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1st Annual
"Golfballs in Paradise" Golf Tournament
Held Aug. 24, 2008, on the Bay Course at Seaview Resort & Spa,
A Marriott Resort in Galloway, N.J.
 With a Jimmy Buffett concert being held in nearby Atlantic City, Eric Reid, director of sales and marketing, Seaview Resort & Spa, says resort staff thought it would be fun to create a casual island-themed event on one of the golf courses the same day as the concert.
An 8 a.m. shotgun scramble was held at the Bay Course. With Buffett tunes playing and tiki huts on the course, parrot head golfers were able to get in the "margaritaville" spirit prior to hitting the 19th hole tropical bar-b-cue.
Two charitable organizations benefited from the event: the Community Food Bank of Southern Jersey and the Atlantic County Women's Center.
Player recruitment:
"We opened the event to the public and also worked with the South Jersey Parrot Head Club to invite their entire membership," Reid says. "As a first-time event we exceeded our expectations, drawing over 80 golfers. The event was so successful that we anticipate next year's event to sell out simply by word of mouth."
 Course selection:
Seaview has 36 holes of championship golf right on property, highlighted by the famed Bay Course, which was home to the ShopRite LPGA Classic for 11 of its 20 years. Reid says the links-style Bay Course is built adjacent to Reeds Bay and features stunning views of the Atlantic City skyline, making it an ideal location for the event.
Staffing:
The event was managed by Seaview's golf sales manager, Linda Simpkins. Members of the resort and golf teams worked the outing. "It was an enjoyable day for everyone," adds Reid.
Food and beverages:
The outing was followed with a "19th hole" tropical bar-b-cue, where guests enjoyed tropical drinks and a variety of island-themed snacks, such as jerk chicken straight from the grill.
 Awards/gifts:
Prizes from Seaview included free rounds of golf and complimentary weekend accommodations at the resort. A pair of Jimmy Buffett concert tickets was also raffled off during the event, with all proceeds benefiting charity.
Sponsor recruitment:
"As this was our debut event, we did not reach out to sponsors," says Reid. "However, we anticipate a much bigger event next year and plan on reaching out to sponsors."
Media coverage:
Staff reached out to all local media with a press release and media alert, resulting in calendar listings in several papers and magazines leading up to the event. In addition, NBC40 (WMGM-TV) came out and did a story for their sports broadcast.
Making it special each year:
"Moving forward this will be an annual event for Seaview, and it is truly unique for the area as no other club does anything like it. Golfers responded especially well to the relaxed dress code on the course," adds Reid, "they were even playing in grass skirts, parrot head hats, etc."
Incorporating technology:
"Our goal," Reid says, "is to provide golfers with a relaxed, casual atmosphere, as is the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle, thus it is not likely that we will incorporate GPS devices or any other technology into future events."
Post-event:
Thank-you postcards featuring photos taken during the event were mailed.
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