How to Run a Night Golf Tournament with Glow Sticks: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Glowing Good Time

Golf is usually a daylight sport, but if you want to add a whole new level of excitement, consider hosting a night golf tournament—with glow sticks lighting the way! Whether it’s for charity, corporate bonding, or just a fun community event, glow-in-the-dark golf is a creative and unforgettable way to enjoy the game.

Running a night golf tournament takes a bit of planning, but with the right setup and atmosphere, you’ll create a truly unique experience for players and spectators alike. Here's a complete guide to help you plan and execute a successful glow stick golf event.

Night golf is a great option for:

• Fundraisers: Add novelty to a traditional golf fundraiser.
• Corporate Events: Perfect for team-building with a fun twist.
• Club Promotions: Attract new members and excite regulars.
• Family Fun: Kids and adults alike enjoy the glowing experience.

Using glow sticks and LED lights to light up the course brings energy, color, and fun to a game that’s typically associated with calm, quiet, and daylight.

You don’t need to host a full 18-hole tournament at night—most night golf events stick to 9 holes, using a shotgun start format to keep groups moving.

Popular formats include:

• Scramble: Great for beginners; teams of 4 play the best ball each shot.
• Best Ball: Keeps individual competition intact while still being team-based.
• Glow Ball Challenges: Add glow-in-the-dark mini-games at certain holes.

Decide on whether your event will be competitive, just-for-fun, or themed. Adding prizes, raffles, or a costume element (think neon or glowing outfits) can also boost participation.

Start the event in the late afternoon, just before sunset. This gives players time to arrive, register, and enjoy food or drinks before the sun sets and the glow begins.

Ideal schedule:

• 4:30–5:30 PM: Check-in, pre-round snacks, glow accessory distribution.
• 5:30–6:00 PM: Briefing and shotgun start.
• 6:00–8:30 PM: Tournament play.
• 8:30–9:30 PM: Awards, food, and post-event celebration.

This is where the fun really begins. You’ll need glow gear for both players and the course.

For Players:

• Glow golf balls
• Glow stick necklaces, bracelets, and headbands
• Clip-on lights for bags
• LED tee markers and ball markers

For the Course:

• Glow sticks to mark fairways and hazards
• LED lights or glow paint for tee boxes and greens
• Lit-up flags for holes (clip-on lights or battery-powered poles)
• Glow rope or pathway lighting for cart paths

Pro tip: Use color-coded glow sticks for each group to help them identify their balls and teammates at night.

Night golf is fun—but visibility is limited, so safety is critical.

• Ensure marshals or volunteers are positioned on the course to monitor play and assist with direction.
• Keep first aid kits and flashlights available at all holes.
• Mark cart paths and hazards clearly with lights.
• Have a pre-tournament briefing to review course rules and boundaries.

Limit the number of players per hole to prevent crowding, and make sure everyone understands the plan for locating lost balls in the dark.

Make your event more than just golf—turn it into an experience.

Ideas include:

• Neon or glow-themed dress code
• Music at the clubhouse or portable speakers on carts
• A pre or post-tournament BBQ, drinks, or snacks
• Prizes for “Best Dressed Glow Golfer,” “Glow MVP,” or “Craziest Shot”

Add a photo booth with glow props or a glow stick arch for players to walk through as they finish the course. This gives players a way to remember the night—and a great photo opportunity for social media.

Use a mix of digital and traditional marketing to get the word out:

• Create a Facebook event with fun visuals.
• Post teaser videos of glowing golf balls in action.
• Distribute flyers at local sports clubs and cafes.
• Encourage teams to sign up early with early bird pricing or perks (like free glow packs).

If your event is for charity, highlight your cause and include stories or testimonials to increase engagement.

As players finish, offer warm drinks (hot chocolate, mulled wine, or coffee), turn up the music, and hand out awards or prizes. You might want to:

• Recognize sponsors and donors
• Thank volunteers
• Capture testimonials or feedback
• Take a final group photo with everyone glowing

Send out a follow-up email with a thank-you note and event photos. If you're planning to make it annual, this keeps the buzz alive for next year.

Running a glow stick night golf tournament is part sport, part spectacle, and entirely unforgettable. With just a bit of organization and some creativity, you can light up the night and give your players a one-of-a-kind experience.

Whether you're planning a laid-back community event or a full-on glow golf fundraiser, just remember: the goal is to have fun, stay safe, and make it glow.

Need a checklist or glow gear shopping guide? Let me know and I’ll create one to help make planning even easier!