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Helpful Tips for Planning a Golf Event

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Planning A Golf Event

Every year there are thousands of golf outings played on golf courses all over the world.  Whether it’s corporate, networking, charitable, or even just a friendly event, proper planning and organization are keys to making the day successful.  With that said, here are a few helpful tips for planning a golf event that are sure to set you on the right track towards creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

  • Understand the Cause:    Determine why you want to host an outing. Perhaps you are in sales and you want to entertain a group of clients. Maybe you sit on the board of a charitable foundation and want to raise money from the outing to support the cause.  Either way, it’s key to understand the goals of the event so that you can properly tailor your planning to hit the mark.
  • Ask for Help:  Choose the proper help from people who want to get involved.  Ask some folks in your company, on the board, or within your friends (depending on the cause) to assist you in the planning.  Splitting up the duties can be a real time saver and can significantly improve your chances of everything coming together when the day arrives.  Examples might be to designate one person as the primary contact with the course manager, while having someone else in charge of invitations and attendees.
  • Select a Date:   Many golf courses run outings almost daily, especially during the busy seasons so be mindful that they book up quickly.  The rule of thumb we live by is the 60-day rule, meaning that you’ll need to book your event at least 60 days in advance in order to reserve your date and give your attendees enough notice.  Also keep in mind that when the warm weather comes, especially in the North, most people begin planning trips and weekend getaways.   Additionally, most courses disallow weekend events because that is when they’re booked solid with tee times.  For these reasons it’s always a good idea to host the event on a week day if possible.
  • Pick the Course:   The best courses draw the biggest audience, but they also usually come with the biggest price tag.  If you’re in NY/NJ area, you can consider a course like Crystal Springs, which has phenomenal outing packages.  Look for the package deals that tie in food and beverage, and perhaps even some prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive.  If you’re on a budget don’t overlook your local town or county courses as an option.  Public courses often provide very reasonable pricing options for weekday outings.
  • Send your Invitations:  Make sure to select your target audience for marketing the event.  If it’s a company event you’re promoting it will be easy because the list will be mostly staff and perhaps a few customers or vendors.  If it’s a charitable event, you can use a direct mail company to target households that show interest in golf or in donating to that charity.  Of course, a client event invitation list will consist of your clients, but don’t be afraid to ask them to bring a friend.  Networking on the golf course is one of the best ways to build your business – especially through referrals.  It’s also a good idea to post your event on social networks for greater exposure.
  • Select a Format:   The “Scramble” is probably the most popular format for golf events. This format is usually played with 4 person teams and with no handicaps factored in. In a scramble, each player will tee off on each hole and the 2nd shot will be played from spot agreed upon by the team as their best player’s tee shot. This method of playing the best for each of four shots continues until the ball is holed. This format is also known as “Best Ball”.  Most golfers will agree that the best outing format is a basic “Stroke Play” because it allows you to play your own ball throughout the entire round. We favor that format as well, but be sure to check out our Golf Formats page to get an idea of all of the different options available.
  • Have Fun:  Keep the pace moving and make the day fun and full of giveaways and prizes if funding permits.  Leave a lasting memory as they walk to their cars to drive home, whether is a gift card to the pro shop or a small token like a divot replacer.  A great idea is to have a specific product made that labels the cause whether it’s a company or charity logo and have it branded to a golf item (like these ball markers).  The more enjoyable and memorable you make your event the better the chances are that people will come back again the following year.

For more helpful tips check out our new Planning a Golf Tournament eBook here.


(Cover Photo Credit)

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