Closest to the pin, also called nearest the pin, is a contest on a par 3 to see whose tee shot finishes nearest the flagstick. Along with longest drive, it is one of the standard prizes at golf days. Distance off the tee does not matter, so beginners and shorter hitters have a real chance of winning. As a rule, the tee shot must finish on the green to count.
Basic closest to the pin rules
Closest to the pin is not part of the Rules of Golf; each event sets its own rules. The most common format is:
- It is played on par 3 holes. Many events use every par 3 on the course.
- Only tee shots that finish on the green count. A ball just off the green does not count, however close it is to the hole.
- The ball nearest the flagstick wins.
- A hole-in-one wins automatically (a distance of zero). Many events also have a separate hole-in-one prize.
A ball is usually treated as on the green if any part of it touches the putting surface. The fringe (the short collar of grass around the green) usually does not count, so decide in advance how to handle borderline positions.
Measuring and passing the marker on
- Among the balls on the green, the player in each group whose ball is nearest the flagstick puts the marker next to their ball and writes their name and the distance.
- Measure the distance by pacing it out or with a tape. Writing the distance on the card makes it easier for later groups to compare.
- If someone in a later group finishes inside the marker, they move it and write their own name.
- Whoever’s name is on the marker after the last group has played wins the prize.
Measure quickly, before your group finishes putting, and do not keep the group behind waiting while you do it.
Variations: second-shot closest to the pin and combined contests
Events sometimes add variations to make the day more interesting.
- Closest to the pin in two: on a par 4 (or with the third shot on a par 5), the player whose second shot finishes on the green nearest the flagstick wins.
- Combined contests: some events mix the two prizes, for example counting every ball on a par 3 whether it is on the green or not. In Japan, a version combining longest drive and closest to the pin is known as “dora-pin”. Formats vary from event to event.
These are all house rules, so the organizer should explain them before the start to avoid arguments.
Tips for winning closest to the pin
Because the ball has to finish on the green, do not get fixated on the flag.
- When the flag is near the edge of the green, aim toward the middle of the green rather than at the flag. If you miss, you will be off the green and out of the contest.
- On holes with water or bunkers in front of the green, take a bit more club rather than risk coming up short.
- Before you hit, check whether the flag is at the front, middle or back of the green. The pin position can change the distance you need by a lot.
Closest to the pin or nearest the pin?
Both names describe the same contest. Closest to the pin is more common in the United States, and nearest the pin is more common in the UK and Australia. On scorecards and prize lists they are often shortened to “CTP” and “NTP”.
- “This is the closest-to-the-pin hole.”
- “Am I inside the marker?”
Running a golf day in Southeast Asia
Closest to the pin is a fixture at golf days in Southeast Asia too. At courses with caddies, asking them to help check ball positions and move the marker speeds things up. Local caddies understand both “closest to the pin” and “nearest the pin”. Some courses do not provide markers or cards for the contest, so the organizer should bring them or check with the course beforehand.