How Your Golf Swing Can Help Your Golf Tournament

Michael Funaro | Regional Tournament Director (Los Angeles and Orange County)

There is a foundation or set of 101 basics for most actions in life that, when used, increase consistency and success in whatever task you've set out to achieve. I have found that this holds true with both the golf swing and golf tournament planning in three key ways.

GRIP

The grip is the most important part of the golf swing as it is our only connection with the club. An incorrect grip—whether it is too strong, weak, applies too much pressure, etc.—will have a direct impact on your contact with the ball. This concept translates well when planning a golf event. Getting the proper hold or “grip” on your tournament processes—the committee, your goals, an event date, your host golf course—has a direct impact with the success of your event. Having a good grip keeps your event organized and leaves less room for errors, which will increase your profits and keep your tournament consistently successful, just like your golf swing will remain consistent if you keep the proper grip.

POSTURE

A stable, balanced, and correct posture will help install a repeatable swing that will stay on plane. Mentally, your posture can instill confidence that you are ready to take the club back, hit a good shot, and follow through—all the while smiling for your golfing partners.

When you are planning a golf event, you also rely on a working balance of your time, the budget, and key relationships, such as when you're looking for players and sponsorships. If you are confident in your event, your purpose and mission to put on a great golf tournament will improve your player counts and your sponsors willingness to donate.

ALIGNMENT

Even with a perfect grip and balanced posture, the chance of hitting your target with the golf ball is still slim if you are not faced the right way and aligned properly. Proper alignment allows you to naturally hit the ball straight and swing consistently. With the tournament process, alignment is also crucial. You must keep your goals and priorities in synch and on target. Even if you have a good handle on the process or a strong committee, if they are not in line with your vision and goals, you might not be setting yourself up for success.

Remember, keep the golf swing and planning process simple, and create a great foundation for both your game and your tournaments that will ultimately bring you success in both areas!