Not all golf pools are created equal. The format you choose determines how much strategy is involved, how fair the competition is, and how much fun your group has. Here is a breakdown of the most popular formats, and which one works best for different group sizes and skill levels.
Tiered Draft (Recommended)
Golfers are divided into six skill tiers based on world rankings. Each participant picks one golfer from each tier. Your team's score is the combined total-to-par of all six golfers.
Pros
- Balanced teams, everyone gets stars and longshots
- High strategy with the tier trade-offs
- Every team is unique
- Works great for any group size
Cons
- Slightly more complex than a simple pick sheet
- Requires familiarity with the field
Best for: Groups of 5-200+ who want strategy and competition. This is what Majors Pro uses.
On Majors Pro, the tier assignments are handled automatically, the golfer field is auto-imported from official tournament data and divided into tiers based on current world rankings. No manual work for the host.
Pick Sheet / Squares
Each participant picks a set number of golfers (usually 4-6) from the entire field. No tiers, no restrictions. Simplest format to explain.
Pros
- Dead simple to understand
- Anyone can participate, even casual fans
Cons
- Many teams pick the same top golfers
- Less strategy and differentiation
- Often ends in ties
Best for: Very casual groups or people new to golf pools.
Salary Cap / Auction
Each participant gets a virtual budget (e.g., $50,000) and “buys” golfers at prices based on their ranking. You can load up on one star and fill the rest with unknowns, or build a balanced mid-tier team.
Pros
- Deepest strategy of any format
- Highly unique teams
Cons
- Complex, intimidates casual players
- Salary pricing can feel arbitrary
- Hard to manage without a platform
Best for: Hardcore fantasy sports groups who want maximum depth.
Calcutta / Auction Draft
Golfers are auctioned off to the highest bidder, usually in a live setting. Each golfer goes to one owner. The auction itself becomes the event.
Pros
- The auction is a blast, great social event
- Every golfer is unique to one team
Cons
- Requires everyone to be available at the same time
- Deep-pocketed participants can dominate
- Does not scale well past 10-15 people
Best for: Small, committed groups who want to make the draft an in-person event.
The Verdict
For most groups, the tiered draft hits the sweet spot. It is strategic enough for serious fans, simple enough that anyone can pick up in two minutes, and scales from a 4-person office pool to a 200-person corporate event. Every team is unique, and the tier structure prevents one person from stacking all the favorites.
That is exactly why Majors Pro is built around the tiered draft format, it works for every group, every Major, every year.
Why a Platform Matters
Regardless of which format you choose, running a pool without a platform creates unnecessary work. Here is what Majors Pro handles automatically:
- “My Card” live tracker: Every participant can see real-time shot-by-shot impact on their team score throughout the tournament.
- Automated payouts: Winners are paid directly. No Venmo chasing, no awkward “hey can you send my winnings” messages weeks later.
- AI Caddie: Your personal commentator for the major. Picks confidence on Wednesday, cut-line check on Friday, recap on Sunday, all specific to your team. New for US Open 2026.
- Pool chat: Built-in trash talk during the tournament keeps everyone engaged without needing a separate group text.
- Auto-imported golfer field: Tier assignments update automatically as the official tournament field is announced.
- White-label branding: Corporate hosts can add their company logo to the pool for a professional, branded experience.
- Referral program ($10 give/get): Built-in growth mechanism to help you expand your pool year over year.
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Host a PoolFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best golf pool format for a large group?▾
The tiered draft format works best for large groups (10-200+ people). It creates unique teams, balances strategy with simplicity, and scales well because multiple participants can pick the same golfer.
What is a tiered draft in fantasy golf?▾
A tiered draft divides the golfer field into skill-based tiers (usually 6). Each participant picks one golfer from each tier, creating a balanced team with both favorites and longshots. Your team score is the combined total-to-par of all six golfers.
Is a salary cap or tiered draft better for fantasy golf?▾
For most groups, tiered draft is better. It offers strong strategy without overwhelming casual players. Salary cap formats are deeper but more complex and can intimidate people new to fantasy sports.
How does a Calcutta golf pool work?▾
In a Calcutta, golfers are auctioned to the highest bidder in a live auction event. Each golfer goes to one owner. It works best for small committed groups of 10-15 people who can gather at the same time for the auction.
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