What's the best way to organize a golf tournament on your course?

Organizing a golf tournament on your course can be a rewarding and profitable way to showcase your facility, attract new customers, and create a memorable experience for your guests. However, it also requires careful planning, coordination, and execution to ensure a smooth and successful event. Here are some tips to help you organize a golf tournament on your course.

1 Choose the format and rules

The first step is to decide on the format and rules of your tournament, based on your goals, budget, and target audience. You can choose from various formats, such as stroke play, match play, scramble, best ball, or stableford. You also need to determine the number of participants, the entry fee, the handicap system, the prizes, and the rules of play. Make sure you communicate the format and rules clearly to all the players and staff before the tournament.

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Mike Dikas

Offering unique best-in-class products for Tennis Elbow and Sciatia from TENEX
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Given the number of players and time allowed, it's sometimes best to set up a tandem start, where half of the field starts on the first hole and half starts on the 10th hole...this way you'll get twice as many players thru the course in the time allotted...typically, the first and 10th holes are both near the clubhouse...we ran many of the Joe Kapp Hispanic Scholarship Fund tournaments with this format...also had at least one hole-in-one prize hole...one short par 3 one long, with different prizes and insurance...and/or closest to the pin...

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2 Prepare the course and facilities

The next step is to prepare your course and facilities for the tournament, ensuring that they are in optimal condition and can accommodate the expected traffic. You may need to adjust the tee times, the pace of play, the course layout, the pin positions, and the maintenance schedule. You also need to prepare the clubhouse, the pro shop, the catering, the signage, the scorecards, and the scoring system. You may want to hire extra staff or volunteers to help with the registration, the marshaling, the refreshments, and the prize ceremony.

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Clifford Seltzer

President at International Yachting Consultants
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We raised millions for Boys & Girls Clubs of America & St. Judes Hospital for children. with great golf tournaments. Let me know what you need. Capt. Cliff

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Sid Bensalah

Podcast Host | Climate Advocate | Co-Founder @ Rooster Tail Sports | Event Management & Sustainability Expert
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Efficient Golf Tournament with Impact: - Sustainability Emphasis: Plan an eco-conscious tournament by reducing waste, featuring eco-friendly prizes, and promoting carpooling. - Innovative Shotgun Start: Choose a shotgun start, where groups simultaneously tee off from different holes, ensuring efficient course use and shorter wait times. - Community Involvement: Collaborate with local charities and organizations to positively impact your community through the tournament. - Social Engagement: Enhance the experience with post-tournament events like banquets and award ceremonies, fostering a lively and social atmosphere. Follow these steps for an efficient, enjoyable, eco-friendly, and community-driven golf tournament.

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Brian Carr
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Highly encourage the prepping of the course and facilities and MORE importantly preparing the golf course staff as well as leadership. The staff and golf pros are an extension of the experience your patrons/players will have for the outing - make sure they know why you are there and what your crowd is expecting. Recognize they are also partners and have a lot of experience to offer such as hole knowledge and best practices. Definitely get volunteers for help with registration, etc. and I would also add to on course. You may need at least 2 witnesses for hole in one competition - One at tee box and one at the green to satisfy insurance.

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3 Promote and market your tournament

The third step is to promote and market your tournament, reaching out to potential players and sponsors, and creating a buzz around your event. You can use various channels, such as your website, social media, email, flyers, posters, or word-of-mouth. You may also want to partner with local media, golf associations, or other organizations to increase your exposure and credibility. You should highlight the benefits of playing in your tournament, such as the fun, the challenge, the prizes, and the networking opportunities.

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Clifford Webb

Founder & CEO @ 1080 Media TV | New Media, TV Production
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A vital part for any sponsors or charities involved. We've covered many golf days, and find making a solid plan for the coverage is essential. When we are filming these, we know the timings of all aspects on the day to ensure our crew are in the right place/time, who to interview, when, which holes are the best for image & branding, and where they should put signage for best visibility. Subject to requirements, and budgets, we often quickly edit and upload clips for social media, having established the relevant channels and whether our team are uploading or the event's marketing people themselves, It's all about planning and discussion for maximum effect and efficiency, and some gloriously well branded imagery! Golf Day TV launching soon!

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4 Manage the logistics and operations

The fourth step is to manage the logistics and operations of your tournament, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently on the day of the event. You need to check-in the players, assign them to their groups and tee times, distribute the scorecards and rules sheets, and explain the procedures and expectations. You also need to monitor the progress of the tournament, handle any issues or disputes, and update the scores and standings. You should provide adequate support and service to the players and sponsors, such as water, snacks, carts, caddies, or merchandise.

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5 Engage and entertain your guests

The fifth step is to engage and entertain your guests, making them feel welcome and appreciated, and creating a fun and festive atmosphere. You can organize various activities and attractions, such as contests, raffles, auctions, or games. You can also invite guest speakers, celebrities, or professionals to share their insights and stories. You should also host a prize ceremony, where you announce the winners, hand out the trophies and awards, and thank everyone for their participation and support.

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6 Follow up and evaluate your tournament

The final step is to follow up and evaluate your tournament, collecting feedback and data, and measuring the outcomes and impacts of your event. You can send out surveys, emails, or thank-you notes to the players and sponsors, asking for their opinions and suggestions. You can also analyze the financial, operational, and marketing aspects of your tournament, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You should also celebrate your achievements, recognize your team, and share your stories and photos with your audience.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What's the best way to organize a golf tournament on your course?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Choose the format and rules

2 Prepare the course and facilities

3 Promote and market your tournament

4 Manage the logistics and operations

5 Engage and entertain your guests

6 Follow up and evaluate your tournament

7 Here’s what else to consider

Golf Course Management

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What's the best way to organize a golf tournament on your course?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the format and rules

2 Prepare the course and facilities

3 Promote and market your tournament

4 Manage the logistics and operations

5 Engage and entertain your guests

6 Follow up and evaluate your tournament

7 Here’s what else to consider

Golf Course Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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