KP (Closest to the Pin)
On every par 3, whoever stiffs it closest to the flag wins that hole's pot. Simple, and it makes every tee shot count.
What it is
KP — closest to the pin, also called nearest the pin — is a par-3 side game. On each par 3 that counts, the player whose tee shot finishes closest to the hole wins that hole's pot.
It rewards a single great swing rather than a whole round, so a high handicap can beat the field on any given par 3. That is why it pairs so well with a longer format running underneath.
How scoring works
- 1.Pick which par 3s count — all of them, or a chosen few.
- 2.Everyone buys in; each counted par 3 has its own pot.
- 3.On each counted par 3, record whose tee shot finished closest to the pin.
- 4.That player wins the pot for that hole.
- 5.If nobody hits the green on a par 3, that hole's pot goes unwon and refunds equally to the buy-in group.
Handicaps
KP is played gross — it is about the shot, not the scorecard, so no handicap strokes apply. The ball usually has to finish on the green (on in regulation) to count, which is the commissioner's call.
Best for
Any trip with par 3s. It adds a per-hole stake and a bit of theater on the short holes, and stacks happily on top of skins, match play, or a stroke-play round.
Score KP (Closest to the Pin) automatically
Sunday Singles handles the handicaps, the scoring, and a live TV leaderboard for the whole trip. Set up your first round free.
Common questions
Do you have to be on the green to win closest to the pin?
Usually yes — the tee shot has to hold the green to count. If nobody hits the green on a par 3, that hole's KP goes unwon and the pot refunds.
How many par 3s count for KP?
Whichever you choose. You can run KP on every par 3 or just a selected few; each counted par 3 carries its own pot.