Top five things golf tournament organizers

There is a long list of details anyone managing a golf tournament must compile and review. Based on my experience, here are the top five things golf tournament organizers should do:

1. Walk the Course

If possible, play the course, but not only play it, walk through what will happen from the time the players drive into the parking lot. There should be signs telling them where to register, directions to practice greens and driving range, gifts at time of registration, explanation of rules, and time they must be in their carts, ready to find the first hole. Once on the course, identify which holes are natural bottlenecks. These are the holes that will make the best locations for contests and booths. Make sure you note any local rules or grounds under repair.

2. Get a Drink in the Players Hands

When golf is over, make sure that you have the facilities to get a drink in the player's hands as soon as possible. This is just common courtesy but also will keep player's occupied until the lunch or dinner and presentation's start.

3. Shadow Celebrities and Dignitaries

If you have celebrities or other dignitaries playing in your tournament, assign a volunteer or staff person to shadow them right from the time they arrive or even earlier if you are responsible for their pick-up from the airport. Shadowing means ensuring that they know where to go when they arrive, what their role is and having someone at their disposal to get things for them or expedite their movements. These are busy people who are not used to figuring things out for themselves.

4. Keep Presentations to a Minimum

The winners will want their moment of glory and sponsors should be thanked, but otherwise, respect player's time and keep the program to a minimum. If it is a charity tournament, have some information at the tables or at a display. Keep the pitch for the cause out of the program, other than a thank-you to the participants.

5. Don't Nickel and Dime Them to Death

If your tournament is a fundraiser, charge a reasonable price for entry and don't expect participants to come up with five or ten dollars every time they turn around for draws and contests. Include as much as possible in the entry fee, making golfers feel like they got a good deal in addition to supporting a good cause.

There are numerous other things that will fall into place if you manage the big things and pay attention to the details. Hopefully, these tips help make your golf tournament a great success.