Last Updated and Effective: April 5, 2026
By participating in a SmartPin Game, you agree to these Official Game Rules, SmartPin’s Terms of Use, and SmartPin’s Privacy Policy. If these Official Game Rules conflict with the Terms of Use with respect to Game participation, eligibility, prize review, or prize payment, these Official Game Rules control. Personal information will be handled as described in SmartPin’s Privacy Policy.
For purposes of these Official Game Rules, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
A shot in which the ball is Holed from the tee in a single stroke.
The SmartPin mobile application used to access and participate in Games.
A single shot initiated in the SmartPin App in accordance with these Official Game Rules.
Any SmartPin Game offering, including the Ace Challenge and SmartPin Challenge, made available through the SmartPin App.
A specific format of play within a Game, including Ace Challenge or SmartPin Challenge.
A shot in which the ball comes to rest within thirty-six inches (36") of the edge of the hole, as determined exclusively by SmartPin using its measurement systems.
A Player who currently holds or has held within the past five (5) years, recognized professional status through employment in the golf industry or membership in a professional golf organization, including the PGA of America or equivalent organizations.
A ball is "Holed" when it comes to rest within the golf cup with the entire ball below the level of the lip, consistent with the Rules of Golf as established by the United States Golf Association (USGA).
For purposes of these Official Game Rules, a ball will be considered Holed only if it comes to rest in a golf cup and flagstick setup that complies with these Official Game Rules. If the golf cup or flagstick is modified, improperly installed, obstructed, or otherwise interferes with the normal operation of the golf cup in a way that prevents the ball from coming to rest below the surface of the putting green, the ball will be deemed not Holed.
The video recorded by SmartPin equipment associated with the flagstick, where applicable.
An individual who participates in a Game.
A Player who submits a Potentially Winning Shot.
A shot identified by SmartPin as potentially meeting the criteria for a prize, subject to verification, review, and compliance with these Official Game Rules. Designation as a Potentially Winning Shot does not guarantee that a Player will be confirmed as a Winner.
A Player who has earned, currently holds, or has held within the past five (5) years, playing status on a recognized professional golf tour, including major, developmental, or mini-tour events, or who has participated on multiple occasions in organized golf competitions or leagues against a field including professional golfers where prize money is awarded based on performance.
A golf cup with a diameter of 4.25 inches, consistent with USGA specifications.
The action taken within the SmartPin App to initiate an Entry and begin recording.
The video recorded on the Player’s or Game Operator’s mobile device at the time of the Entry.
A Player whose Potentially Winning Shot has been verified and confirmed by SmartPin in accordance with these Official Game Rules.
These Games are facilitated by Ace Technologies Inc, a Delaware corporation d/b/a SmartPin (“SmartPin”), with a mailing address of 3469 Lake Elmo Ave N, #219, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.
Games available in the SmartPin App may be operated directly by SmartPin or by a SmartPin Game Operator (“Game Operator”) with a current and fully executed SmartPin Game Operator Agreement (“Game Operator Agreement”), in accordance with these Official Game Rules. SmartPin may review, verify, accept, reject, or void any Entry that does not comply with these Official Game Rules.
SmartPin Games may be offered in different formats that govern how Players access and participate in a Game. The format of a Game does not alter the core requirements for a valid Entry, shot verification, or prize eligibility unless expressly stated in the SmartPin App or by the Game Operator.
The primary Game formats include:
SmartPin may introduce additional Game formats or modify existing formats from time to time.
SmartPin offers multiple Game Types, each with distinct objectives and prize criteria.
The Ace Challenge requires the Player to achieve an Ace. Only Entries that result in an Ace are eligible for an Ace Prize, subject to verification and compliance with these Official Game Rules.
The SmartPin Challenge rewards shots that meet defined proximity criteria to the hole, including both Gimmes and Aces.
A shot will be considered a Gimme if it satisfies the definition of a Gimme under these Official Game Rules, as determined exclusively by SmartPin using its measurement systems and available data. All measurement determinations are final and not subject to challenge based on alternative methods, visual estimates, or external measurements.
SmartPin measurement systems, scoring determinations, and verification processes apply consistently across all Game formats.
A Player may participate in a Game in any of the following ways:
To participate in a Game, a Player must either create or be associated with a SmartPin account or an event participant record, and agree to the SmartPin Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Player must follow all in-app instructions and recording requirements applicable to the Entry. The Player must grant the App access to the device’s camera, microphone, location services, and any other required permissions necessary for participation.
By participating in a Game, the Player agrees to the Terms of Use and acknowledges the practices described in the Privacy Policy. If a Player does not agree to the Terms of Use or Privacy Policy, the Player is not eligible to participate and must notify the Game Operator or other person operating the App prior to taking a shot.
An “Entry” consists of a single shot recorded in the SmartPin App in accordance with these Official Game Rules. A shot is considered taken when the Player makes a forward stroke and strikes the ball.
Only one (1) shot is permitted per Entry. A Player may not take any practice shot, mulligan, or other shot intended for the target green within sixty (60) minutes prior to the Entry. SmartPin may review surrounding play and available evidence to determine compliance with this requirement.
The Player must play from within the teeing area of a designated tee that meets the applicable minimum distance requirement for the Game. The ball must be struck from within the teeing area as defined by the USGA.
For Players actively engaged in a round of golf, the Player may not play from a teeing area located closer to the hole than the tee being played for that round. The Player may move to a teeing area located farther from the hole than the tee being played for that round, provided that the selected tee meets the applicable minimum distance requirement.
All equipment used, including, but not limited to clubs, balls, and tees, must conform to USGA specifications.
No Player or other person may intentionally interfere with, alter, or attempt to influence the movement of the ball from the time the shot is taken until the ball comes to rest. Any such action may result in disqualification.
To receive one (1) Entry, the Game must be initiated in the SmartPin App, and the Tee Shot Video must be recorded and submitted in accordance with the App instructions and these Official Game Rules. Failure to properly record and submit the Tee Shot Video may result in an invalid Entry.
Failure to comply with any recording or timing requirement may result in the Entry being deemed invalid.
Games may only be played at locations made available in the SmartPin App at the time of Entry. Game availability may vary by course, hole, facility, or event, and is subject to eligibility requirements, operational conditions, and active Game Operator participation. Players are responsible for confirming that the selected location, course, and hole are available for the applicable Game Type prior to initiating an Entry.
The target hole and green must comply with applicable United States Golf Association (USGA) standards and recommendations and must be played from the hole’s designated teeing area, unless approved by SmartPin.
The target hole, green, and surrounding area must be in an ordinary playing condition for that hole. The hole, green, cup, or surrounding area may not be intentionally prepared, modified, or manipulated in a manner designed to increase the likelihood of a winning shot.
SmartPin may review the condition, setup, and placement of any target hole or green in connection with prize eligibility. If SmartPin determines that the hole or surrounding conditions were altered or not in an ordinary playing condition in a manner that materially affected the outcome of a shot, the Entry may be deemed ineligible.
Green contours, including slopes, collection areas, or “funnel” features, are a natural part of golf. However, shots that rely significantly on such contours are subject to review under the Shot Evaluation and Prize Adjustment section of these Official Game Rules.
For the SmartPin Challenge, a SmartPin flagstick must be upright and properly inserted in a Regulation Golf Cup.
For the Ace Challenge, a flagstick that meets USGA specifications must be upright and properly inserted in a Regulation Golf Cup.
Players are responsible for confirming that the flagstick is properly positioned prior to taking a shot. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the Entry being deemed invalid or, where applicable, a determination that the shot is not Holed.
The "Contest Period" begins on April 5, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. Central Time and ends on May 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time, unless SmartPin extends, shortens, suspends, or ends the Contest Period earlier in accordance with these Official Game Rules. SmartPin’s computer and system records are the official timekeeping devices for the Game.
The prize, eligibility requirements, and Official Game Rules applicable to an Entry are those in effect when Start is pressed for the Entry in the SmartPin App.
If SmartPin determines that a Game, hole, or prize should not have been available for an Entry, SmartPin may void the Entry and provide a refund in accordance with the Entry Void and Refund Policy.
To enter a Game, eligible Players must select an Entry fee. Available Entry fee options will be displayed in the SmartPin App or provided by the Game Operator at the time of Entry.
Players may enter a Game multiple times, subject to availability and these Official Game Rules. A Player is limited to one (1) Entry per hole within any sixty (60) minute period, unless otherwise authorized by SmartPin.
If additional Entries within a sixty (60) minute period are authorized for the same hole, each Entry will be associated with a separate prize offering or prize pool, as determined by SmartPin or the Game Operator.
Game availability is subject to prize limits, which may include, but are not limited to:
When a prize limit is reached, the applicable Game, prize type, or hole may no longer be available in the SmartPin App for the remainder of the applicable time period.
Players may only initiate an Entry for a Game, hole, and prize that are available in the App at the time the Player presses “Start.” If a Game or prize is not available, the Player will not be able to initiate an Entry.
If SmartPin determines that a Game, hole, or prize should not have been available for an Entry, SmartPin may void the Entry and provide a refund in accordance with the Entry Void and Refund Policy.
SmartPin may monitor, enforce, and adjust prize limits and Game availability as reasonably necessary to manage prize distribution, maintain system integrity, and ensure consistent operation of the Game.
If SmartPin determines that an Entry is invalid, ineligible, or should not have been available due to a system issue, technical issue, Game availability error, operator or setup issue, or another circumstance not caused by the Player’s violation of these Official Game Rules, SmartPin may void the Entry. In such cases, SmartPin will refund the applicable Entry fee. Refunds are limited to the Entry fee paid for the affected Entry, and no additional compensation will be provided. No refund will be provided if an Entry is voided due to a Player’s violation of these Official Game Rules.
Eligible Players may compete in Games offering prize money. The prize available for each Game will be displayed in the SmartPin App or listed by the Game Operator. All prizes are predetermined and funded by SmartPin and are not based on the number of Entries or Entry fees collected. All prize determinations are subject to verification and compliance with these Official Game Rules.
The prize applicable to an Entry is the prize listed at the time “Start” is pressed in the App. Prize amounts may change over time. Players are responsible for confirming the prize amount prior to “Start” being pressed.
If SmartPin determines that a Game, hole, or prize should not have been available for an Entry, SmartPin may void the Entry and provide a refund in accordance with the Entry Void and Refund Policy.
Players classified as Golf Professionals or Professional Golfers are eligible to participate, but are subject to adjusted prize amounts. If a Player meets the criteria for more than one classification, the classification resulting in the lowest prize amount will apply. These classifications are intended to preserve meaningful prize opportunities across a broad range of players.
Player classification is determined at the time a Potentially Winning Shot is submitted and may be reviewed prior to prize payment based on publicly available information and other reasonably reliable sources.
Each Entry and any Potentially Winning Shot are subject to review and verification by SmartPin.
A Player becomes a “Potential Winner” when SmartPin identifies a shot that may satisfy the criteria for a prize. All Potentially Winning Shots are reviewed in phases using available video, SmartPin system data, and other relevant information.
SmartPin evaluates a Potentially Winning Shot in the following phases:
For purposes of determining whether a shot is Holed, the golf cup and flagstick must comply with these Official Game Rules. If the cup or flagstick is modified or obstructed in a way that prevents the ball from coming to rest below the surface of the putting green, the shot will be deemed not Holed.
If a shot outcome is affected by a golf cup or flagstick condition that does not comply with these Official Game Rules, SmartPin may determine that the shot is not Holed or that the Entry is invalid and, where appropriate, void the Entry and provide a refund in accordance with the Entry Void and Refund Policy.
SmartPin determines whether a shot satisfies the requirements for a Potentially Winning Shot under these Official Game Rules based on the available evidence. SmartPin is not required to disclose the specific methods, data, or internal processes used in making such determinations.
In the event a Potentially Winning Shot is not verified, or a Player is not confirmed as a Winner, the Player’s sole remedy is limited to the rights set forth in these Official Game Rules, including, where applicable, SmartPin may void the Entry and provide a refund in accordance with the Entry Void and Refund Policy.
After a Potentially Winning Shot is identified, SmartPin will review the shot and any other relevant information to determine whether the Player satisfies the requirements for confirmation as a Winner.
SmartPin may request additional information or documentation reasonably necessary to verify eligibility, compliance with these Official Game Rules, and the validity of the shot.
Affidavits and other required documents may be completed and executed electronically, including through digital signature, and such electronic signatures will be treated as legally binding to the same extent as physical signatures. SmartPin may rely on electronically submitted documents, video, and SmartPin system data in verifying eligibility and prize claims.
A Potential Winner will be confirmed as a Winner only after SmartPin completes its review and issues a confirmation notice through the Player’s SmartPin account or other contact method on file.
SmartPin will make all determinations under these Official Game Rules in good faith based on the information available at the time of review, and such determinations are final and binding, except where a review is expressly permitted under these Official Game Rules.
For Ace Challenge prize eligibility, at least one (1) playing partner age eighteen (18) or older must be present and able to observe the shot at the time it is taken. All playing partners age eighteen (18) or older who were present for the shot must complete and sign the required affidavit(s) within seventy-two (72) hours after SmartPin sends the request, unless SmartPin provides additional time. If no playing partner age eighteen (18) or older was present for the shot, the Entry is not eligible for an Ace Prize.
SmartPin may waive the witness affidavit requirement only if the available video, SmartPin system data, and other relevant evidence conclusively establish the shot result and compliance with these Official Game Rules.
SmartPin may require any Potential Winner to complete, sign, and return a Winner’s Form, affidavit of eligibility, liability release, and publicity release, where permitted by law, as a condition of receiving a prize.
If a Potential Winner fails to complete and return any required documentation within seventy-two (72) hours after SmartPin sends the request, SmartPin may disqualify the Potential Winner and void the prize, unless SmartPin provides additional time.
Winners of prizes valued at $600 or more, or such other amount as required by applicable law, must provide any required tax information, including information necessary for SmartPin to issue a Form 1099-MISC. Failure to provide such information within seventy-two (72) hours after SmartPin sends the request may result in forfeiture of the prize, unless SmartPin provides additional time.
All federal, state, and local taxes associated with any prize are the sole responsibility of the Winner.
SmartPin will make reasonable efforts to notify confirmed Winners using the contact information associated with the Player’s account or Entry within three (3) business days following verification.
Players are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. Prior SmartPin Game prizes won are not considered when reviewing a Player’s eligibility for Games with prize money. Players are responsible for confirming their eligibility prior to participation.
Participation in SmartPin Games and the acceptance of prize money may affect a Player’s amateur status or athletic eligibility under the rules of governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), or other organizations.
SmartPin does not determine the impact of participation or prize acceptance on a Player’s status or eligibility. Each Player is solely responsible for understanding and complying with any applicable rules or restrictions imposed by such governing bodies.
Where available, participants may elect prior to participation to direct any prize funds to a designated charitable organization selected from SmartPin’s approved partners.
If such an election is made:
Participants are solely responsible for obtaining any required approval from their institution or governing body. SmartPin makes no representation regarding any Player’s eligibility status.
SmartPin affiliates include employees, officers, directors, shareholders, contractors, vendors, and their immediate family members.
Affiliates may participate and win prizes. However, affiliate participation will not reduce, displace, or otherwise affect prize amounts payable to non-affiliate Players. SmartPin may adjust prize allocations as necessary to ensure non-affiliate Players receive the full prize amounts they would have otherwise earned.
A Player may request a review of their eligibility classification by submitting a written request to SmartPin prior to prize payment. SmartPin will review the request and issue a final determination in accordance with these Official Game Rules.
SmartPin Games are designed to reward skill-based shot execution. While contours are a natural part of golf, shots that rely significantly on contours rather than the Player’s execution may be subject to prize adjustment or ineligibility.
A Potentially Winning Shot may be reviewed to determine whether contours materially influenced the outcome.
A shot may be classified as “Funnel-Assisted” if contours materially improved the result, but the shot still reflects a reasonable degree of skill. In such cases, the applicable prize will be reduced by fifty percent (50%).
A shot may be classified as “Funnel-Reliant” if, without the effect of contours, the shot would not have reasonably achieved the Potentially Winning Shot result. Funnel-Reliant shots are not eligible for a prize.
In making this determination, SmartPin may consider factors including, but not limited to:
No single factor is determinative. All determinations will be made by SmartPin in accordance with these Official Game Rules based on available video, SmartPin system data, and other reasonably relevant information.
A shot that meets the criteria for a defined shot outcome, including an Ace or a Gimme, may still be subject to review and may be deemed ineligible for a prize if it does not comply with these Official Game Rules, including the Shot Evaluation and Prize Adjustment provisions.
A Player may request a review of a Funnel-Assisted or Funnel-Reliant determination by submitting a written request to SmartPin prior to prize payment. SmartPin will review the request and issue a final determination in accordance with these Official Game Rules.
All Entries are subject to review and verification by SmartPin. SmartPin may disqualify any Entry or Player if SmartPin determines that the Player:
SmartPin may also disqualify or void any Entry if a malfunction, error, or irregularity in the SmartPin system, recording process, or Game setup materially affects the validity or verification of the shot. If such an issue is not caused by the Player’s violation of these Official Game Rules, SmartPin may void the Entry and provide a refund in accordance with the Entry Void and Refund Policy.
Any attempt to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Game, including through fraud, manipulation, or interference, may result in disqualification and may subject the Player to further action, including account suspension or termination. Such conduct may also constitute a violation of criminal and civil laws, and SmartPin reserves the right to seek damages and pursue any other remedies available under applicable law against any person responsible, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Players must provide accurate information and may not impersonate another person or misrepresent their identity. Each Player is permitted to maintain only one SmartPin account. Creating or using multiple accounts to circumvent these Official Game Rules is prohibited.
Players may not submit false or misleading information in connection with any Entry, Potentially Winning Shot, or prize claim.
SmartPin may review account activity and information and may suspend, terminate, or restrict any account that violates these Official Game Rules.
Entries associated with prohibited conduct or duplicate accounts will be deemed invalid.
SmartPin does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of the Game or the App. Technical, hardware, software, network, or connectivity issues may interfere with or prevent participation, including issues affecting mobile devices, internet connections, or SmartPin systems.
If such an issue prevents an Entry from being properly completed, recorded, or verified, SmartPin may deem the Entry invalid and void the Entry and provide a refund in accordance with the Entry Void and Refund Policy.
To the extent permitted by law, SmartPin is not liable for any loss, injury, or damage beyond the remedies expressly provided in these Official Game Rules.
By participating in a Game, each Player agrees that:
All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Game Rules, and the rights and obligations of the Player and SmartPin, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles.
The remedies set forth in these Official Game Rules, including voiding of Entries and refunds where applicable, are the exclusive remedies available to Players.
By participating in a Game, each Player agrees to release and hold harmless SmartPin and its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, partners, agents, and representatives from any claims arising out of participation in the Game or the acceptance or use of any prize, except where prohibited by law.
SmartPin is not responsible for typographical, technical, or administrative errors in the operation of the Game or in the announcement or description of any prize.
Except where prohibited by law, participation in the Game constitutes the Player’s consent to SmartPin’s use of the Player’s name, likeness, voice, image, video, and statements, in connection with the Player’s Entry and participation in the Game, for advertising and promotional purposes in any media, without additional compensation, subject to the Terms of Use.
By submitting an Entry or otherwise participating in a Game, Players acknowledge that their personal information will be collected, used, and processed in accordance with SmartPin’s Privacy Policy.
Participation in a Game requires the use of a mobile device with an active data or Wi-Fi connection. An active connection must be maintained throughout participation. Standard data and messaging rates or other charges may apply.
SmartPin reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify any Game if events beyond its control, including but not limited to extreme weather, excessive wind, technical issues, or unauthorized interference, materially affect the administration, fairness, security, or proper conduct of the Game or the submission of Entries. To the extent permitted by law, SmartPin is not liable for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from such cancellation, suspension, or modification. If an Entry is affected, SmartPin may void the Entry and provide a refund in accordance with the Entry Void and Refund Policy.
SmartPin will interpret and apply these Official Game Rules in good faith and in a manner intended to ensure fair play, consistent administration, and the integrity of the Game. In the event of any ambiguity, inconsistency, or circumstance not expressly addressed in these Official Game Rules, SmartPin reserves the right to make a determination that it deems reasonable and appropriate based on the information available at the time.
Information about Winners and access to these Official Game Rules may be available through the SmartPin App. For additional inquiries, Players may submit a request to support@smartpingolf.com and include the date of the Entry for reference.
Questions regarding these Official Game Rules or Game results may be submitted to support@smartpingolf.com. All decisions made by SmartPin or its representatives are final and binding, except where a review is expressly permitted under these Official Game Rules.
