What is a Calcutta in golf?
A Calcutta is a type of auction or lottery held in conjunction with a golf tournament, typically a charity event or a private tournament. The proceeds from the Calcutta are often donated to charity or used to fund the tournament itself. [1]
History[edit | edit source]
The origin of the term "Calcutta" is debated, but it is widely believed to have originated in the 19th century in Calcutta, India, where similar auctions were held for horse races. [2] The first recorded Calcutta auction in golf took place in the early 20th century in the United States. [3]
How it Works[edit | edit source]
A Calcutta auction typically involves the following steps:
1. Registration: Participants register for the auction and pay a fee. 2. Player Selection: Participants choose a golfer from the tournament field. 3. Auction: The golfers are auctioned off, with the highest bidder winning the right to "own" that golfer's score for the tournament. 4. Payout: The winner of the auction receives a portion of the proceeds, and the remaining proceeds are typically distributed based on the golfer's final position in the tournament.
Variations[edit | edit source]
There are several variations of the Calcutta auction, including:
- Live Auction: Participants bid on golfers in real-time, similar to a traditional auction.
- Silent Auction: Participants submit written bids on golfers, and the highest bidder wins.
- Lottery: Participants purchase tickets for a chance to win the right to "own" a golfer's score.
Benefits[edit | edit source]
Calcutta auctions offer several benefits:
- Increased Revenue: They can generate significant revenue for charities or tournaments.
- Increased Excitement: They add excitement and interest to the tournament.
- Social Event: They provide an opportunity for participants to socialize and enjoy a fun event.
Disadvantages[edit | edit source]
There are also some potential disadvantages to Calcutta auctions:
- Gambling: They can be seen as a form of gambling, which may be controversial.
- Unfairness: The auction process can be unfair, as some golfers may be more popular than others.
- Complexity: The rules and procedures can be complex and confusing for some participants.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Calcutta auctions are a popular and effective way to raise money for charities and tournaments. However, it is important to understand the rules and potential risks before participating.