How to hold a Doris Tournament
A Doris Tournament is held in conjunction with The Doris’ birthday celebration and is usually a 4-woman scramble. This makes for more entertainment and it speeds up the game getting the teams to the 19th hole more quickly. Not all Doris’ or Doris Tournament players are great golfers, so it evens out the field.
The organizing Doris does just that; from arranging a date which is the toughest part, to selecting the course and the prizes. She turns over the Doris Cup at the end of her tournament.
• Arrange the date: Usually planned once a year during the season with nicer weather.
• Send out personally designed golf invites. They can be very creative invites or a basic email. Try to let your personality show.
• Determine the rules of the tournament and distribute information sheets. Standard tournament games are closest to the pin and longest drive; Doris’ like to put their own spin on the games such as:
1. Closest to the pin, blindfolded. Once you reach the green each team member takes a turn at putting blind-folded. They can be coached. The person that gets it closet to the hole wins. This can cause some loud laughter, so hopefully it’s an understanding course.
2. Shortest ‘drive’ on a par 3. Negative distance deserves a round of applause. (This has happened by hitting a tree and bouncing back.)
• Assign teams to play somewhat evenly, although on any given day and depending upon the consumption of libations, it doesn’t seem to matter.
• Provide markers for games. Brightly colored head-covers do well and are rarely left on the course.
• Decorate carts. The Doris cart at least should have some streamers or a flag to show she’s ‘The Doris!’ Decorating the other carts is optional. Make sure the course accepts this show.
• Provide ditty bags which are distributed at the beginning of the game and normally include such items as:
1. a sleeve of colorful golf balls,golf tees,
2. sustenance like crackers or nuts (something the squirrels and deer will like), chocolate (this can be tricky in warmer weather), water (yes, Doris’ do drink water), and
4. any other small gift items that seem appropriate or that are left over from other tournaments.
• Awards and prizes.
• Normally the 1st place team receives a small trophy or prize.
1. The DAL (Dead A- - Last) team receives a consolation price.
2. Prizes for games and ‘most balls lost’ category are distributed at the 19th hole.
• These are not meant to be high cost tournaments, so set a limit on prize winnings.
• With a great deal of reverence, present the Doris Cup to the upcoming Doris.
The Awards ceremony, along with libations, takes place at the club house, a restaurant, or for more fun (and safety) couple the ceremony with a slumber party. Just make sure to not drink and drive!
Libations during course of play are up to each individual player. Stronger libations can sometimes help play but often hinder play making for a more entertaining tournament. Again, chose a course that understands.