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Golf Event Archives

Planners: When it comes to a golf event, what are your expectations of a course pro? What do they, or can they do, to assist you in making your golf outings successful?

"I have high expectations of course pros in the following:

• If they are present for the event, I feel that we are a priority to them and that they care that we're using their club.
• That they offer incentives for us to purchase prizes from their pro shop. If we purchase prizes from their pro shop I expect a reasonable discount.
• That they offer us the option of purchasing gift certificates (that we give as prizes) for use in their pro shop.
• That they and their staff are prepared for the arrival of tournament players needing carts, club rentals, registration needs, etc. This of course would be based on the pre-tourney arrangements I've made with them.
• That they and their staff are prepared to assist tourney organizers with any questions/concerns on tourney day.

Here are a few things that have occurred:

• Carts were not readily available even though they had been pre-booked.
• No discount for purchasing prizes from their pro shop.
• No pro or assistants on hand when tourney member was 'stuck' in a washroom
• out on the course in which there was a problem with a lock.
• Players had to smash out the lock/door knob to get the fellow out!
• Have had promises of things being available such as registration tables, markers on the course and putting contest markings and on tourney day these things weren't ready for us."

Brenda Winch, administrative assistant, Winnipeg School Division
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

"One of the most important things the course pro can do for our golf tournament(s) is to be visible at the opening ceremony and at the awards dinner for recognition, explaining the 'course rules,' and welcoming/thanking the players for their participation. We use electronic scoring so it's not necessary for the course staff to be as actively involved in the scoring process. One of our objectives in producing golf tournaments is to get the tournament players to play the course subsequent to playing in the tournament. That's one way we can thank the course for their contribution to our fundraising event."

Keith D. Vogt, president/CEO, The Lake Tahoe Truckee Youth Golf Foundation
Truckee, Calif.

"I expect the course pro to know about tournaments and placement for tables and golfers. He or she will need to know the menus and preferred caterers in their areas. Rules for the course, formats and understand the planner timelines. I run a tight ship on product placements, stationery and course logo clearance, silent auctions, etc., and if the golf pro is not familiar with tournaments and understands fees, it creates a problem because I then have to take over planning and course responsibilities."

DeNita Lacking-Quinn, owner/president, SiVal Group Marketing::Event Planning
Dallas 

Course Pros: When it comes to a golf event, what are your expectations of planners? What would you like them to know that can aid in the success of a golf event?

"We want your event to be successful just as much as you (the planner) want your event to be successful! Let us know what some of your challenges are, whether it is getting participation, looking for creative tee gift ideas or challenges fundraising. Our professionals coordinate hundreds of golf tournaments annually and can help you overcome your challenges. Tap into that knowledge and experience the course PGA professionals and tournament directors have. They/we can help make your event a true success.

Help keep the lines of communication open regarding player counts. If you are having trouble filling your event, let the PGA professional/tournament director know so they can potentially reduce your block/commitment (and have the opportunity to resell those tee times to other golfers/customers) and so they can help provide you with ideas to increase participation, attract more players, etc. Again the PGA professionals and tournament directors hosts hundreds of tournaments annually and host thousands of group rounds a year. Communicate with them and tap into that knowledge. Also, be cognizant of deadlines for pairing lists. We only ask for pairings 48 hours in advance to better prepare for your group (i.e., create scorecards, cart signs, etc., that personalize the experience and create a more memorable event for your players).

Regarding tee gifts, avoid the Nascar look. Stick with the club logo on your gifts and maybe one other (an event logo). Please don't include another duffle bag (chances are your tournament participants' already have a closet full of duffle's from past events). Ask the PGA professional/tournament director at the club for their ideas for creative tee gifts."

Kris Strauss, director of sales and marketing, OB Sports Golf Management
Scottsdale, Ariz.

"When booking outings and banquets for planners more information is always better than less information. Even just a rough outline assists with making sure we make the event a home run. Once we get everything out on the table we can begin sorting through and determining exactly what the client is looking for. Every group is different and we cater to the needs of the client. I look at it as a partnership, we both need the event to go flawlessly in order to have a better chance of seeing the same business. My job is to assist the planner in any way I can to make the event better than the previous year.

The below questions are not all necessary on the booking of the group. However, it is very helpful if the planner has a basic understanding of the client and the end goal.

• Who is the client?
• Who is playing and why?
• Where are they staying?
• When and how will they arrive on site?
• When and how will they depart?
• Do they have plans after golf?
• How competitive is the group?
• Is this the first year?  
• Where else have they played?
• Shotgun or tee times?
• Food and beverage needs?
• **Any restrictions?
• Format for play?
• On-course events?
• Rental needs?
• Billing?

**Through client or planner?"

Travis McCutchan, group golf coordinator, Grayhawk Golf Club
Scottsdale, Ariz.