The Evolution of Planning a Golf Tournament

So you’ve been assigned the task of planning a golf tournament. Not sure where to start? Like any major undertaking planning a golf tournament can be a challenge. In a nutshell, it takes a whole lot of planning, planning and planning. To successfully pull off a golf tournament. And with nearly one million golf outings happening in the US every year. It’s imperative we find our sweet spot and ensure that every part is organized perfectly. Or as close to perfect as possible.

Some say anyone can produce a golf tournament. But the question is can just anyone produce a successful golf tournament?  How is your tournament planning? Does it need tweaking or need to be kicked up a notch? Golf tournaments involve bringing together a group of people, providing food & beverages, challenges and prizes. And while golf tournament planning may seem like an overwhelming undertaking. The truth is with a little pre-planning and organization you’re on the way to success.

Steps to Success to Planning a Golf Tournament

Even with all the work it takes, coordinating a golf tournament can be fun-filled and worthwhile. There are lots of golf tournament ideas that will help in making the experience a triumphant one. Not everyone that participates in a golf tournament is a pro or even a golfer for that matter. Golf tournaments are a way to bring a group together, a team builder and sometimes are even considered a company break or gift. The truth is golf tournament planning does come with its own set of challenges. However planning a golf tournament is duck soup for those working with the right tools.

Ever wonder what the essentials are to making a successful golf tournament happen? While some of the most difficult challenges lie in the early phases of planning, preparing and prearranging.  A golf tournament planning blueprint and checklist are a great place to start. They provide for a foundation to outline all the responsibilities, the timeline and who’s doing what. And in the end contains everything from A to Z; helping to take the guesswork out of planning.

Planning a Golf Tournament by the Numbers

Many tournaments can be organized by partnering with the golf course and their people. While some golf tournaments, due to size, complexity and logistics, come to the table with their own set of difficulties.  And in those situations, we planners will need a bit of outside help. On the other hand supposing the tournament is within a planner’s wheelhouse. With so many undertakings involved with golf tournament planning, here are some prior to the tournament tips to planning success.

• Establish the objective, goals and budget
• Do your research and create a strategy
• Source golf courses
• Decide on the tournament format
• Find help and organize a committee
• Set up marketing, advertising and website (if required)
• Seek sponsorship (if required)
• Send out invites (if required)
• Decide on contests
• Source awards and prizes
• Arrange for signage
• Create tournament guidelines and instructions
• Coordinate teams and pairings
• Sort out food and beverage
• Outline a day plan timeline

A golf course is the perfect place to network, create relationships and have fun. And can be a great event option. If you’ve been tasked with coordinating a tournament, it’s never too soon to start planning. I know from personal experience, you don’t have to be a pro golfer to plan a tournament.  Hopefully this snapshot of the steps involved with tourney planning will help you to get started.