The Hold the Green Journal

Notes on running leagues and tournaments, format deep-dives, and stories from clubs who’ve made the switch.

Hold the Green's Beta Is Officially OpenProduct Updates
★ Featured

Hold the Green's Beta Is Officially Open

Jul 26, 2026 · 6 min read

We're opening the beta. Hold the Green is built for the real job of running a golf league week after week, not just tracking a round, with more ways to set up your season than any app out there. Sign up and get in.

Spreadsheet vs. App: Managing a League Without Losing Your MindOrganizing
Aug 8, 2026 · 6 min read

Spreadsheet vs. App: Managing a League Without Losing Your Mind

I ran my own league off a spreadsheet for years before Hold the Green ever existed, so I know exactly where it works and exactly where it falls apart. Here's the honest version, not the sales pitch.

How to Handle No-Shows and Subs in a Weekly LeagueOrganizing
Aug 5, 2026 · 6 min read

How to Handle No-Shows and Subs in a Weekly League

No-shows and last-minute subs are part of running any weekly league. Here is how to set a policy, build a subs list, and keep scoring fair before the scramble starts.

How to Run a Golf League (Once You've Actually Got One)Organizing
Jul 28, 2026 · 10 min read

How to Run a Golf League (Once You've Actually Got One)

Starting a league is the fun part. Running it well for a whole season is a different job: pairings, scoring, standings, subs, communication, rainouts, and keeping people engaged. Here's the actual weekly and seasonal rhythm of league admin.

Golf League Formats: Best Ball vs. Scramble vs. Stroke PlayFormats
Jul 25, 2026 · 9 min read

Golf League Formats: Best Ball vs. Scramble vs. Stroke Play

Best ball, scramble, stroke play, or Stableford? The format you pick decides who has fun, how long you're out there, and who even bothers showing up. Here's a plain take from a 25 handicap on picking the right one for your league.

Golf League Handicap Systems Explained (No GHIN Required)Handicaps
Jul 24, 2026 · 8 min read

Golf League Handicap Systems Explained (No GHIN Required)

I'm a 25.1 whose ball-striking looks better than my scorecard says it should — which is exactly why leagues need a real handicap system instead of the eye test. Here's how league handicaps actually work, no GHIN required, plus the math behind how Hold the Green calculates it automatically.

How to Start a Golf League (From Someone Who’s Actually Done It)Organizing
Jul 9, 2026 · 9 min read

How to Start a Golf League (From Someone Who’s Actually Done It)

Eight steps to launch a golf league that actually makes it through the whole season — picking a format, locking in your core group, handling money and handicaps, and keeping everyone in the loop.