Scarcity vs. Accessibility
When configuring a new fantasy golf pool, the mechanism by which managers acquire players is the most critical decision a commissioner must make. It dictates the entire flavor of the competition.
The Open Pick'em Model
In an Open Pick'em format, multiple managers can draft the same golfer. If Scottie Scheffler is acting as the heavy favorite, 80% of the pool is free to draft him.
Pros: It scales infinitely. Whether you have 5 members or 5,000 members, the format operates effortlessly. It is also highly accessible for casual fans who only recognize a few brand-name golfers.
Cons: It leads to heavy lineup overlap, requiring complex tie-breakers and minimizing roster uniqueness.
The Snake Draft Model
In a Snake Draft, ownership is strictly exclusive. If Manager A drafts Rory McIlroy, he is removed from the board entirely.
Pros: It creates immense scarcity and rewards deep knowledge of the entire PGA Tour field. It also creates intense head-to-head scenarios where a manager is actively rooting against specific golfers rather than just the field.
Cons: It scales poorly. A PGA Tour field generally only has 150 players, and only the top 70 make the cut. Because of this mathematical reality, Snake Drafts are best restricted to highly invested groups of 6 to 12 participants.