Hearing your friends or the tournament organizer announce a KP on the par-3 sixth hole can be confusing if you're new to the game, but it's one of the most exciting additions to a round of golf. Simply put, KP stands for Closest to the Pin, and it's a popular competition that gives every golfer a shot at winning a prize and serious bragging rights. This article will explain exactly how a KP contest works, the common rules you need to know, and, most importantly, provide some expert coaching advice to help you stick your next tee shot and claim the prize.
As mentioned, KP is the common abbreviation for a "Closest to the Pin" contest, sometimes also called CTP. It’s a side game played during a casual round, league night, or a more formal tournament, usually on one or more of the par-3 holes on the course. The objective is straight-forward: out of everyone playing, hit your tee shot so that it comes to rest on the putting green closer to the cup than anyone else's shot.
One of the best things about a KP contest is that it levels the playing field. It doesn’t matter if you’re a scratch golfer or a 30-handicap, all it takes is one perfect swing to win. A player who struggles all day can redeem their round with a single phenomenal shot on the designated KP hole, making them the hero of the group and maybe even winning them a cash prize, an item from the pro shop, or simply the honor of being the best marksman of the day.
Running a KP contest is simple, but there's a specific process to follow that keeps things fair and organized for everyone in the event. Understanding these mechanics means you'll know exactly what to do when your group gets to the designated tee box.
Before the event begins, the organizers will place a special sign called a "proximity marker" or a "KP marker" near the green of the designated par-3 hole. This marker is usually a small sign attached to a stake that can be stuck into the ground.
The marker typically has a place to write on, often a laminated card or a clip to hold a piece of paper. This is where the names and measured distances of the contest leaders will be recorded throughout the day. When you arrive at the first hole, the starter might tell you, "The KP is on hole number 7 today," so you know when to be ready.
The competition begins with the very first group that plays the hole. Here’s the step-by-step process:
This continues all day. The player whose name is on the marker after the final group has finished the hole is declared the winner!
While the concept is easy, there are a few standard rules and common courtesies that apply to most Closest to the Pin contests. Understanding them prevents any arguments later at the 19th hole.
This is the most important rule. A tee shot that lands on the fringe, in the rough, or in a greenside bunker - even if it's technically one foot from the cup - does not count. Your ball must be resting on the tightly mown surface of the putting green to be eligible for the prize. This is non-negotiable in 99.9% of events. So if your buddy scuffs one to two feet but it's sitting in the first cut of rough, congratulate them on a great "almost," but don't move the marker!
Well, first of all, congratulations! A hole-in-one is the ultimate trump card. The distance from the hole is zero, which is unbeatable. You automatically win the KP prize, along with the much bigger prize of making an ace and having to buy drinks for everyone in the clubhouse afterward.
While KP on a par-3 is the standard, you might run into a few fun variations:
Knowing the rules is one thing, but as your coach, I want you to win. Hitting great shots under pressure isn't about luck, it's about strategy and a solid mental approach. Here are my top tips for sticking it close when a prize is on the line.
This is priority number one. You must know how far you carry each iron in your bag. Not your "best ever" shot, but your average, normal-swing carry distance. If the pin is 145 yards away and that's a perfect 8-iron for you, hit the 8-iron. Don't try to "muscle up" a 9-iron or take a soft 7-iron. The KP hole is a test of precision, and that starts with pulling the right club. Use a rangefinder or GPS to get the exact number to the flagstick.
So many golfers see the tiny flagstick and feel like they have to aim directly at it. This is often a huge mistake, especially if it's what we call a "sucker pin" - a pin tucked into a tight corner of the green or right behind a deep bunker. The smartest play is often to aim for the center of the green. This gives you the largest possible margin for error. A small push or pull still finds the putting surface, whereas aiming for a corner pin means a small miss could end up in big trouble. A ball 20 feet from the hole but safely on the green gives you a chance, a ball in the bunker gives you no chance at all.
Becoming a great iron player means accounting for the elements.
These adjustments are vital for hitting your number and landing the ball close to the hole.
Adrenaline is not your friend on a KP hole. When golfers see a prize on the line, their first instinct is often to swing harder, but this completely destroys your tempo and natural swing rhythm. All a harder swing does is introduce inconsistencies. Instead, commit to the club you've chosen, take a relaxed practice swing, and focus on one simple thought: "make a smooth, balanced turn." Replicate the same tempo you'd use on any other shot. Remember, balance is everything. If you can hold your finish position comfortably until the ball lands, you've likely made a good swing.
A Closest to the Pin contest is more than just a side bet, it's a celebration of one of the best moments in golf - hitting a pure iron shot that flies perfectly toward the target. It adds a layer of thrill and camaraderie to any round and gives every player the exciting possibility of hitting that one shot that outshines all others.
We know that calculating yardage, reading the wind, and selecting the right club for a tough pin location can be a challenge on the course. To take the guesswork out of these critical decisions, we developed Caddie AI. Our app acts as your personal on-course expert, giving you smart club recommendations and shot strategies in seconds. For that next KP shot, you'll have more confidence standing over the ball, knowing you've considered all the factors and have a solid plan to attack the flag.
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