The Planning and Organization of a Golf Tournament

A golf tournament is always a great experience for everyone involved. It is a great opportunity to gather friends, family and the community all together at the same time. Whether planning a small tournament for friends of a city-wide event for charity, having a good detailed plan will help the event run smoothly and allow everyone to enjoy themselves. The following is simply some steps and advice to help you get started with the planning and organization of a golf tournament.

One of the beginning tasks is to project the number of golfers to participate in the tournament and how many volunteers will be needed on the course. This is one of the most important things when organizing a tournament because it will affect the golf course it will take place on, the amount of prizes you will give away and the format of the tournament.

Before reserving any courses it is important to determine your budget for the whole tournament. Your budget will determine the course you use, participants' entry fee, the prizes you buy, food and drinks offered, and date of the tournament.

Next, choose a date for the tournament. You will have to be flexible with the dates based on availability of the golf courses so this decision will probably be made simultaneously with the location of the tournament. Have several dates in mind when you begin calling courses and checking availability. If you hold the tournament during the week is will be less expensive to use the course but it may be difficult for people to attend. The number of golfers participating in the tournament and the skill level of those participating should be among your deciding factors in choosing the location for the tournament. Try to book the course as far in advance as possible. Keep in mind that some courses may require an up-front fee to reserve tee-times for large events.

Pick a format to follow for the tournament. The format will differ whether you are planning a team golf tournament or a singles tournament. Most tournaments just for fun or for charity follow a two-man or four-man scramble. However, some other formats that could be used are match play, best ball or alternate shot.

Prizes are an integral part of all tournaments. Plan out all the different types of prizes you will award and the category and criteria for winning them. Some category ideas are longest or shortest drive, longest putt, best overall score, closest to the hole, hole in one, highest team score. If your tournament is for fun it's a good idea to have gag awards like worst overall score, most golf balls lost, or, always a favorite, worst golf outfit You should pick several different types of prizes to award to all those who attend. For family events, be sure to choose prizes for all ages. Trophies are always a good idea for those who actually rank in the tournament. Some other prize ideas are bags, t-shirts, towels, coolers, umbrellas, hats, water bottles, golf head covers, ball markers or golf balls. Putting the name and date of the tournament on the prizes make them fun memorabilia.

Pick the cost of the entry fee and the deadline for participants to pay that fee. Next, if you plan on anyone attending you need to announce and advertise the tournament. Be sure to include the golf course's location, dates, entry fee, sign-up deadlines, format and benefiting charities in the announcements.

You have a large task ahead of you so make sure to get help and plan ahead. Every aspect in the organization of the tournament will be easier and save money by simply planning ahead. For planning a large tournament it may be helpful to create committees to accomplish specific tasks. The more you plan ahead the more time you will have to organize a well run golf tournament. Lastly, have fun with it. The whole point of putting together a golf tournament is for people to enjoy themselves to don't get too stressed and remember to enjoy yourself!

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