Contests: skins, closest to the pin, and longest drive
Quick answer
Side game contests are set up from the Contests tab under Side games. ScrambleSync supports skins (auto-scored from hole scores), closest to the pin, longest drive, and custom contests. Contest leaders appear live on the wallboard and the public leaderboard.
On this page
Types of side games
| Type | How winners are determined |
|---|---|
| Skins | ScrambleSync calculates skins automatically from the scores teams submit. A skin goes to the team with the outright best score on a hole. Ties carry the skin to the next hole. |
| Closest to the pin | You enter the winner's name manually after play. Typically used on par-3 holes. |
| Longest drive | You enter the winner's name manually after play. Typically used on a designated par-4 or par-5. |
| Custom | A freeform contest with a name you choose. You enter the winner manually. |
Setting up a side game
Go to Contests, then Side games
In your tournament dashboard, click the Contests tab, then make sure Side games is selected at the top.
Choose the type
Select the game type from the dropdown: Skins (winners found automatically from scores), Closest to the pin, Longest drive, or Custom contest.
Assign a hole (optional)
For CTP and longest drive, select the specific hole from the Hole dropdown. You can leave this blank if it applies to the whole course.
Give it a display name
Enter a name that will show on the leaderboard and wallboard — for example, 'Closest to the Pin — Hole 7'.
Click Add game
The contest appears immediately on the scoreboard and wallboard. For skins, leaders update automatically as scores come in. For other types, enter the winner manually when you know it.
Where contest results appear
- The wallboard (TV scoreboard) shows contest leaders in a panel above the main leaderboard
- The public player leaderboard shows a collapsible Contests section golfers can expand
- Contest results are included in the results export
Other contest types in the Contests tab
The Contests tab also includes Prize draw, Raffle, and Auction sub-sections for charity fundraising events. See the Organizing — Charity articles for details on those.
Frequently asked questions
How do skins work when there is a tie on a hole?
If two or more teams tie the low score on a hole, no skin is awarded for that hole. The skin carries to the next hole per standard skins rules.
Can I run skins and CTP at the same time?
Yes — add as many side games as you like. Each appears as a separate entry on the wallboard and leaderboard.
Can I remove a side game after adding it?
Yes — click Remove on the game in the list. Its standings will disappear from the leaderboard and wallboard immediately.