How to Promote Tournament "Ready Golf"

By Don Offil, Texas Regional Tournament Sales Director

Charity golf tournaments are often full-day affairs, especially once you account for pre- or post-tournament activities such as registration, banquets, awards ceremonies, or silent auctions. Because of this, pace of play and length of time out on the actual golf course can be a concern, and a successful tournament is one that doesn't leave players frustrated by wait times or too exhausted after the round to actually enjoy the party. Here are a few tips to help promote Tournament "Ready Golf" to best maximize playing time.

Select the proper tournament format for the level of players.

There are several different tournament formats you can choose and you're sure to find one that matches best with the type of event you're hosting. Pay attention to the number of contest holes you create – often, there are too many and each takes twice the average length of time to play than a regular hole.

Start on time.

This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at the number of tournaments that get a late start due to slow or disorganized registration, or a lax view of official start time. Make sure your players know when to arrive, and make that time early enough to complete registration before the tee time.

Make all the necessary announcements prior to the start.

A well-organized registration and announcement process leads to less confusion and questions from the players afterwards. When you make your announcements, remember to cover these basics:

- Local course rules or markers
- Tournament format rules
- Scoring procedures and scorer identification for each time
- Contest holes and rules
- Food & Beverage services on and off course
- Presence of marshals on the course to advise on pace of play
- Cart path etiquette
- Post-round meeting location and basic information

A few easy reminders for players:

- Purchase or bring golf balls, tees, tee markers, and divot repair tools prior to tee off
- Carry an extra ball at all times
- Remove and store club covers at the beginning of the round
- Hit the ball when ready (provided everyone is clear, including the group ahead)
- Carry a putter with the other club when within chipping distance of the green
- Be ready to putt when it's your turn
- Limit practice swing to one per shot
- Refrain from practice putting AFTER the hole
- Keep track of your score throughout the hole and after each green
- Add and record scores away from the putting green, en route to the next hole
- Remember to pick up all chipping and bunker clubs before moving to the green
- Visit the restroom before the round
- Purchase food and beverage only when it is not your turn to play
- Carry an extra scorecard to assist with yardage and hole layouts