Selecting the Right Golf Course for Your Event

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Selecting a golf course is one of the most important decisions that you will make when it comes to planning your big day, as it is essential for the success of your tournament.

First, you should consider the quality of players you are expecting at your event.  If you have experienced golfers, they will likely be more inclined to play a high end or more challenging course and be willing to spend more.  Secondly, it is important to know how many people will be participating in your event. If you are expecting no more than 144 people, a venue with one course should work well. If you are expecting more than 144 people, you’ll want to find a venue that has multiple courses.

It’s best to begin the course search as soon as possible in order to educate yourself on availability, location, course slope (difficulty) and negotiate the best price possible. It is best to book a course at least 6 months in advance.  You’ll want to get the “Save the Date” invitations out as soon as possible to ensure golfers will be able to attend your event. 

Remember, your tournament will be bringing a lot of traffic to the course.  Be sure to shop around and find a golf course that will suit your event’s needs, while providing an optimal experience for your participants.

 

What To Look For When Selecting A Golf Course:

 

• Availability – Does the golf course have any available dates that work for you? How many golfers can they accommodate?

 

• Location – Is this a good location for the majority of your golfers?

 

• Cost – Does the price work with your budget?

 

• Difficulty – Will the course be too difficult for your intended participants?

 

Setting a date:

 

When you have found a course that best suits your needs, the next step is to pick a date that suits you and the golf course.  If your event consists of professional relationships or companies, you may want to consider hosting your event during the week. If this is a personal event, weekends typically work best for participants.

When choosing your date, keep in mind that the time of year and day of the week can impact course costs. Prices are typically highest during the months with ideal weather and are lowest during the slower months where the weather is a little less predictable.  

When selecting the day of the week, courses will charge more to reserve the course on days with higher traffic. This means weekends (including Friday) will usually hold a higher price, while lower rates are offered for weekdays.  

Be sure to ask around and select a date that works for everyone.  

 

Negotiating a Contract

Be sure to come in prepared with a list of questions and even a “wish-list”.  Don’t be afraid to openly compare rates from other courses in the area. Tournaments are designed to raise money, but be careful when selecting a venue, as the lowest rate may lack in service and could result in a poor experience for your players and take away from the essence of your tournament.   

 

What should be covered?

• Cost Per Golfer

• Cost for Food & Beverages

• Date

• Location

• Contact Person

• Number of Players – Maximum and Minimum

• Deposit Required

• Additional Services – Beat the Pro, Scoring, etc

• Cancellation Policy and Weather Policy

 

What should be provided?

• Registration Table

• Greens Fees

• Food & Beverages

• Dining Room for Dinner & Awards  

• Carts

• Cart Signs

• Range Balls (if applicable)

• Course Contests (Closest to pin, Longest Drive, etc)

• Tournament Scoring

• Tournament Prize (Free foursome, lessons, etc)

Remember, forming a strong relationship with a golf course can play a huge role in your event's success for years to come!     

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