How to run a golf tournament

-----------------------------------------------------------------
GolfProHelp.com Newsletter
http://www.GolfProHelp.com
golfprohelp@gmail.com
Issue 19, January, 2002
-----------------------------------------------------------------

In this issue:

* From Dan's Desk
* Advertisements
* Quote of the Month
* Article, "How To Run A Golf Tournament"
* Calendar
* Current Giveaways
* New/Updated Listings
* Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info

-----------------------------------------------------------------
* From Dan's Desk
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Toucan Golf (http://www.toucangolf.com)is offering a free American flag bag tag to anyone who would like one, while supplies last. All you have to pay for is shipping ($1 or less). I've received mine (one for me and my wife), and they're great. For a picture of the tag, and more information, please visit: http://www.toucangolf.com/american.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------
* Advertisements
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Tired of your friends laughing at you? Tao of Golf video will teach you the pro's secrets. Eliminate your swing flaws, learn the secret to accuracy and ball control. Increase flexibility, strength, health, and perfect your swing...all in one video! Eliminate your slice for good. Just 3 minutes per day!! GUARANTEED For more information go to
http://www.thinkandreachpar.com/tarp/tao.htm

-----------------------------------------------------------------
* Quote of the Month
-----------------------------------------------------------------

"How much does it mean to us, does a year of golf! In the last few moments of the year that you give up to golfing thought and reverie as you sit by the cheerful fire and perhaps, according to the old fancy, toy on the hearthrug for a while with the putter that you hold at convenience in
the corner - at such time make a pleasant reflection upon all the joy and gladness, and the health and the adventure, and the glorious rivalry and the close comradeship that have been crowded into this short space of time!"

Above all, think how much nearer in most blessed friendship has this year of golf drawn you to
those who are most after your own heart!"

There is no habit of man that can do more than golf towards such an end as this, and it is in his abundance of the best friends that a man lives most happily."

Henry Leach, from "In Praise Of Golf"

-----------------------------------------------------------------
* Article, "How To Run A Golf Tournament"
-----------------------------------------------------------------

To view this article online, please visit:
http://www.golfprohelp.com/Articles/Running_A_Golf_Tournament.asp

To print, please visit:
http://www.golfprohelp.com/Print/Articles/Running_A_Golf_Tournament.asp

How To Run A Golf Tournament

Twelve to Nine Months in Advance

1. Select a Golf Course, Date and Time
The key to a good turnout is proper planning. Golf courses start booking outings a year in advance. Choose a location and time best suited for your needs. Decide on the format of the tournament because that will help your determine whether your event requires tee times or a shotgun start.

2. Select a Tournament Director
This person should be detail oriented and dedicated to your cause. The tournament director does not have to be the greatest golfer but has at least played in a few golf tournaments.

3. Choose a Cause
Why do you want to hold a golf tournament? The answer to this question will decide your theme of the tournament and who will participate in the event.

4. Select On-Course Contests and Events
Contests during your tournament will keep your golfers interested and looking forward to the next hole. Try to have at least one contest per nine holes and make certain to reward your winners with a prize. (Hole-In-One Contest, Closest To Pin, Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, etc.)

5. Determine Additional Activities
If you plan to include food and refreshment services, pre-tournament contests, auctions, raffles,
guest speakers, etc. make sure to account for the space and supplies necessary.

6. Create a Budget
Determine your entry fee by what your target market can bear and plan your expenses around that. Make sure you budget for any surprise expenses.

Nine Months in Advance

1. Sign Up Volunteers
You will need at least 3-5 volunteers on site the day of the tournament and as many you can get to help with selling sponsorships.

2. Plan Publicity
The more exposure your tournament receives, the more participants and sponsors you will get.
Besides the entry form, there are many other ways to publicize your tournament.

Radio and TV: Search for free opportunities to announce your tournament. Public service announcements, local talk shows, press conferences, and local calendars of events are all effective.
Newspapers: Local shoppers guide and other free publications are a good way to get the word out. Create a press release kit for your tournament to receive free advertisement. Placing an ad in the local paper can be very effective but very costly.
Signs and Banners: Place them in high traffic intersections and other areas.
Flyers and Posters: Post them at golf courses, offices, local stores, etc..

3. Sell Sponsorships
Selling sponsorships is the way to acquire the commitment that leads to a successful tournament. Sponsorships should be developed between the tournament and local businesses. Design various levels of sponsorship. Each level should entail some form of tournament recognition and participation.
Various levels may include:

Title Sponsor: company name would appear on all golf marketing materials, playing spots, tee sponsor signs, reception signs, etc..
Supporting Sponsors: receive hole sponsorship signs and playing spots.
Hole Sponsor: receive hole sponsorship sign and program listing.
Registration, Mulligans, Beverage Cart, & Reception Sponsor: logo and/or message would be placed on signs at the respective locations.
Arrival Package Sponsor: logo and/or message would be placed on all tees, repair
and golf balls.

The key to selling sponsorships is to convey to your sponsors that they are getting their money’s worth.

Six Months in Advance

1. Order Invitations
Make sure your invitation is appealing because this is your primary source in attracting participants. The invitation has to be laid out with as much detail as possible. These are the essential pieces of information needed:

Name of tournament and title sponsor
Date and time
Name, address and telephone number of the tournament director
Entry fee
Entry deadline
What is included in the entry (green fees, cart, dinner, arrival packages, etc.)
Prizes and contests
Name, address and telephone of participant
Name, address and telephone of others on team
Handicap
Foursome Preferences
Shirt size

2. Create list of Possible Participants
This list could range from employees and their family members to local businesses.

3. Finalize Food and Refreshment
Decide on the menu, beverages, entertainment, and decorations. Make sure the room you are using can accommodate your tournament size.

Three Months in Advance

1. Order Arrival and Reception Packages
Arrival packages are given to each participant and should at least include balls, tee packs, towel and a hat. Reception packages should cover all on course contests and 1st through 3rd places. Order packages as soon as possible because logo and embroidery work takes a few weeks.

2. Start Advertising
Determine how many signs, banners, flyers, etc. you will need to advertise your tournament.

3. Distribute Invitations
Make sure you order some extra invitations for last minute requests and some to distribute to
local business and friends.

4. Finalize All Tournament Activities
If you are planning for guest speakers or entertainment, make final confirmation. Purchase and
gather all your raffle and auction items. Secure Hole In One, putting and other contests. Find sponsors for all your contests to increase profit. Order all your tee signs.

One Month in Advance

1. Confirm Tee Times
Contact the golf course to keep them up to date on your progress. Confirm tee times and other
services they are providing.

2. Confirm Food and Refreshments
Once again, keep the staff updated with times, dates, and anticipated number of entries.

3. Prepare Printed Materials
Prepare on course contest prizes by deciding which holes to place them. Create day of program guide for participants and any other material needed to pass out on the day of the tournament.

Three Days in Advance

1. Confirm Final Number and Pairings
Confirm with the golf course, food and refreshment people the final number of participants. Finalize pairings by their request and handicaps. Fax a copy of the pairings to the course.

2. Money and Change Box
Have a money and change box ready for your volunteers to sell raffles, mulligans, donations, etc.

3. Confirm Contests with Golf Course
Coordinate your contest requirements such as circles on the greens, lines in the fairways, etc.
with golf course. Make sure they have appropriate measuring and recording devices for contests.

Prior to Tournament

1. Put Up Hole In One and Sponsor Signs
Put each sign in full site on the entrance to each tee. Make sure the tee box is set up for the correct distance for the Hole In One prize.

2. Set Up Registration
Give yourself ample room to register numerous golfers at a time. Also use this time to start selling raffle tickets, mulligans, etc. and distributing arrival packages.

3. Display Prizes
Show all tournament, raffle and auction prizes.

4. Set Up Scoreboard
Make sure to locate the scoreboard where there is room to gather.

5. Instruct Photographer
Lead him/her to the location of the photos. It’s also a good idea to give the photographer a list
of golfers.

6. Place Contest Markers on Holes
Don’t forget to put the measuring and recording devices out before the first group gets to a contest hole.

7. Give Last Minute Instruction to Golfers
Inform all golfers the local and tournament rules and wish them good luck.

After the Tournament

1. Post Scores
Total all scores and have someone double check for accuracy.

2. Enjoy the food and Entertainment
Make sure that all the guests are enjoying themselves and that there is ample food and beverages.

3. Awards Ceremony
Announce the winners in reverse order. Bring them up to receive their awards and take a picture of them. Announce and present a gift to all your sponsors.

4. Clean Up Site
Make certain to clean up after your food service and pick up the signs on the course.

Post Tournament

1. Write Thank You Notes
All sponsors and volunteers must receive a personal thank you.

2. Evaluate the Tournament
Take some brief notes evaluating the tournament to better prepare for and improve next years event.

Courtesy of,

Foresite Sports
http://www.foresitesports.com/
Whether you are interested in supplies and/or services for your next golf tournament or attending a golf instructional program in your area, Foresite Sports is here to help you "Stop Planning and Start Playing".

-----------------------------------------------------------------
* Calendar
-----------------------------------------------------------------

January 4-6, 2002
Great American Golf Show, Kentucky
Kentucky Fair & Expo. Ctr., West Hall, Louisville, KY
Phone: 800-968-5531
Web: www.golfexpos.com

January 8-10, 2002
Landscape Ontario’s Congress 2002
Canada’s International Horticultural Trade Show and Conference
Toronto Congress Centre
Contact: Paul J. Day (905) 875-1805
Email: showinfo@landscapeontario.com

January 9, 2002
33rd Annual Professional Turf & Landscape Conference & Trade Show
Westchester County Center, White Plains, New York
Phone: (914) 636-4195

January 11-13, 2002
Greater Columbus Golf Show
Franklin County Veterans Memorial, Columbus, OH
Phone: 800.939.0040
Web: http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/

January 11-13, 2002
VirginiaFairways.com Golf Show
Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond, Virginia
Web: http://www.royalshows.com/Golf/Default.htm

January 13-17, 2002
National Institute of Golf Management
Oglebay Park Resort, Wheeling, WV
Phone: 561.744.6006
E-mail: ngf@ngf.org
Web: www.ngf.org/nigm

January 18 - 20, 2002
Great American Golf Show, Lexington Golf Show
Heritage Hall, Rupp Arena, West Hall, Lexington, KY
Phone: 800-968-5531
E-mail: thainc@golfexpos.com
Web: www.golfexpos.com

January 19-23, 2002
NGCOA Annual Conference/Trade Show
Hyatt Regency, Phoenix Civic Plaza, Phoenix, AZ
Phone: 843-881-9956
Web: www.ngcoa.org

January 21-24, 2002
The Super Show
Sands Expo Center, Venetian Convention Complex, Las Vegas, NV
Phone: 800-327-3736
E-mail: supershow@aol.com
Web: www.thesupershow.com

January 22-24, 2002
BTME 2002
Harrogate, Yorkshire, U.K., BIGGA, BIGGA House
Telephone: 01347 833800
Web: http://www.bigga.org.uk/
Fax: 01347 833801
E-mail: meredith@bigga.co.uk

January 22 - 24, 2002
Ontario Turfgrass Symposium
Regal Constellation Hotel & Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Contact: Peggy Nagle, (519) 824-4120 ext. 3814

January 22 - 24, 2002
The Golf Club Show
Harrogate International Centre, North Yorkshire, U.K.
Phone: 01347 833800
Web: http://www.bigga.org.uk/

January 23, 2002
Association of Golf Merchandisers Orlando Retail Conference
The Peabody Orlando, Orlando, FL
Phone: 480.836.8250
Fax: 480.836.8251
E-mail: agmhq@aol.com
Web: http://www.agmgolf.org/

January 24-27, 2002
2002 PGA Merchandise Show
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Phone: 800-840-5628
Web: http://www.pgaexpo.com/

January 24-27, 2002
World of Golf 2002
Zurich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0)81 330 76 00
Web: http://www.worldofgolf.ch/

January 25-27, 2002
Greater Cleveland Golf Show
Cleveland Convention Ctr. Cleveland, OH
Phone: 800.939.0040
Web: http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/

January 29, 2002
12th Annual Reno Nevada Landscape Association Trade Show & Conference
Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, Nevada
Phone: (775) 673-0404
Email: nlainfo@nevadanla.com
Web: http://www.nevadanla.com/

January 29 - February 1, 2002
TPI Midwinter Conference
Sheraton World Resort, Orlando, Florida
Phone: 800.405.8873

February 1 - 3, 2002
Greater Philadelphia Golf Show
Ft. Washington Expo Center, Ft. Washington, PA
Phone: 800.939.0040
Web: http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/

February 3 - 10, 2002
GCSAA Conference & Show
Orange County Convention Centre, Orlando, Florida
Phone: 785.841.2240
Web: http://www.golfcourseshow.com/

February 8 - 10, 2002
Greater Washington Golf Show
Capitol Expo Center, Chantilly, VA
Phone: 800.939.0040
Web: http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/

February 8 - 10, 2002
Denver Golf Expo
Denver Merchandise Mart, Denver, CO
Phone: 303.771.2000
Web: http://www.denvergolfexpo.com/

February 15 - 17, 2002
Mid-Michigan Golf Show
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
989.430.0610

February 15 - 17, 2002
Vancouver Golf & Travel Show
B.C. Place - 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 800.891.4859
Web: http://www.nationalevent.com/golf/golfsite2.htm

February 15 - 17, 2002
Greater New Jersey Golf Show
Garden State Exhibit Center, Somerset, NJ
Phone: 800.939.0040
Web: http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/

February 22 - 24, 2002
Cincinnati Golf Show
Sharonville Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH
Phone: 800.939.0040
Web: http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/

February 22 - 24, 2002
Spring Indiana Golf Show
Hall F, Indiana Convention Center (downtown Indianapolis), IN
Phone: 800.968.5531
Web: http://www.golfexpos.com/

February 22 - 24, 2002
11th Annual Great Minnesota Golf Show
HHH Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Phone: 800.221.1280
Web: http://www.golfshows.com/mn.html

If you have an event that you'd like added to the calendar, please
complete the form at http://www.golfprohelp.com/event_form.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------
* Current Giveaways
-----------------------------------------------------------------

This month we have 8 giveaway items:

What is the Ruling?!
http://www.whatistheruling.com/
Two (2) What is the Ruling?! calendars, which present a Decision on the Rules of Golf each
day of the year. New 2002 Edition.

Toucan Golf
http://www.toucangolf.com/
Three (3) leather bag tags, laser engraved with the winners name.

EOS Sports
http://www.eos-sports.com/
One (1) golf bag, integrated with our exclusive new technology including our Eos Golf Security System, Integrated Security Pocket, Proprietary Composite Graphite Shaft Protection and our X-Change Pocket System.

Online Golf Solutions
http://www.ogsgolf.com/
Two (2) folding golf caddies, with 5 tees, a divot tool, a ball marker, and a pencil, all with the Online Golf Solutions logo.

These items can be viewed online at:
http://www.golfprohelp.com/giveaway.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------
* New/Updated Listings
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Designer Golf Gifts
http://www.designergolfgifts.com/
727.392.0586
Golf gifts including famous course pictures, golf ball displays, corporate gift baskets, furniture, lamps and clocks.

Golfologist.com
http://www.golfologist.com/
949.206.1776
Country club management issues, club & tour pro consultation, public relations, tournament management & design, employer/employee conflict resolutions, special events, facilities needs and design, equipment testing & marketing, time management & productivity issues

Whitehorn Marketing
http://www.promonmc.com/golf.htm
800.734.5153
Get the edge with imprinted golf balls and promotional golf items from leading manufacturers.

Foresite Sports
http://www.foresitesports.com/
610.825.2441
Looking for inexpensive Hole-In-One insurance for your next golf event? Check out our hole-in-one insurance packages, including three bonus prizes and premium signage for each hole.

Eos Sports Inc.
http://www.eos-sports.com/
866.EOS.BAGS
Manufactures the most technologically advanced golf bags on the market. EOS golf bags are
more than just a golf bag, they are a golfing system. Many of the features are so advanced they are patented or patent pending, such as the Eos Golf Security System or the Eos X-Change(tm) Pocket System.

Golf Slovenia
http://www.golf-slovenija.com/
386.4025.9787
All-inclusive holiday packages for golfers and non-golfers in the newest place to play in the very heart of Europe.

Carolina Golf Guides
http://www.carolinagolfguides.com/
910.686.4057
Customized golf packages to the Carolina Coast. Any size group is welcome. Corporate golf packages. Full travel services available. Golf tournament management services.

AllGolfClubs
http://www.allgolfclubs.com/
866.858.0496
Brand name golf clubs, equipment, golf apparel and accessories for men, women and juniors.Online golf instruction and daily tips. Same day shipping!

Women's Golf ProShop
http://www.womensgolfproshop.com/
866.858.0496
Brings to women's golf the ultimate in brand name apparel, shoes, discount golf equipment, accessories, golf tips, online instruction and travel.

Shegolfs, Inc.
http://www.shegolfs.com/
781.440.9220
The womens golf and travel connection - helping women golfers connect. Womens golf, proshop, online golf instruction, fitness golf tips, travel and more!

Golf Clubs.8m.Net
http://golfclubs.8m.net
+2731.916.2185
South Africa

If you have a site that is related to golf, and that would be beneficial to golf professionals
or course superintendents, please complete the form at http://www.golfprohelp.com/addlink.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------
*Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info
-----------------------------------------------------------------

To unsubscribe from this Ezine, please send an email to unsubscribe@golfprohelp.com, and put UNSUBSCRIBE in the Body.

-----------------------------------------------------------------