Plan a Company Golf Tournament on a Budget

With spring already upon us and summer quickly approaching, golf season is in full bloom. Many companies value the idea of holding an employee event out on the manicured green of a golf course. The annual golf tournament is often a great way to encourage employees to socialize and motivate one another outside of a work setting.

With green fees and gas prices quickly rising however, planning the annual company golf tournament isn't getting any cheaper. How can you continue the fun of the day without having to surrender to the extra pay? There ARE alternatives allowing you to have a successful event and stick to your budget without sacrificing.

Select the Green Wisely

One option to consider is selecting the green wisely. You don't have to golf on a 5-star course to have a good time. Many 3-star courses are just as good and can be a much better option for many of your employees who are mediocre or beginner golfers. You don't need to hold your event on a celebrity golf course to have a great time.

FUNdraise!

When organizing your company golf tournament, don't just make it a ‘fun' event; consider turning the day into a fundraiser. Getting employees involved through donations, acquiring sponsors and holding a raffle can be part of the fun! This also provides the opportunity for employees to really feel like they are making a difference and supporting a good cause. Fundraise for your local charity or another cause your company may feel strongly about.

If you make your tournament a fundraiser, be sure to seek out sponsors. Sponsors are a fantastic way to help finance raffle prizes, golf memorabilia, green fees, equipment, and additional paraphernalia. You could also suggest a sponsor donate an ‘in-kind' gift. An in-kind donation includes beverages, food and other specific needs to make the day a success.

Get a big group!

Remember the old term ‘the more the merrier'! More people who join in the day will equal more affordable fees. Many golf courses offer discounts to large groups. Motivate as many employees as possible to join in the day of fun!

Shotgun!

Consider a shotgun start to the tournament. A shotgun start means having all teams start simultaneously at different holes. If there are 18 different teams, each team will start at a different hole on the course and will consider that hole their starting point. This way everyone starts at the same time and finishes at the same time.

Hold a BBQ!

When the day is done, have the golf course hold a BBQ for the participants rather than a sit down meal. This will cut costs and most people will appreciate a casual meal. Should alcohol be involved, distribute only one or two drink tickets per person before the tournament and let all employees know any additional alcohol they wish to consume will be from their own pockets.

Enjoying nice weather, encouraging employee teamwork and getting a break from the office are all reasons why company golf tournaments are so popular. Don't allow a seemingly tight budget and rising fees to limit the fun. You can still have just as much fun as last year without the sacrifices if you do your research.