Ever showed up to a golf outing, saw a little sign with a tape measure stuck in the ground next to a par 3, and wondered what was going on? That little setup is for what’s arguably one of the most exciting side games in golf: the Closest to the Pin contest. This article will break down exactly what a CTP is, how the competition works step-by-step, and provide some real, on-course coaching strategies to help you be the one writing your name on that marker next time you play.
CTP is an acronym that simply stands for Closest to the Pin. It’s a mini-competition held during a round of golf, typically as part of a tournament, league play, or a casual Sunday game with friends. The contest is almost always held on a single, predetermined par 3 hole.
The goal is straightforward: of all the players in the event, whoever hits their tee shot closest to the hole (or "pin") wins a prize. You might also hear it called a "proxy marker,” “K.P.," or a "closest" contest - they all mean the same thing. What makes it so beloved is that it distills the game down to one single shot. It doesn't matter if you're a scratch golfer or a 30-handicap, for that one swing, everyone has a chance to be the champion.
Understanding the CTP process is simple, and once you get the hang of it, you'll feel like a seasoned pro at any golf event. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically unfolds from start to finish.
Before the round begins, the tournament or league organizers will pick one (or sometimes more) of the par 3 holes to be the official CTP hole. They'll usually announce this during the pre-round briefing or have it printed on your scorecard. When your group arrives at that hole's tee box, you’ll often see a special sign indicating that this is the one.
Somewhere near the green, there will be an object known as the CTP marker or "proxy." This is what puts the whole operation in motion. The marker is usually a small sign attached to a metal or plastic stake. It will have a spot to write on - either a laminated surface for a dry-erase marker or a notepad clipped to it. Often, a small pencil and a tape measure are attached with a string so they don't get lost.
Here’s the single most important rule of any CTP contest: your ball must be on the putting surface to qualify. You could hit your tee shot to one inch from the hole, but if it’s sitting on the fringe or in the rough, it doesn’t count. The ball has to be on the green. This rule ensures the competition is a test of iron accuracy and rewards a truly well-struck approach shot.
This is where the fun starts. After everyone in your group hits their tee shot onto the green, you compare to see who is closest. Let's say it's your buddy, Dave.
Lastly, and this is important for keeping the game fair, whoever sets the new closest mark then moves the physical CTP marker from where it was and places it in the ground right next to their ball mark on the green. This provides a clear visual target for all the groups playing behind you.
The suspense builds all day long. At the end of the event, after the very last group has played the CTP hole, the person whose name is left on that marker is the official winner. The prize is usually announced and awarded during the post-round gathering.
Closest to the Pin contests are a staple of charity scrambles and corporate outings for a few key reasons. Most importantly, it's democratic. Your final score for the day has no bearing on this competition. A beginner who hits one fantastic, lucky iron shot can beat the club champion. It gives every single participant a genuine shot at winning something and makes the day more engaging for players of all skill levels.
It also injects a shot of excitement and friendly competition into the round. When you stand on that specific par 3 tee, there's a different energy. You know there’s something on the line, and that extra focus makes it more memorable - especially when you stripe one right at the flag!
For organizers, it’s a simple and effective way to add value to their event without much logistical hassle. All it takes is a sign and a bit of a prize - which can be anything from a sleeve of premium golf balls, a bottle of wine, a pro shop gift certificate, or a cash pot contributed by the players.
Alright, let's switch gears. As a golf coach, I can tell you that winning a CTP isn't just about luck. It's about combining sound strategy with solid execution. Here are five actionable tips that will dramatically increase your chances of writing your name on that marker.
The number on the scorecard or tee box sign is just a starting point. To hit a great shot, you need the actual yardage the shot is playing. Use a rangefinder or GPS device to get the precise number to the flag. Then, become your own caddie and assess the conditions:
Considering these factors before you pull a club is what separates a good guess from a smart plan.
One of the biggest mistakes amateurs make under pressure is trying to hit their club to its absolute maximum distance. They grab the club that works "if I hit it perfectly" and then swing out of their shoes, which ruins their tempo and consistency.
Instead, try this: If your laser says 155 yards, instead of trying to muscle a perfect 7-iron, grab your 6-iron and commit to a smooth, controlled, 80% swing. A balanced, three-quarter swing with one extra club is almost always more accurate and reliable than a full-power lunge. The goal is accuracy, not brute force.
This is classic course management advice that pays huge dividends in a CTP contest. It feels counterintuitive, but you shouldn't always aim directly at the flag, especially if it's tucked in a dangerous position near a bunker or water. Remember Rule #1: you have to be on the green.
Aiming for the fattest, safest part of the green drastically increases your odds of hitting the putting surface. A small miss when aiming at the center still leaves you on the green with a putt. A small miss when aiming for a tucked pin could leave you in the sand with zero chance of winning. Give yourself a margin for error. A 25-foot putt for birdie is infinitely better than a chip from the bunker.
The mental game is huge here. Don't just step up and swing. Take a moment behind the ball and visualize the exact shot you want to hit. See the trajectory of the ball flight against the sky. See it landing softly on the green and gently rolling out towards the hole. This process of visualization builds commitment and positive intent. It clears the mental clutter and allows you to focus on one single goal, which helps your body execute the swing you've pictured.
Every golfer has a natural ball flight. Maybe you hit a slight fade (left-to-right for a right-hander) or a draw (right-to-left). When there's a CTP on the line, it is not the time to try and hit a shot you don't own. If the pin is on the right side of the green and you play a natural fade, don’t try to force a straight ball or a draw at it. The smart play is to aim to the left-center of the green and let your natural shot shape work the ball back towards the hole. Trusting your go-to shot under pressure will always yield better results than fighting against your tendencies.
Closest to the Pin contests are a fantastic part of the golf experience, bringing a healthy dose of drama and fun to any round. It gives everyone a moment to shine and rewards a single, beautifully executed iron shot that comes from a blend of solid technique and even smarter strategy.
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