The first time you read this article title you have wondered whether some crazy golf course architect has designed a racecourse in and around an 18-hole golf course. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, however picturesque and beautiful that would be for horse racing spectators. In fact, horse race golf is actually a type of format for golf tournaments that’s becoming increasingly popular—almost as much as horse racing.
Horse racing has never been so popular, certainly in the UK at least. It’s second only to football in terms of event attendances, with a host of daily racecards available during both the flat and jump seasons. Its similarities with golf lie in their heritage and tradition. Both remain slightly old-fashioned in terms of their etiquette, which is all part of their appeal. So, if you’re wondering what the fusion is between both sports in this unique golf tournament format, read on.
What’s required to set up a horse race golf tournament?
Horse race golf is a tournament format that amateurs and professionals around the world enjoy equally. It’s a format that’s also known as shootout golf, as well as derby golf and “Rumpsie Dumpsie” golf. It’s said that the format was created in the U.S., where it is most regularly played across local and championship golf clubs today.
If you are seeking a golf tournament format that is quick and easy, you might not get on with the horse race format. That’s because it requires a significant number of starting players, depending on whether you’re set to play 18 holes or nine holes. If you play a full 18 holes, horse race golf requires 19 tournament entrants. Meanwhile nine-hole events require ten tournament entrants.
Caption: Own the greens to get the first shot on the next tee
All entrants begin together on the first hole of the course. Play begins in line with the regular rules of golf. However, the player that takes the highest number of shots after the first hole is subsequently eliminated from the competition and the remaining players move on to the second hole. The player that shoots the lowest score on each hole always begins the following hole. In the event there are multiple players that shoot the lowest score on a hole, a tie break is used as a decider, which often involves a closest-to-the-pin chipping challenge or a putting game.
It’s worth pointing out that horse race golf can be played with or without handicaps. It’s ultimately up to the tournament organizers to gauge whether the field is of an equal standard or whether some players will require their handicap to remain competitive throughout.
After any tie break has been concluded, all remaining players move on to the second hole, with the player shooting the lowest first hole score—or winning the tie break—going first on the second hole. Once again, the player to shoot the highest score on the second hole is eliminated and the remaining players move on to the third hole. This process continues throughout all 18 holes until there is a winner out of the remaining two competitors.
Is horse race golf a tournament format for you?
You might have already realized that this form of tournament action is a rather brutal version of golf match play. Unlike traditional match play, where you get chance to improve your score after a bad hole, one bad hole in horse race golf can result in your elimination. This is particularly frustrating if you are trying out new golf clubs or equipment for the first time. There are other disadvantages to horse race golf, too—primarily the fact that you’ll need either 19 or ten players to run the tournament format. The format can also take some considerable time to complete, particularly during the front nine holes where players will have to wait for at least a dozen other players to take their shots.
On the flip side, horse race golf is a great way of learning how to play great golf under immense pressure. In this format, every single shot counts. You can’t afford to play a terrible hole, as your tournament life will be immediately in doubt. Give it a try and see what you think—it just might enhance the mental side of your golf game more than you realize!