Turn Up the Volume on Your Food

Chip Graham | Head Golf Professional, The Tribute Golf Links & Guest House

Do not underestimate the importance of food...

...at your next golf tournament. Food should be fun and has the ability to take your tournament to a new level of excitement, plus keep your players happy. Remember, this is coming from a Golf Professional and someone who plays in a lot of events and listens intently to the opinions of many golfers.

Think about food at your upcoming tournament this way:

It’s like going to a football or baseball game. You have the pre-party, the party, and the after-party. It's like tailgating at the golf course—the best part is always the food! Party tents, games, kegs of beer, local sponsors with giveaways, the grill smoking, and that aroma in the air! Smoked brisket with house BBQ sauce, rubbed smoked chicken skewers with grilled jalapeno sausage links. Carolina pulled pork with tangy coastal BBQ sauce, Chipotle-marinated chicken breast grilled with cilantro diced onions and lime wedges served in warm corn tortillas. Delicious! You have to turn up the volume on your food if you want to stand out and make your tournament memorable—and it's all about the memories.

We have all been at those unforgettable events...

...that serve delicious food or killer drinks, and suddenly the party becomes a Party. Next to picking the best golf course for your tournament, selecting the right food is incredibly important to setting the tone, drawing in donations, and creating a positive legacy with your participants. And let me let you in on a little secret: Chefs are crazy good when you let them turn up the volume on dishes. If you give them that same tired menu of burgers, hotdogs, and sandwiches, you're not utilizing their skills or creativity.

At your next planning meeting, include the Chef.

Then ask him/her for some fun and exciting food & beverage creations for your tournament—it just might surprise you what they have in store. Tell them to dig deep and really get creative. Remember that the Chef is like the DJ of the kitchen and if you let them, they will turn up the volume of your event and keep your players coming back for seconds or thirds. Everyone has fun and your event is unforgettable! Come to the Tribute and talk to Chef Ryan Olmos for ideas. Throw in Harry T. Highlander, our mascot, and blow up social media, and your tournament will be a success!

Make food and beverage a priority at your next event...

...and give your players, clients, and sponsors something to talk about. If you go the extra mile for your participants, they are more likely to return next year and bring a friend! Give them a reason to be at your event and spend the money they do. Make it fun with food and keep them coming back for more!