Tournament Planning

Planning a golf tournament? Use this tournament planning guide to help you provide the best possible outing for your group. Remember, simplicity is the key to a successful golf outing.

1. Who's running the show?

Create a golf tournament committee to give the outing direction and keep it on track.

Chairman (Tournament)
Vice Chairman (Sponsors)
Vice Chairman (Players)
Vice Chairman (Awards and Prizes)

2. How much money do we have?

Figure out your budget.

Entry fees as well as sponsorships will determine where you play, the types and amounts of food and beverages provided and the number and types of awards and prixes you give out.

3. We need more money!

Increase the proceeds with sponsorships

Tournament Sponsor
Food and Beverage Sponsor
Tee sponsors (playing and non-playing)
Golf Cart Sponsors

3. Where and when?

Once you know how much you have to spend, you can start looking at course costs and availability

Some course require a deposit.
Some courses require reservations a full year in advance.
Always set a rain date.

4. To scramble or not to scramble?

Determine the type of tournament you're hosting: charity, competitive, members only or recreational. Choose a format that will be enjoyed by the majority of your participants.

Determine whether your field is serious or just there to have fun.
In most cases players enjoy a scramble (each player hits from the best spot) because there is less pressure which makes it more enjoyable. And handicaps are seldom required.

5. Should we limit the number of participants?

The more players you have, the more money you have to spend. But larger fields can cause problems too.

Nobody wants to be on the golf course for 6 or 7 hours.
Make sure the course has enough carts or additional carts will have to be ordered.

6. Something for everybody!

In addition to the giveaways handed out at the registration table, you will have to determine additional awards and prizes.

Decide how many places you want to award.
Longest Drive
Closest to the Pin
Straightest Drive
Longest Putt

7. Put it in writing.

You'll need a number of written materials before, during and after the event.

Promotional Flyers
Player Invitations
Outing Day Agendas
Team Pairing Sheets
Rules Sheets
Prize Sheets

8. I'm hungry.

If you're going to serve food and beverages you need to consider when, where and what you are going to serve.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Sit-down, buffet or out on the course.
Beverage cart.
Snacks placed in welcome bag/kit.

9. Did I win?

Everybody likes to win, so the more awards and prizes, the more goodwill. Remember though, if everyone has a good time, winning isn't nearly as important.