How to run successful Company golf days

1. Organising a Company golf day - The Venue...

Some will say this is probably the biggest decision you will make and it is important that the golf course you select, is both easy to reach and affordable. Start by setting a Drive time and then use a golf course directory resource to decide on a geographical ‘shopping list’ of venues. Whilst many golfers (and some non-golfers) will dedicate time to attend your event, it's unlikely that they will want to drive more than 90 minutes, so bear this in mind when choosing the venue.

2. Organising a Company golf day - Setting a budget…

As you know, you get what you pay for, and running a company golf days are no exception. You will need to account for the cost of the round, the food, and any additional add-ons such as having the club PRO on hand to give advice to your guests. And of course, negotiate. Most clubs rely heavily on this sort of additional income, so don’t be afraid of asking for extras e.g. discounted buggies etc.

3. Organising a Company golf day - The Planning...

It goes without saying that your priority should be on your guests and those attending. Everything you do on the day is a demonstration of how your company operates on a day to day level and as such you should ensure you brand the day properly. It's the little touches that will make your day stand out above others, so make sure you have some goodies available for people to take away. Branded Golf Balls, Golf Tees, Umbrellas, Ball markers are all little reminders of their day, so add this to the budget.

4. Organising a Company golf day - The Format…

There are many options to choose from including standard Stableford format, Texas Scramble, Team Comp. Putting Comp. and a fun way to keep the group chatting is a Yellow Ball competition. It is also worth contemplating playing your golfers of a 3/4 Handicap or 7/8's. This can be seen as a controversial move but one that is adopted my many organisers, as it levels the playing field. Finally, if you are playing team games and have a spare team of only 2 or 3, you can work around this by taking an average of the 2 or 3 player’s performance and that score represents the 3rd or 4th player in the team.

Organising a Company golf day - The Day...

Registration: Welcome the guests with a designated area/table where you can confirm their arrival, give out the scorecards and give advice and answer any questions from your guests. If you have time, write the scorecards showing the name of the event, your company and their handicap.

The Four-balls: This is arguably the most important part, making sure the groupings complement each other. Perhaps check with the MD and key company personnel if they can recommend any preferences. Ensure you have an even spread of playing levels in each four-balls but also consider the personalities. It’s no fun if you are a quiet player if you’re playing partners are a noisy and chatty bunch – it just won’t work. N.B. Your clients will see this as a networking opportunity, so try to introduce them to new people or potential businesses partners.

Tee Time Schedule: In addition to the above, print out a copy of the groupings for displaying on the club wall. This will prevent constant questions from everyone on with whom and at what time they are teeing off. Leaving you to concentrate on the running the day.

The Briefing: Welcoming your guests ‘officially’ not only is professional but this also gives you the opportunity to introduce your guests to key influencers in the company on the day. Prepare a few words: you may wish to tell the attendees about recent new business wins or new services you have to offer but don’t overdo it. We’re not asking you to get the PowerPoint out. Also inform the players of timings, meals times and any after dinner speeches planned.

Photography: Everybody loves having their photo taken, so consider asking someone to take professional photos of your guests whilst playing. If the budget doesn’t allow for this, take the opportunity to photograph your guests when marshalling, perhaps even take video. Once back in the clubhouse, you can then set up a screen where you can show these images. This also provides a great talking point and can create a nice buzz.

Marshalling: It is advisable to discuss the marshalling of the players while they are on the course. Arrange for a buggy from the club so you can follow your golfers as they go around the course. Consider arranging for a ‘halfway hut’ to offer drinks and snacks – again ensuring this is branded properly. Furthermore, be aware of the time, 'Speed of play' is a big issue and can be the downfall of your day. The last thing you want is the first group to finish but then have to wait an hour and a half for the last group to finish. If you have more than 60 guests, discuss with the club the possibility of having a shotgun start e.g. when every four-ball starts on a different hole, this will ensure your attendee finish their round at the same time.

The Scoring: If you have more than 30 players attending your day, ensuring you have enough time to do it. You can enroll the help of the club pro or a good trick is to only ask players to hand in scorecards with 30 pts and above. This will cut down the time you spend checking scorecards and give you more time to concentrate on the winners and any count-back calculations.

Looking after the guests: Let’s not forget, we all like be spoiled and catered for. So ensure your guests know where you are at all times and most of all take time to talk to them. A little conversation from the organiser can give a ‘personal’ touch to proceedings and makes the guests feel cared for and welcome.

6. Organising a Company golf day - The Trophies/Prize Giving …

Will there be one winner or multiple winners? Will there be a separate Ladies competition? Consider adding a Straightest Drive (Longest Drive comp. often excludes many from winning), Nearest Pins, Nearest Pin in Two (second shot), a Secret Six Holes (unmarked on the cards), Beat the Pro and many more. N.B. Given that there are normally only a few winners of silverware at these golf days, it's important to ensure everyone feels included. Also look to add some additional prizes to the display.

It’s always nice to win silverware but a few sleeves of golf balls, golf towels and gloves here and there, add to the rewards for winners. Make it clear that you will be asking the winners to come up one by one. It would be a good time to hand the camera to an able lieutenant at this point, so you can present the awards. Caution: If you are spending big money of the main trophies, think about having a smaller version made for the winner to keep. That way they don’t have to take the main trophy home, meaning it never gets lost, broken or worse unreturned!

7. Organising a Company golf day - The Fund-Raising…

You may decide to add a charity element to your day. There are many ways to increase your fund-raising, it could be that gathering gifts and prizes to hold a raffle. Perhaps, you can ‘sell’ Mulligan Vouchers for £5 a time to be used on the day. It may also be an opportunity for a local business to add their name to things by way of a cash injection by way of sponsorship in return for some marketing around the event. Alternatively, if you have some special prizes, consider holding an auction. However, don’t let either of these events take up too much time. 20 minutes is a good guide or people will lose interest.

8. Organising a Company golf day – Thank Yous...

All the prizes have been given out, the meals finished, the raffle and auctions are over. Make sure you close the day by either asking one of your winners to make a speech, on behalf of the attendees or summarise the day yourself by making a thank you to all those involved in gathering prizes, scoring cards, bar staff and green-keepers. You may wish to return to the club in future years and it’s just good manners anyway.

9. Organising a Company golf day – After the day...

It’s no surprise that in the age of digital technology at the fingertips of most us, everyone likes to see photos of them playing. So consider distributing the best of these by email after the day, giving you another chance to thank everyone for coming. In today’s world, this is also an opportunity to share these memories and/or content for you businesses’ website and social media feeds.

10. Organising a Company golf day – And finally...

Don’t let it become a chore. At the end of the day, if your company golf day runs smoothly you will be feeling proud of your efforts and humbled by having watched so many golfers having a good time. However, don’t let yourself fall into the trap of thinking you can do it all yourself. Don’t be afraid of recruiting volunteers but most of all, enjoy it!

The Social Golfer is an online golf community that helps to find new partners as well as societies. they also run different golf societiesand golf groups.