Competition secretary
How to run an order of merit
By Caddyio · Updated
An order of merit is a season-long league table: members earn points at each event, and the totals decide an overall champion. The three decisions that make or break it are your points scheme, how many events count, and your tie-breaks. Get those right up front and the table runs itself.
- Choose a points scheme Two common approaches: position-based (e.g. 25 for a win, 20 for second, sliding down the field) or performance-based (points equal to Stableford points scored). Position-based rewards turning up and finishing high; performance-based rewards playing well regardless of who else shows up.
- Decide how many events count Counting a member's best N of M events (say best 6 of 10) is fairer than counting them all — it lets people miss a couple of days without falling out of contention, and keeps the title race alive late into the season.
- Set tie-breaks Most societies use most wins, then most second places, then head-to-head at the final event.
- Track and publish Update the table after every event and share it — a visible, live standings table is the single biggest driver of turnout in the back half of a season.
- Award the season Recognise the champion (and often a “most improved”) at your end-of-season day.
Frequently asked
- How many events should count?
- Best 6 of 10 (or similar) is a good default — enough to reward consistency without punishing anyone who misses one or two.
- How do I stop one big day dominating the table?
- Use a best-N-events count and cap the points on offer per event.
- Position-based or Stableford points?
- Position-based feels more like a league; Stableford-based is simpler and rewards good golf directly. Pick one and keep it for the season.
With Caddyio the order of merit is built in — points accrue automatically from each society event and the standings update live.