I am a high school golf coach. I will be retiring within the next two years, so I started working part time at a local golf course about two years ago. We have a big "hamburger scramble" each Thursday evening. We have 2-3 different men's groups that have their own daily "games". I was thinking about trying to form a 9 hole league for golfers not interested in playing a scramble. I was hoping that I could put something together for guys that were a little more serious about playing some competitive golf. I thought a 9 hole league running from April through October would be something we could do. Anyone involved in something like this? I would appreciate positive and negative feedback.

I play in an 18 hole golf league in the Austin area. By the rules, no gimmies, play as it lies (unless weather makes it lift-clean-place).

If playing individually, and to grow the league, you almost have to have the rounds handicapped. The league I play in offers players the ability to enter gross games, net (handicapped) games, skins, eagles, etc.

The better players play in both, the higher handicap players usually just play in the net. We'll have up to 30 players compete each week with handicaps ranging from +5 to 30. It's really fair and extremely enjoyable. The people who run the league (in their spare time!) have put a considerable amount of time and effort into it and that has to be one of the main reasons everyone gets along.

By all means, if your group of players are all in the same skill level, than you could do a just skins and gross game and call it a day.

If maintaining amateur status is important to players, than they could play just the skins (skins can be paid in cash and not affect amateur status since skins games are considered gambling) or have the option to win gross or net game proceeds up to $750 in gift certificates and not cash.

Depending on how big your group is (and technology capabilities), you may want to try having an online leader-board like www.scrolf.com or Golf Game Book. Makes it very easy to keep track of scores, who is leading, skins, etc.

I would also highly suggest having a 3-person "rules and operations" board to settle any arguments, decisions, etc.

The key to leagues is communications and consistency, so just as long as you keep it fun, maintain some bit of the "edge" that competitive golf creates, and maintain fair rules you'll have a successful league. Try to smooth out rule changes over a few weeks instead of all at once so players can become adjusted to changes.

You'll be very surprised at the amount of golfers out there who used to play in high school or college who want to play competitive golf. It's really helped my game improve because all of a sudden every shot counts again.

Good luck!

Perfect, this is just what I was looking for. I called around this morning and talked to a couple of other guys and they had similar thoughts as yours. I was hoping for approx 24 players each week. I will post again to update how things turn out. thanks

I have played in both 18 hole and 9 hole leagues.
18 Hole league was a "Blitz" money game using a stable ford scoring system.
Predominately, the 9 hole league was a little more relaxed.
What was fun about the league is they would change the format week to week.
EX. Two man scramble with a blind draw. meaning you and a partner would play as a two-some and then randomly draw another two-some and best ball the score cards.
We would also play traditional 4 man scrambles, but would throw in different variations from time to time.

Biggest piece of advice I would give is make it interesting and fun, but keep the rules in place.. Competitive golfers will still come and play even if the format is a little out of norm. everyone enjoys a change of pace from time to time.

Good Luck!

Google the golf fellowship in San Antonio. Great league.