Tournaments on Rainy Days
Even though most golfers would prefer to play on a bright and sunny day, most would also agree that playing golf in the rain is better than any workday.
That is why we say never cancel your tournament due to rain. We have outlined some disadvantages to canceling, as well as some alternatives to help your golfers enjoy their day, rain or shine.
Cancelling or rescheduling a tournament usually leads to the following;
1. Loss of tournament players
With the increasing demand in hours at work for most careers, it is becoming harder for golfers to take off a day of work and get out on the course. If they have already been approved for one day and receive a late cancellation, they are not likely to ask for a second day.
2. Loss of tournament sponsors
Many companies only have so many available days, and they plan out their calendar months in advance. With a rain reschedule, the chances that sponsors will have the second day available or be able to donate again is slim. Sponsors need to plan these events out in advance and have time to prepare financially to donate, staffing to have people at the event, or preparation time to gather any products they are donating. The amount of time is takes to prepare for an event of this nature is sometimes not worth the sponsorship.
3. More work for the committee
Planning and preparing for a golf tournament is a lot of work, but when it is rescheduled you have to do it all over again. Every player and vendor has to be confirmed for the new date, along with all the preparations that will need to be redone.
4. Less revenue
With not as many golfers and less vendors, rescheduled events are sure to raise less money. Rescheduling can take away from the hype your event has created as well.
5. Possibility for second reschedule
On the off chance that you reschedule, and that event also gets rained out, or if the weather is bad on the second scheduled day, at this point you will almost be forced to cancel the event. Cancelling events can be deadly to a tournament.
Instead of cancelling a tournament, we always recommend considering the alternatives…
Delay
On most occasions, rain will go away in a couple of hours. Just wait it out and have a fun breakfast with the golfers, or an indoor putting contest. Then send them out when it clears.
Make the best of the rain
Some tournaments struggle to find the one thing that all the golfers will talk about long after their event. What makes a tournament stand out? If your players play a round in the rain, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Mother Nature!
Sell chocolate or coffee and host additional fundraisers
People will be cold and in need of a warm drink! This can be a great way to give the golfers what they want and make a little extra fundraising money off of something relatively inexpensive.
Only 9 holes? No problem
This will give extra silent auction and raffle time. Adjust the times accordingly. Maybe the window of play only allows a 9 hole round. Make a bigger attraction to your silent auction and banquet portion of the event.
Better pace of play
When it rains, people want to get off the course as quickly as possible. You will find that golfers will not look for lost balls as much. Also the golf course is softer making it a little easier for the golfers, so they will be able to play the round quicker. Everyone at the event will appreciate being able to have a great day and leave at a reasonable time.
Your guests will appreciate your effort in adapting, and we guarantee if nothing else they will be talking about your tournament all year - even if they are talking about it because it was the round they played it rain!
Sarah Smith is the Event Director at SeaCliff Country Club