Ask any professional planner and almost all will tell you that things will rarely run as smoothly as expected. You can help ease the process by making a checklist of tasks to be done when planning your golf event. We recommend you have two columns: one for tasks, the other for completions. Here is a short list to get you started:
- Obtain sponsors (for charity events)
- Select event date and set aside an alternate
- Contact golf facilities for pricing and availability
- Arrange for meal, water, gift packs, etc.
- Send out notices to potential players, news media and service organizations
The list can get quite long but this is a solid beginning. When planning golf tournaments and events, charity events especially, be aware of work schedules. When people donate their time and funds be considerate of their needs, too. Mondays are probably the worst day of the week for individuals with occupations that do not allow much flexibility. It's the day all the mail from the weekend has to be sorted and distributed, as well. Charity golf tournaments attract golfers who may be free at their own will, but not always. Keep in mind that week days are usually less expensive than weekends to rent courses. Chances are that charity events, unless sponsored by a course, will have a financial incentive to do it during working hours.
Planning requires more than just scheduling and event. You will need to determine how much money you can expect raise from sponsors before setting a budget. Charity golf tournaments traditionally raise capital from entry fees, but some expenses need to be paid up front. It is an aspect of planning you must keep in mind as you make these arrangements.
Golf tournaments and events, charity events, corporate events, etc. all have a common thread: the participants' love of the game. You'll also find that people will gather groups from work and use your tournament to conduct business. You'll want the experience to be a pleasant one so players will want to return in the future. Good planning can make that happen.
