Organizing A Golf Tournament
If you have any interest in the art of golf tournament organizing, there are a number of vitally important things that you need to remember. While a golf tournament is essentially a competition, you want to make sure that everyone has a good time during it and there are several ways to make sure that that happens.
One of the ways that you can make your golf tournament organization run smoothly is to think about the people involved in four groups and to meet their needs.
The first group is the competitors themselves. A pre-registration will get things in order and will help things run smoothly. Offer incentives for registering early and make sure that your tournament rules are clear and easily available. A website can keep you in touch with everyone, not only by making sure that information can be changed quickly and easily, but also for whipping up excitement for the event!
The second group that you should consider when organizing your golf tournament is the staff at the site. While this takes care of itself if you own the course, there is a lot to be done if you are renting the venue. Make sure that you are familiar and friendly with the staff; don?t question their rules and treat everyone with courtesy. They can help you a lot when tournament day comes, and if you have any questions, ask them early!
Your own volunteers are the third group and with any luck, they?ll be the easiest to work with. If your friends or family enjoy the game of golf, get them involved, whether that is helping with concessions or manning the check in. Make sure that they know that while they have certain responsibilities that they are also permitted to enjoy themselves and keep them well-hydrated throughout- especially if they are known to be workaholics!
Finally, the fourth group that you need to keep in mind are the spectators. They are there to support your competitors, so make sure they are comfortable. You will want to check with the venue, but make sure that refreshments are available, as well as things like sunscreen and water bottles.
Golf tournament organizing is something of an art, and as the person in charge, you need to make sure you know what is going on, even if you are not the one immediately responsible for it. It?s still a lot of fun, though, so remember that even if the day gets hectic, that you?re definitely there for a good time, just like everyone else!
The Honda Classic and the formitable Bear Trap was again another great PGA Tour Event. Carmilo Villegas carded a 5 shot victory over Anthony Kim and played great despite a few wobbles on the backside in the final round.
I can pontificate all day about the whata coulda’s of the event but I’ll save that for the guys who actually make a living recanting the tournament. There are some great story lines that had signifucant meaning to those inside the ropes but the true champions were not seen this weekend.
Last Saturday at PGA National on the Champion’s course 31 players warmed up the course for the PGA Tour. The FORE! Jack & Jill Golf Marathon benefiting the Jack & JIll Late Stage Cancer Foundation took place.
The golf marathon was something any die hard golfer would love. Having inside the ropes access to the the Honda Classic Tournament course, they were charged with a special mission.
Playing from sun up to sun down, being backed up by pledges from family and friends they headed out at 7:30 a.m. in atypical 40 degree south Florida weather. They played for others that need a break from the rigors of late stage terminal cancer. Mom’s & Dad’s who are on the clock of life leaving behind children. The funds raised go to provide the WOW! Experiences for these families to go on a trip of a lifetime as a family to build one last memorable experience as a family.
A total of 1287 holes were played by the 31 golfers and they raised in excess of $36,000. The golf was great but their efforts were priceless.
It never gets old hearing them finish their day and talk about the fun they had and the impact of their mission. They all left inspired to comeback next year to tackle the Bear Trap again and raise even more funds for the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation.
Brian Russo and Keith Kebe were the ironmen of the day playing 80 holes each. Kebe carded the low gross of the day for his best 18 hole score on each hole with a stellar 68. Sophie Louis a 5 year old little girl with the heart the size of Texas asked to tee it up and she herself raised $600 and played 21 holes. Not bad for a pint sized girl who never played more than 9 holes on an executive course.
The true spirit of the game is not only great golf but the ability to give back to others. Our game of golf is like no other and the Millions of Dollars raised each year for others is humbling to be a part of. I am blessed beyond measure to use the skills given to me to organize events and change lives everyday.
For more information on the FORE! Jack & Jill Golf Marathon Series and their event schedule visit www.back9promotions.com
