New Features Coming to Golf One & Done in 2026

Splash Sports is releasing a set of upgrades to Golf One & Done this week. These updates make contests more flexible to set up, add player-friendly protections (like backup picks), and introduce a brand-new way to score: Total Strokes.

Whether you’re entering a contest or running one, here’s what’s new—and how it affects your season.

The Biggest Improvements (At a Glance)

More flexibility for commissioners

• Build custom segments (name them anything) and include non-consecutive tournaments (ex: a “Majors” segment).
• Set player use limits anywhere from 1–10 times, or unlimited.
• Apply player use limits across the whole contest or per segment.
• Set tournament multipliers anywhere from 0.05x to 10x (two decimals).

More pick protection for players

• Alternate Picks (optional): add a backup golfer if your main pick withdraws before play.
• Automatic Picks (optional): a golfer is automatically assigned if an entrant missed a pick deadline
• Withdrawn player protection: a withdrawn golfer won’t count against your golfer-use limit.

A brand-new scoring option

Total Strokes (NEW): Run One & Done using a strokes-based scoring mode instead of prize earnings.

Feature Breakdown

Segments Configuration Upgrades

Commissioners can build segments without needing tournaments to be consecutive. You can also customize segment names (example: “Major Championships” or “West Coast Swing”).

Why it matters: Increased flexibility in how you can construct your payout segments

Player Use Limit Flexibility

Commissioners can set how many times each golfer can be selected—anywhere from once through 10 times, or unlimited. This limit can apply across the full contest or reset within each segment.

Why it matters: It lets each contest choose its own strategy difficulty (tight limits vs. wide-open).

Flexible Tournament Multipliers

Tournament multipliers are now entered directly (instead of choosing from a short dropdown list). Commissioners can set multipliers from 0.05x to 10x, up to two decimal places.

Why it matters: You can weight tournaments exactly how you want.

NEW: Total Strokes Scoring

Golf One & Done now supports a new scoring type: Total Strokes, alongside the existing Dollar Winnings format.

In Total Strokes contests:

• Under par reduces your score
• Over par increases your score
• Lowest score wins

Why it matters: It’s a popular way to play One & Done and creates a different strategy than earnings-based scoring.

Withdrawn Player Protection

If a golfer withdraws before play, that selection won’t count against player-use limits.

Why it matters: You aren’t penalized for something outside your control.

Leaderboard Updates

Leaderboards and the Gamecenter have been upgraded for easier scanning and navigation—including clearer pick views, autopick indicators, and improved segment visibility.

Why it matters: It’s easier to understand standings fast—both overall and by tournament/segment.

New Players Tab Additions

The Players tab now includes better visibility into picks—such as how many entrants selected each golfer (with autopick indicators where relevant).

Why it matters: More insight into where the field is going.

Setting Editability Rules

Settings are editable up to 48 hours before the first tournament begins. After a contest starts, settings can’t be changed (for paid contests).

Why it matters: You get time to finalize details—without surprises mid-contest.

FAQ

How do Alternate Picks work?

If Alternate Picks are enabled, you can select a backup golfer. If your main golfer withdraws before play begins, your backup automatically becomes your pick.

What happens if my golfer withdraws?

If Alternate Picks are enabled, your backup can swap in automatically (for pre-start withdrawals). If not, withdrawn golfers won’t count against golfer-use limits.

What’s the difference between Dollar Winnings vs Total Strokes?

Dollar Winnings ranks entrants by prize earnings. Total Strokes uses a strokes-based scoring system where lower is better.

Can commissioners edit settings after the contest starts?

Settings are editable up to 48 hours before the first tournament starts. After the contest begins (paid contests), settings can’t be changed.

How do autopicks get assigned?

If Automatic Picks are enabled, missed picks are assigned automatically based on the player’s chosen autopick approach.

Ready for a Better Season of One & Done?

If you’re already playing Golf One & Done, these upgrades should make things smoother week to week—more flexibility for commissioners, more protection for players, and a fresh new way to compete with Total Strokes scoring. Keep an eye out when the update goes live on Thursday, and if you’re setting up a new contest for 2026, take a quick pass through the settings to choose the format that fits your group best.