time. Used Celtic Golf to organize the trip. Played Waterville, Old Head, Ballybunion, Lahinch, Doonbeg, Royal County Down and Portmarnock. I highly recommend the format and Ireland!