Golden Tee is one of the most popular arcade games of all time. It’s a staple of many sports bars, restaurants, and family entertainment centers. One way for locations to cash in on this fandom is through tournaments. Players love live Golden Tee contests and tournaments. Players can win cash and prizes. They also enjoy connecting with others who share their passion for the game.

The Golden Tee player community sprang up for this reason and continues to be energetic and enthusiastic. The most popular promotions in bars and pubs are Golden Tee Nights (GTN) and Golden Tee Nights (GTN). Golden Tee Nights are casual events held on a weekly or monthly basis. They provide players with an opportunity to compete without the constraints of a regular league. 

They can be regular events – for example, every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. – or scheduled at a time convenient for the location, operator, and players. GTNs are popular with sites since they generate additional food and beverage sales and increase gameplay. They’re popular with operators because they strengthen their relationship with locations and players. 

What is a Golden Tee Night? 

A Golden Tee Night is a live competitive event conducted in 3 to 4 hours on one or more machines. The format is determined by the number of players, the number of machines, and the time allotted for the promotion. 

Why have Golden Tee Nights become so popular? 

Several factors have contributed to the growth of GTNs. The first reason is that Golden Tee is social and competitive. This attracts people who enjoy having fun, showing their skills, and winning cash. 

The second reason is the conversion of old upright cabinets to IT’s Showpiece cabinets. With its 42″ to 50″ HDTV, the Showpiece cabinet allows players and the audience to see and experience all the action. 

Which format is the most successful? 

The format you select will depend on the number of players, the number of machines, and the time needed to conduct the event. Most GTNs are 3-4 hours long. 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. is optimum. 

Rules of Thumb: 

1. Two players, 30-45 minutes to play 18 holes 

2. Three players, 45-60 minutes to play 18 holes 

3. Four players, 60-75 minutes to play 18 holes

Here is an example of a successful format for a location with one machine, eight players, and 3 hours:

• Each player throws $10 into the pot ($80) 

• Location adds $20 

• Operator adds $20 

• Total purse is $120 

• Use a blind draw to create two foursomes 

• Foursome 1 plays 18 holes (1 hour) 

• The top 2 shooters move to the finals 

• Foursome 2 plays 18 holes (1 hour) 

• Top 2 shooters move to the finals 

• Four finalists play 18 holes (1 hour) 

• If a tiebreaker is necessary, use Great Shot Points first and Golden Tee Points second 

• Winner gets $50, 2nd place gets $30, 3rd place gets $25, and 4th place gets $15 

Here’s a format for two machines, 12 players, and 3 hours: 

• Each player throws $10 into the pot ($120) 

• Location adds $25 

• Operator adds $25 

• Total pot is $170

• Blind draw determines 4 threesomes 

• Threesomes 1 and 2 play 18 holes on the two machines (45-60 minutes) 

• The top player from each threesome moves on to the finals 

• Threesomes 3 and 4 play 18 holes on the two machines (45-60 minutes) 

• Top player from each threesome moves on to the finals 

• Four finalists play 18 holes (1 hour) 

• If a tiebreaker is necessary, use Great Shot Points first and Golden Tee Points second 

• Winner gets $75, 2nd place gets $50, 3rd place gets $30, and 4th place gets $15

 If your players prefer head-to-head matches, use a traditional 8-team bracket. 

Here’s a format for eight players, one machine, and 3 ½ hours. 

• Each player throws $10 into the pot ($80) 

• Location adds $20 to pot 

• Operator adds $20 to pot 

• Total pot is $120 

• Blind draw to determine matches 

• Player 1 vs. 2 (30 minutes)

• Player 3 vs. 4 (30 minutes) 

• Player 5 vs. 6 (30 minutes) 

• Player 7 vs. 8 (30 minutes) 

• Winners of 1 / 2 and 3 / 4 play (30 minutes) 

• Winners of 5 / 6 and 7 / 8 play (30 minutes) 

• Winners play (30 minutes) 

• Winner gets $50, 2nd place gets $30, 3rd and 4th place each get $20

The operator and location need to contribute to the prize pot. It’s an effective way to show appreciation to the players for their loyalty.

It’s a good idea to have small prizes, like Golden Tee t-shirts. You can give these away as door prizes or rewards for getting a hole-in-one or a double eagle. Log in to Operator Services and visit the Golden Tee Pro Shop. There, you will find special operators-only discount pricing on clothing and glassware. You will also find special prize packages for tournaments and contests. These are affordable and easy to brand with your company or location logo.

How do I promote a Tournament? 

The best way to promote your GTN program is to use the FACTS program to create an on-screen message before every game played in the event’s location. 

In addition to the FACTS screen, include this information on the location’s website and social media channels. Print flyers and hang them up in the location. If you need Golden Tee images, log in to Operator Services and click on Downloads.

An ADWIZ screen can also be created and installed. Remember, you’re the organizer. Get to know your players. Buy them a beer and thank them for their support. It’s this type of interaction that creates loyalty and dedication.

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