Meetings and Events San Francisco

Golfing to Succeed

Article By: Meeting Planner Resources, LLC

Over the last two decades, golf events have become staples of the corporate calendar. Whether it’s to generate community goodwill through fundraising or to show potential clients and business partners that you value what they have to offer, golf has become the ultimate mark of corporate credibility. The logistics of the sport make it an ideal activity to plan an event around: you don’t have to be a professional athlete to get into the swing of things and have a good time doing it. Golf is less taxing than tennis, more professional than bowling, but more informal and relaxing than a catered evening affair. In short, golf is perfect for amassing the positive reactions needed to form strong ties to fellow colleagues and the greater community.

However, planning for a corporate golf day and dealing with the ensuing results has proven to be a nightmare for the inexperienced planner. Industry experts agree that these eight guidelines will ensure a smoothly operated and very memorable event.

Ask the Professionals - Never hesitate to seek the assistance of a golf management service or the well-trained eye of a PGA professional. Golf management services are the best source for locating premium courses and discounted rates. PGA golf professionals can offer a wealth of personal insight that can make the difference between a success and a bust. Golf is their life, and knowing each local course inside and out comes with the job.

Know Your Limit - Before planning begins, it’s important to know the mechanics of a standard golf course. A typical 18-hole course can accommodate 144 players, but expect major delays and a slow game. A roster of seventy-two players makes for much more enjoyable game play and allows everyone to move at their own pace.

Be A Team Player - Delegation is key to successful corporate golf. Make sure every station is manned by a competent team of workers that can get the job done when it counts. Having a large and flexible staff will ensure that the event is run smoothly, from registration, to cart assignments, to scorekeeping.

First Impressions Count - Nothing takes the tension away from the beginning of a corporate event than the smiles and reassurance of meet-and-greet personnel, especially if many of the guests are unfamiliar with the host company’s employees. Strategically placed greeters in the parking lot and the entrance of the venue will prevent guests from milling about and losing interest before the day begins.

Know Your Guests - Golf is usually played in fours, each group consisting of two pairs. The event planner is responsible for assembling each group, so it pays to know each guest as well as possible. Potential clients should be placed with company representatives that will leave a positive impression. Well-formed groups will emphasize the social aspects of the event and minimize the unwanted competitive drive that might spoil the peaceful atmosphere.

A Full Stomach Speaks a Thousand Words - Sack lunches are simply out of the question when putting together a top golf event. Nothing says “we care about you” more than good food and a readily available drink cart. While catering is always an option, in-house food services are a good way to cut expenses while also providing maximum quality and presentation. If this is an event purely for corporate professionals, then an assortment of alcoholic beverages should be made available, but not to an excess.

Work the Floor - More than anything, guests want to see their host out in the forefront. They need personal contact to let them know that you’re serious about doing business with them. If at all possible, join in the game. Your participation makes a bold statement: that you’re both a leader and a member of the crew.

The Perfect Present - Scored games with prizes are always fun, but a gift for each guest is even better. Popular gifts of choice by industry officials include designer watches, sunglasses, and logo embossed duffel bags. More affordable options include golf wear and specially marked mementos commemorating the event, such as picture frames and paper weights.

The Fun Factor - First and foremost golf is a game, so have fun with it. While it’s important to make sure the level of professionalism of the event is always at its peak, it’s important to remember that the business comes later. A playful host builds trust, puts everyone else at ease, and most importantly, sets the stage for a memorable event.

Event planners want to keep all of the above in mind when organizing a corporate golf outing. However, one should not forget the requested specifications of the individual client. It is important to remember that no two events are ever the same. What works for a golf meet organized primarily for the purpose of corporate branding my not work for a meet designed to generate positive PR. While the task may seem daunting, if the goal of the event is always kept at the forefront of all planning, then a successful golf event is only a hole-in-one away.