Nina Caldwell
In golf, a proxy contest is a collective name for several distance-related bonus games that are sometimes included in golf tournaments. The proxy in proxy contest is short for proximity or proximate, meaning nearby or within a short distance. Proxy contests include games such as closest-to-the-pin contests, straightest drive, and longest drive. A proxy marker or proximity marker is a small marker or sign that can be staked into the ground to signify the position of the leader in a proxy contest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Proxy contest | A collective name for several distance-related bonus games in golf tournaments |
| Proxy contest games | Closest to the pin, straightest drive, longest drive |
| Proxy marker | A small marker or signpost that golfers stick in the ground to signify the position of the leader in a proxy contest |
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Proxy contest
A "proxy contest" in golf is a collective name for several distance-related bonus games that organizers of some golf tournaments include as part of the day's play. The "proxy" in "proxy contest" is short for proximity or proximate, meaning nearby or within a short distance.
- Closest to the pin: In this game, golfers attempt to get their tee shots as close to the hole as possible. The player whose ball stops nearest to the flagstick or hole wins.
- Straightest drive: Tournament organizers usually draw a white chalk line in the middle of the straightest par-4 and 5 holes on the golf course. The player whose ball lands closest to the line without crossing it wins the game.
- Longest drive: The drives of players are measured on each hole, and the player with the longest drive on a designated hole wins.
Proxy markers, also known as proxy signs, proximity markers, or proximity stakes, are small markers or signs that can be staked into the ground to signify the position of the leader in a proxy contest. They are used to keep track of which golfer is leading the contest at any given point. When the first group of golfers play the hole, the golfer who hits the closest to the hole takes the proxy marker, writes their name on it, and stakes it into the ground at the spot their ball landed. If a subsequent golfer beats that distance, they write their name on the proxy marker and move it to the new spot. At the end of the tournament or contest, organizers retrieve the proxy marker to determine the winner.
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Proxy markers
In a typical closest-to-the-pin contest, golfers attempt to get their tee shots as close to the hole as possible. The proxy marker is used to track the golfer who is leading the contest at any given point. When the first group of golfers plays, the one who hits closest to the hole takes the proxy marker and places it on the spot where their tee ball landed. A writing pad attached to the marker allows golfers to write down their names.
At the end of the tournament or contest, organizers retrieve the proxy marker and measure its position to determine the winning distance. The last name written on the pad belongs to the golfer who achieved that winning shot. Proxy markers are not just limited to closest-to-the-pin contests but can also be used in other proxy contests like long drive and straightest drive competitions.
Purpose-made proxy markers, consisting of notepads attached to a wire frame that can be easily pushed into the ground, are available for purchase from golf shops and online retailers. These markers help golfers conveniently track their progress and performance during proxy contests, adding an extra element of competition and engagement to golf tournaments.
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Closest to the pin
"Closest to the pin" is a common expression in golf that refers to a contest typically played alongside charity, corporate, club, and association tournaments. It can also be used as a friendly wager within a group of golfers. The game is usually played on a designated par-3 hole, where golfers attempt to land their tee shots as close as possible to the pin (the hole on the green).
Throughout the day, tournament organizers or golfers themselves track the distances and measure how close each shot is to the pin. This can be done informally, through an honour system, or more formally, with a "judge" or "referee" using a tape measure to determine the distances.
The golfer whose ball lands nearest to the pin, or flagstick, is deemed the winner of the "Closest to the Pin" contest and receives a prize. This contest adds an extra layer of competition and excitement to the main tournament, and it is a great way to encourage participation and engagement, especially in charity events where it can help raise more money.
The abbreviation "KP" is commonly used for "Closest to the Pin," although the exact origin of this abbreviation remains unclear. Some have speculated that it might stand for "Keenest Position," while others believe it may have been used as an alternative to "CP" if that abbreviation was already in use for something else. Whatever the reason, the term has caught on and is now widely accepted in golfing circles.
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Straightest drive
A "proxy contest" in golf refers to a set of distance-related bonus games that are played in some golf tournaments, including charity tournaments. One of the most common proxy contests is "Straightest Drive", which is a game that rewards golfers for their accuracy in driving straight down the fairway. Here's how it works:
- Course Setup: On one of the straightest par-4 or par-5 holes on the golf course, tournament organizers will usually draw a white chalk line down the middle of the fairway. This line serves as the target for golfers to aim for.
- Player Drives: Each golfer participating in the contest will hit their drive on that particular hole, aiming to keep their ball as close to the chalk line as possible.
- Measuring Distance: After all the golfers have played their drives, the distance of their balls from the chalk line is measured. The golfer whose ball lands closest to the line, without crossing over, is determined to be the winner.
- Proxy Markers: In some cases, golfers may use "proxy markers" or "proximity markers." These are small signs or stakes that golfers can place on the ground to mark the landing spot of their drive. This helps in measuring and comparing distances more conveniently.
- Winner Determination: The golfer with the drive that is closest to the chalk line, as indicated by the shortest distance from the line to the ball, or by the use of proxy markers, is declared the winner of the "Straightest Drive" contest.
The winner of the "Straightest Drive" proxy contest typically receives a bonus prize, adding an extra layer of competition and fun to the golf tournament. It's important to note that the specific rules and procedures may vary slightly depending on the organizers and the nature of the tournament.
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Longest drive
A proxy contest is a group of familiar golf tournament add-ons or bonus games. One such game is Longest Drive, where the drives of players are measured on each hole, usually a par-4 or par-5 hole. The player who hits the longest drive on a designated hole wins. This is typically measured by a tournament official or by using a "proxy marker", a small signpost that golfers stick in the ground to mark their progress.
The Longest Drive contest is a fun way to add a little extra competition to a golf tournament and give golfers a chance to show off their driving skills. It can be a standalone contest or part of a broader proxy contest that includes other games like "Closest to the Pin" and "Straightest Drive".
In a Longest Drive contest, golfers typically aim to hit the ball as far as possible from the tee box, which is the area where golfers start each hole. The golfer with the longest drive, as measured from the tee box to where their ball lands, is declared the winner.
To make the contest more interesting, organizers can introduce variations. For example, they might designate a specific hole for the contest, usually a long par-4 or par-5 hole that offers a good balance of distance and fairness. Alternatively, they could measure the total driving distance across multiple holes, rewarding consistency and strategy in addition to raw power.
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Frequently asked questions
A proxy contest is a collective name for several distance-related bonus games that are played in some golf tournaments. These include closest-to-the-pin, straightest drive, and longest drive contests.
The "proxy" in proxy contest is short for proximity or proximate, meaning nearby or within a short distance.
A proxy marker is a small marker or signpost that golfers stick into the ground to signify the position of the leader in a proxy contest. It is used to keep track of which golfer is leading the contest at any given point in the round.
At the end of the contest, the organizers retrieve the proxy marker and measure its position to the hole to determine the winner. The last name written on the pad is the golfer who recorded the winning shot.
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