Closest to the Pin Explained
Closest to the pin is a simple golf contest: on a chosen par 3, the player whose tee shot finishes nearest the hole wins. It's also called nearest the pin, the more common name in the UK and Ireland.
It runs alongside a normal round, so everyone can enter without changing how they play.
The usual rules
Every club or event sets its own rules, but most closest to the pin contests follow the same pattern:
- It's played on a par 3, usually one or two chosen holes, sometimes all of them.
- Only the tee shot counts. Your first shot from the tee is the one that's measured.
- The ball must finish on the green. A ball closer to the hole but in the fringe, rough or a bunker usually doesn't count.
- Measure from the ball to the hole. The distance is taken in a straight line from the ball to the hole.
- Mark the leader. The current leader's name and distance go on a marker or card by the green, and the next player has to beat it.
The person closest at the end of the day wins. A hole in one is, of course, unbeatable.
How it's measured
At casual events, players pace it out or use a tape measure. At bigger events, a marshal sits by the green with a tape. Distances are usually recorded in feet and inches, or metres, depending on the country.
| Distance from the hole | What it means |
|---|---|
| Under 3 feet | A tap-in for birdie. Usually a winning shot. |
| 3 to 10 feet | A very good tee shot. Often enough to win a club day. |
| 10 to 30 feet | On the green and in the running at a casual event. |
| Off the green | Doesn't count in most contests. |
Why golfers love it
- Anyone can win. One good swing from a beginner can beat a low handicapper.
- It's quick. One shot, one measurement, no maths.
- It works for groups. Charity days and office golf tournaments use it because it's easy to run and exciting to follow.
- It's a good side bet. Friends often play it alongside other games such as skins.
Closest to the pin vs longest drive
These two side contests are often run together. Longest drive is played on a par 4 or par 5 and rewards distance, as long as the ball ends up in the fairway. Closest to the pin is played on a par 3 and rewards accuracy. A good event will have one of each so both long and short hitters have a chance.
Tips for winning a closest to the pin
- Take one more club than you think. Most amateur tee shots on par 3s finish short. Short of the green often means not on it at all.
- Aim for the middle if the pin is tucked. A ball 20 feet away on the green beats a ball 5 feet away in a bunker.
- Check the wind. A breeze into your face can knock a shot down a whole club or more.
- Commit to the shot. Pick your club, make a smooth swing, and don't try to steer the ball.
More advice on these holes is in how to hit a tee shot on a par 3.
Closest to the pin in Mashy
Mashy has its own Closest to the pin mode. You get one tee shot on each of the course's par 3s, the distances in feet are added up, and the lowest total wins. Finishing inside 3 feet earns a coin. Since only a putt can drop in Mashy, a tee shot that reaches the cup lips out, so the contest is all about getting as close as you can. In the Clubhouse, your friends' best closest to the pin rounds show alongside their stroke play rounds.
Frequently asked questions
Does a closest to the pin shot have to be on the green?
In most contests, yes. The ball must finish on the putting surface to count, even if a ball in the fringe or rough is physically nearer the hole. Some casual games relax this rule, so check with the organiser before you tee off.
What happens if two players are the same distance from the pin?
It's very rare for two balls to be exactly the same distance away, but if it happens the organiser decides. Common solutions are measuring more carefully with a tape or sharing the prize between the tied players. Agreeing the tie rule before the event starts avoids any argument.
Is nearest the pin the same as closest to the pin?
Yes, nearest the pin and closest to the pin are two names for the same contest. Nearest the pin is more common in the UK and Ireland, while closest to the pin is more common in the United States. The rules are the same whichever name is used.
Can you win closest to the pin with a hole in one?
Yes. A hole in one finishes zero distance from the hole, so nobody can beat it. In practice it usually wins the closest to the pin prize as well as any separate hole in one prize the event offers, plus a story for life.
Why is closest to the pin played on par 3s?
Par 3s are the only holes where every player hits the tee shot towards the green, so everyone's first shot can be fairly compared. On longer holes, the first shot is played away from the green, so measuring it to the pin wouldn't make sense.