Tournament Planning
Are you planning a golf tournament? Feel free to use this guide to help you provide the best possible outing for your group. Remember, simplicity is the key to a successful golf outing. In addition to custom printed golf balls, Drew & Rogers offers a full line of promotional products and giveaways you may want to consider for your event. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email us at info@dandrgolfballs.com or give us a call at 1-800-610-6210. You can also Contact Us or Ask a Question.
- Who’s in charge?
In order to keep the golf outing orderly it is recommended that you create a golf tournament committee including:- Chairman (Tournament)
- Vice Chairman (Sponsors)
- Vice Chairman (Players)
- Vice Chairman (Awards and Prizes)
- What’s your budget?
Planning a budget is important and must be done carefully to keep the event in your price range. Planning may be difficult as there are many factors to keep in mind. Some things to consider are entry fees and sponsorships. These items will determine where the tournament is played. Another important factor is the quantity and types of food and beverages to serve. Finally, you must determine the number and variety of awards, prizes, and special event golf ball giveaways. - Do you need extra money?
Sponsors can give your event a financial boost, or perhaps even provide a free service in exchange for the opportunity to market themselves.
Consider getting the following types of sponsors:- Tournament Sponsor
- Food and Beverage Sponsor
- Tee sponsors (playing and non-playing)
- Golf Cart Sponsors
- Where and when do you plan on hosting the tournament?
Once you have determined your budget, you can shop around to find out which course has the appropriate costs and availability for your event. Keep in mind that some courses require a deposit or reservations one full year in advance. It would be a good idea to set a rain date for your tournament should there be inclement weather. - What kind of prizes and giveaways will you have?
Special event golf balls are an excellent, and practical, way to ensure your participants will remember your event. However, a golf event can be further enhanced by having some additional promotions. You may want to consider: - Should you use a scramble format for your tournament?
Begin by determining the type of tournament you’re hosting: charity, competitive, members only, or recreational. The format of play should be tailored to the appropriate skill level of the majority of participants for maximum enjoyment. In most cases, players like playing a scramble, where each player hits from the best spot, because there is less pressure which makes it more enjoyable. As an added bonus, in scramble play, handicaps are seldom required. - Should you limit the number of participants?
There are some drawback to having a large field of players. First, the more players you have, the more money you will have to spend. Many participants may also find it undesirable to be on the golf course for 6 or 7 hours, sometimes necessary with a large number of players. Finally, you have to make sure the course you have chosen has the proper facilities and amenities, such as gold carts, for the size of your tournament. If not you may be stuck with additional expenses like renting extra golf carts. - Superlatives?!
In addition to the giveaways handed out at the registration table, you will have to determine the awards and prizes for the event. How many places do you want to award? Will there be other prizes awarded? Some common prizes to consider are:- Longest Drive
- Closest to the Pin
- Straightest Drive
- Longest Putt
- How can I market the event?
You will probably need a number of written marketing materials before, during and after the event. These materials will highlight the event timeline and encourage potential registrants to sign up!
Some suggestions include:- Promotional Flyers
- Player Invitations
- Outing Day Agendas
- Team Pairing Sheets
- Rules Sheets
- Prize Sheets
- What about food and drink?
Will you serve a meal? If so, what type of meal will it be? What about a drink cart or additional snacks? Chances are participants on the golf course for several hours will need, and be expecting, some nourishment. You will have to decide when, where, and what you will be serving. You should think about whether it will be:- Breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Sit-down, buffet or out on the course.
- Beverage cart.
- Snacks placed in welcome bag/kit.
- Who wins?
Everybody likes to win, so the more awards and prizes offered, the more goodwill generated. It may be fun to offer some unconventional awards, like best golf pants. But remember the most important thing – as long as everyone has a good time everybody wins!




