Competition Guide
This competition format is based on 6 balls in 2 minutes. This guide can be utilized for single wide, 2-wide, 3-wide, and 4-wide competitions.
The ULD systems for league events is based everyone hitting 2 sets of 6 balls for scoring. Extra sets may be purchase before the beginning of the day’s competition. Only *paid-for sets may be scored.
*The 2 sets of 6 that come with the registration and any extra sets purchased
This system is designed to complete competitions of 2 sets in appx 2 1/2 hours…or less. Set turn normally takes 4 to 8 minutes, and will normally average 6 minutes for the turn. (2 minutes to hit and 4 minutes to find the longest ball and measure)
Competition format
The rule of thumb is to remain single wide up to 12 to 15 hitters. The competition can be run single wide with more hitters, but the time required will increase.
A 2-wide competition can be utilized with up to 24 to 30 hitters. The 2-wide competition can be run with more than 30 hitters, but the time required will increase.
A 3-wide competition can be utilized with up to 36 to 45 hitters. The 3-wide competition can be run with more than 45 hitters, the required time will increase.
A 4-wide competition can be utilized with up to 48 to 60 hitters. The 4-wide competition can be run with more than 60 hitters, but the required time will increase. Running competitions of fields larger than 60 may require utilizing a different format such as splitting the competition into two groups, playing each group through, and taking the top (x hitters) from each group into a final round.
Larger fields can skew the time factors for a variety of reasons. Keeping balls replenished at the tee requires taking 10-minute breaks between rounds.
Balls Required
There should be multiple colored balls for all competitions that are run greater than single wide. (2 colors for 2-wide, 3 colors for 3-wide, and 4 colors for 4-wide)
To keep the competition on schedule, there should be enough balls on the tee to complete at least one round. Examples: 10 hitters hitting 6 balls requires having 5+ dozen balls
Ball loss is a factor to be considered. The loss could be 30+% if the area on each side of the grid is not completely accessible and tightly mowed.
Scoring – Spotters and Gofers
The minimum staff required to run an event is 2 qualified people for a single-wide competition. One person on the tee box (spotter) should be calling balls (via hand-held radio) to at least one person on the grid (gofer) positioned out of play. (2 radios required)
All 6 balls should be hit before the gofer enters the grid. The gofer should determine the longest ball, go there first, and stand over the ball with arms raised until the spotter acknowledges that the measurement is complete. The spotter should make the measurement (with an approved rangefinder) from the tee position of the hitter. The spotter should double-check all measurements. Whenever possible the gofer should also have a rangefinder and shoot the yardage back to the spotter for comparison.
The gofer should retrieve the balls that are in the grid after the score has been logged. In an effort to keep the competition flowing and on time, looking for balls outside the grid should only be done when extra personnel and/or time allows.
When running 2-wide there should be a minimum staff of 3. One spotter on the tee box calling balls and 2 on the grid. It’s best to have a spotter for each hitter and have a spotter and gofer each on the same radio channel.
This guide can be altered to add a third championship round for regional majors. Please refer to Rules 13.3 and 13.4 at https://amateurlongdrive.com/rules/ for clarification.