Attending a golf tournament can be a wonderful experience but be sure to know that behind every successful tournament there was a Tournament Director of Tournament Planner who was directly responsible for the success of the event.
If you or your organization are preparing to host a golf tournament for charity, corporate, local/regional club, or other reasons, here are a few tips from the Golf Tournament Association of America (GTAA) that will help you pull off the perfect outing. GTAA is the #1 golf tournament industry expert and resource and they have had only one simple mission over its 30 years of existence: To assist you in hosting the best golf tournament or outing possible. So, in getting started, utilize their list of best practices:
- Have a clear purpose and goal.
- Train, motivate and hold your volunteers accountable.
- Choose a format that enhances participation.
- Find a golf course that golfers want to play and get a good deal.
- Offer sponsors a return on investment.
- Fill your field with golfers with the 9-4-4 rule. (nine people ask four people to bring their foursome = 136)
- Target market your promotion.
- Offer games that make money.
- Make everyone a winner with contests.
- Get your gifts and prizes paid for by sponsors.
- Give out really cool stuff so that they come back
- Use lots of big signs, make your event look bigger.
- Promote your auction in advance with big items.
- Turn your awards ceremony into a party and invite other people.
- Start 6 months in advance to give yourself plenty of time.
- Do NOT spend more than you bring in.
- Stay in touch with golfers and sponsors throughout the year.
GTAA has successfully worked with a long list of Fortune 500 companies and offers its members a variety of tournament education planning tools, golf course services to increase business, and preferred suppliers and vendor services. Learn more at https://www.gtaaweb.org.
