Successful Golf Outing

Transcription

1 A Guide to Running a Successful Golf Outing Treetops Resort Michigan s Most Spectacular Resort Jones Masterpiece #6 P u b l i s h e d b y : Michigan Golf Course Owners Association

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3 About the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association The Michigan Golf Course Owners Association is proud to present you with this handy guide to a successful golf outing. The MGCOA is a non-profit trade association which is The Voice of Michigan s Golf Business. Golf course owners/ operators who belong to the Association truly care about the golf industry and its future in Michigan. To receive a complete listing of all the MGCOA members, including city and telephone number, contact the association office and please consider an MGCOA member when planning your next outing. Congratulations! Your organization put you in charge of a golf outing because you re either a veteran of these events, or you missed the last meeting when they selected a committee chair. Lucky for you, the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association has put together this handy guide to help you in your newfound task. The purpose of this guide is to help you: Raise funds Assure participants have an enjoyable experience Make life easier for you and the golf course operator Michigan golf Course Owners Association 603 South Washington Ave., Suite 303 Lansing, MI TOLL-FREE: PH: (517) FAX: (517) mgcoa@mgcoa.org

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5 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Contents Planning an Outing 7 Key Steps Answers to Commonly Asked Questions How to Raise MONEY, MONEY, MONEY About the MGCOA Testimonials MGCOA Members

6 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Planning Step 1 Pre-Planning Prepare a Preliminary Budget Since the purpose of most golf outings is to raise funds, you need to have a budget. Below are some of the factors you need to consider as you draft a preliminary budget. This will be a useful staring point for your discussions about costs and packages with golf courses. Revenue: Golfers Hole sponsors Major Sponsor Mulligans Raffle Auction Expenses: Green fees & carts Food & beverage service Alcohol & beverage cart Printed material: program, postage, signs etc. Trophies/contest prizes Goodie bag Non-donated raffle prizes Photographer P.A. System Determining the Time & Place Since the space for golf outings is in high demand, many organizations book their event 9-12 months prior to the event.therefore, before you contact a course for availability of dates, your organization should select several different dates. 4

7 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Format For larger outings, most golf courses will encourage you to play a scramble format. A scramble is when a foursome acts as a team to shoot the best score. Everyone hits their ball off the tee, then as a team, they select the ball in the best position and each player hits a shot from there. The team continues to do this until they finish the hole. The advantage of a scramble format is that it allows players of all different skill levels to enjoy the outing while contributing to the team score. Additionally, for larger groups, a shot-gun start is most popular because all players start and finish at the same time. Because each foursome starts from different holes, this restricts the number of non-outing golfers a course can accommodate. Most facilities have a minimum number of golfers for shot-gun starts. Some courses may also have restrictions on the starting time for shot-guns. Once you and your committee have a rough budget, selected a range of dates, and agreed on a format, it s time to select a course. Step 2 Selecting a Course To have a successful outing, you need to compare and select the course that fits your organization s needs and style. In addition to availability of dates and the outing format, below are some critical factors you should consider. Food Service Availability & Cost Whether it s a continental breakfast, lunch at the turn, or dinner after the event, most successful golf outings include a meal service at some point in the day. Make sure the course you select has adequate accommodations and menu for the size and type of group you expect. Many courses can put together a package of golf, cart, and food on a per person basis. When a meal is being served following golf, it is suggested that food service begins when two thirds of the golfers are in. 5

8 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Alcohol Service If you re interested in beer, wine, and or liquor service, make sure your course has a liquor license. Then determine what costs the course will charge for liquor, tax and service, and options for beverage service such as stationary beverage areas or mobile beverage carts. The MGCOA reminds you that state laws do not allow golfers to bring their own alcoholic beverages on courses with a liquor license. Most courses do not allow coolers to be brought on the premises either. Additionally, the golf course has an obligation to monitor and control the responsible service and consumption of alcohol. Consumption by individuals under 21 years of age is prohibited by law. Rain/Weather Policy Golfers tend to be flexible and will play in almost any weather. Additionally, most outings are scheduled on a rain or shine basis. Generally, once booked, outings are only subject to cancellation if weather conditions become dangerous or if the conditions could cause damage to the course. Therefore, the MGCOA recommends that you inquire about the course s weather cancellation policy and clarify what responsibilities both you and the course would have in the event of poor weather. Cancellation Policy You should also be aware that canceling an event after you booked it might cost you money. You need to understand, to the golf course owner/operator, golf is more than just a glamorous sport, it s a business that provides one s livelihood. When you book an outing with an owner/ operator, the course will turn away other business in order to accommodate your group. That s why it s common for there to be non-refundable deposits and a guaranteed number from your group. If something does go wrong and you must cancel, or if you thought you were going to have 120 golfers and you re only going to have 70 (or vice versa), it is important that you notify the course as soon as possible. This may allow the course to minimize any unnecessary expense to both parties. If this is the first outing that your group is scheduling, the MGCOA suggests that you be both conservative and accurate in your estimate. 6

9 Event Management Platform TPI Golf s EMP Basic & Pro PLAN, PROMOTE AND MANAGE YOUR EVENT FROM START TO FINISH Toll-Free TPI GOLF OVERVIEW TPI Golf provides Golf Outing Products and Services, Hole-in-One & Contest Prize Coverage, Outing Planning and Consulting, Sponsor Signs, Banners, Pin Flags, Etc. TPI Golf Is Excited to now offer our EMP (Event Management Platform). Our mission is to offer a platform that makes the event planning process easier & faster for the thousands of coordinators that are spending to much valuable time on manual busy work. As event coordinators and participants of golf tournaments ourselves, we know all too well how difficult the tournament planning process can be. From planning to Registration & donation tracking to looking ahead to your next event, we ve got you covered. HOW IT WORKS EMP Basic & A Event Registration Website PLAN your event faster with our free, customizable website. It s quick and simple for all users. PROMOTE your event without the hassle of creating the perfect PDFs, hanging flyers, and getting the word out the hard way. Just Share your Website link with everyone, and on social media. MANAGE all the moving parts of your tournament, Work Smarter, Not harder! Our registration websites are FREE to launch! Cost: Only a 5.5% service fee (credit card fees included) Create your account, fill out your tournament info. Plug in details, Logos, and photos into the website builder tool in the TPI Golf EMP Dashboard, and within seconds your site will be live and you can take registration, sponsorship and donation payments instantly. There is added functionality (ask us about them!) with our EMP Pro version. With EMP Pro we also donate 10% of the service fees back to your tournament charity. It s a win-win! sales@tpigolf.com

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11 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Deadlines, Guarantees & Payment Usually a guarantee must be given prior to the event. Keep this in mind when setting your deadline for participants. Try to collect as much registration money as possible before the day of the event to discourage no-shows. Some courses also require a non-refundable deposit for large groups. Etiquette & Dress Code Consider the dress code of the participants. Some courses don t allow shorts or tank tops. Also, consider the experience of the participants. If many who will be playing are not golfers you might want to include a brief list of golf etiquette in the welcome packets, i.e. replace divots, keep pace with the group in front of you, etc. Send out an know before you go to all registered attendees including directions to the course, dress code & schedule for the day. Help your attendees come prepared for a great day. Gift Certificates / Gift Cards When looking for prizes for winners, consider purchasing gift certificates from the host course s pro shop. That way the winners can get their prize that same day and choose exactly what they want. Sign Policy Most courses have restrictions on placement of signs. Large stakes pounded into the ground damage the turf. Taping or stapling your signs over the course may damage their property. Many golf courses will be able to help you find a vendor for your sponsorships signs that will meet their specifications. Respect the property of others and follow their sign policy. 9

12 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Step 3 Finalize Your Budget Now, after you know how much everything will cost at the course, you can finalize your budget. By the way - you may be able to get corporate underwriters to cover some or all of these costs through sponsorships of things like Registration, Trophies, Beverage Cart, etc. Once you book the event with the golf course, it is common for you to be financially obligated by nonrefundable deposits, guarantees, or prepayments. Keep your cash flow positive by having your golfers prepay. Set up a registration page on your website that accepts credit card payment and make sure all golfers know to prepay when registering, not at the door. Step 4 Sales & Communication Printed Material A successful sales effort may require the following printed materials: registration form, save-the-date postcard, letters seeking sponsorship, program with rules and agenda for the day of the event, organization banner or sign, signs for the hole sponsors, name badges, etc. Don t forget to use social media to market your outing. (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) Registration Form Your registration form should include an RSVP deadline based on the one provided by the course with your guarantee. Also, the RSVP should include request for payment. Provide space on the form for golfers to list the names of their foursome or others they will be playing with. This form should also be available online with an option to pay with a credit card. Getting this information up-front will make your life easier. Several days before the event you will normally be required to provide the course with a players list to identify the foursomes or pairings for the carts and competition. Send a confirmation ( know before you go ) to remind them of the event, including an agenda of activities. Include information about driving range, food, map, etc. 10

13 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Organization Banner and/or Signage You need to prominently display who you are at the event. Also, your sponsors will be looking for obvious recognition at their sponsored hole(s). Give Them Something to Remember You want your players to remember you long after the round of golf is over. Give them something that lasts, something to take with them, like a photo of their team, a calendar, paperweight, clock, etc. Be creative. You want them to come back and play in your event next year. Event Program or Welcome Letter You should have a welcome letter on the day of the event. An outline of the day s activities will reduce your headache from having to answer the same question 100 times. Include rules, agenda, and the following items: Gaming Holes Sponsors Play Format & Rules 11

14 The Medalist Make your next outing because it s worth it. 18 championship quality holes Driving range Pro shop Full bar & restaurant Tournament coordination Fundraising Set-up/Tear-down Bag handling Live event scoring Competitive pricing your best outing. StayPrime GPS - Available on each cart - Exact distance to pin and front, middle, back of green - Easily keep score with Integrated Live Group Scoring - Order food and drinks from anywhere on the course and it will be delivered in less time than it takes to find that errant tee shot N. Drive North, Marshall MI themedalist.com (269) GET READY. GET SET. GET YOUR We love making winners. Thanks for making us one, too! 23 Casino Player Magazine Best Of awards with nine first place wins, including: Best Overall Gaming Resort Best Casino Best Hotel Best Promotions 17 Strictly Slots Magazine Best Of awards with six first place wins, including: Best Overall Casino Best Progressive Slots Best Players Club Lounge ON FireKeepersCasino.com I-94 to Exit Michigan Avenue

15 Sycamore Hills Beautifully Challenging Rated by Golf Digest Best Courses to Play & America s Top 100 Golf Shops 27 holes of championship golf. Excellent for outings, banquets, special events. A beautiful restaurant with an interesting menu, fine food and wonderful service. Book Your Next Outing (586) sycamorehills.com North Avenue Just N. of 21 Mile Macomb SycamoreHills.com

16 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Step 5 Volunteers Unless you re super human, you re going to want and need help. In addition to assistance in your sales effort, you will need help on the day of the event. Contests Often two volunteers are needed to be witnesses at any game hole that provides a substantial prize and is insured (see pages 24-25). Registration Don t assume the course will check-in your group. Often the course will prepare name cards for carts if you provide them with a pairing sheet. However, it is a good idea to have two members of your staff do the checking of registrants - to collect money, sell raffle tickets and mulligans, hand out welcome packets, etc. Event Tasks There are several areas where you will need help such as: stuffing the goodie bags, running the contest holes, and selling raffle tickets/mulligans. Be considerate of your volunteers! Make sure to bring plenty of sun block, insect repellent, fanny packs and change for those handling money, refreshments, etc. Photographer Whether you hire a photographer, or have an expert on your staff, it is customary for them to be stationary at one of the contest holes or travel with the course ranger to capture pictures. A word of caution - when taking pictures, have a system to identify the golfers. It is amazing how all foursomes begin to look alike! 14

17 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Post Golf Set-Up If you re having cocktails and food service after golf, you ll need to have help setting up the banquet room. Start your food service when two thirds of golfers are in to speed up the event. Have appetizers ready when the first of the golfers return to the clubhouse. They will be hungry and thirsty. Have your trophies and/or prizes displayed. This is also a good time to display photos from the day. The MGCOA recommends you have your award ceremony scripted to ensure you mention all sponsors and suppliers for the day, including thanking the golf course staff and service personnel. And, don t forget to mention the purpose for the outing and thank the organizers on behalf of the event. Awards and prizes can be handed out during or after the event or food service. Step 6 Awards & Prizes After a full day of golf and being in the sun, the one thing golfers all agree on is they don t want to hear long speeches, or sit through poorly organized prize drawings. Therefore, be organized and brief as you announce winners of the competition and game holes, award prizes, and thank your sponsors. Remember that after 15 minutes, the attention span of your golfers is gone. Use your prizes wisely. Use your best prizes in raffle drawings that bring in revenue rather than awards to team winners or those hitting the longest drive, closest to the pin, etc. These skilled (or lucky) golfers deserve appropriate recognition and mementos, but not revenue producing prizes. Instead of quality, try quantity and send everyone home with something. TIP! 15

18 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Photography Documenting your event will ensure your participants remember your outing for years to come. We recommend that you take many pictures, even videotape if available. Team Photos: Choose a tee box where you can set up a tri-pod and still photographer. Photograph each team and then display the photos for all to see. Give the photos away as a gift at the award dinner (or sell them as another fund raiser). If you frame the photo, be sure your tournament s name or company name is on it so they will remember you. Individual Photos: Photos of the golfer in action are great giveaways with the group photo. Action Photos: Have a photographer drive around the course during the outing in a golf cart and take photos of the golfers on the course. Take some unique photos, golfers looking for balls under trees, etc. Display these for some extra laughs. Video: Take footage of all the golfers throughout the event and put together a collage to show or sell. You can also put this on your website. 16

19 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Step 7 Wrap-Up & Follow-Up Successful organizers keep working even after the event is over. Here is the list of things that will ensure your successful event this year and for years to come. Balance the Budget: Make sure you determine how much money you made on the event. Determine Money Raised for Charity: Make it known your outing was successful in raising the money it set out to raise. Pay all the Bills: Make sure you pay all of the bills in a timely manner. Committee Recap: About 2 weeks after your event, have the committee discuss the things that went well and what needs improvement for next year. Send thank you notes: Show your appreciation to golfers, sponsors and volunteers. Create or update your database Keep track of everyone! 27 hole golf course designed by Jerry Matthew s has withstood time well and is home to a large number of golf outing. We welcome groups of 16 to 216 golfers. Beautiful banquet facility with seating up to 225. Conveniently located just 15 minutes south of Lansing. So whether you re planning a golf outing, wedding reception or party the professionals at Eldorado Golf Course are eager to help. Eldorado Golf Course 3750 W. Howell RD Mason, MI

20 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Questions Frequently Asked Questions Why can t we bring our own food? Just like any food service operation, there are certain health department guidelines that must be followed. Check with your chosen course for their policy. Those who do not have food service accommodations may suggest a caterer for you. How long will the event take? The golf portion will vary, but a rule of thumb is 5 hours for shot-gun starts, and for scheduled tee times, 5 hours plus the time it took to get your golfers started on the course. If there is a program and food service afterwards, check with the individual course to see their typical turn-around time. What about third party liability insurance? With today s litigious society, and depending on the makeup of your group, you might consider purchasing liability insurance. What happens if we have a lot of no-shows? In most cases, you must pay for the guaranteed number that you gave the course. Refer to page 9 for more information. What about spectators? Visitors are usually prohibited from driving around the course. Doing so could be dangerous, especially when they don t know their way around the course. Course rangers will normally assist in moving key volunteers or VIPs around the course. What can we do with non-golfers? Set up card games and board games in the club house with contests and prizes. 18

21 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g What do I need to know about minors? Liquor control is the #1 concern on the golf course owner/operator s mind when mentioning minors. If you re inviting a younger crowd, keep in mind that your outing can t change state law - consumption of alcohol by someone less than 21 years of age is against the law. Other things to consider are pace of play, golf etiquette, and carts. Some younger players may have the skill for golf, however, others may not know about golf etiquettes and their inexperience could slow up the play. Also, because of liability issues, most courses require a valid driver s license in order to drive a cart. What about signs on the course? Before you order any signs, plan to pound stakes into the ground, or plan to staple your signs on the course, check with your course to determine their policy. Sign frames with wire posts are commonly used by outings and cause very minimal damage to the greens. How does hole-in-one insurance work? It s really very simple. The outing decides on a prize, like a car, and purchases Hole-In-One insurance based on the value of the car, difficulty of the hole, and other factors. If someone does get a Hole-In-One, the insurance policy pays them, not you. Two volunteers are required by most companies to witness all shots. Refer to your chosen course for reputable insurance companies, car dealerships, Hole-In One prize ideas, etc. Local automobile dealers may provide the insurance for the opportunity to advertise their product on the course - give them a call. If I m hosting a political fund raiser, what do I need to know about state election laws? Contact the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association for information at (517)

22 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Are there rules for a golf scramble? You should state a set of rules in your printed material, especially if you re planning to give away valuable prizes. The following is a standard set of rules for an 18-hole, shot-gun start, four-person golf scramble: *Sample Scramble Rules Each team member tees off, men from the middle tee and women from the forward tee. The team decides which tee shot is in the best position and each team member places the ball within 12 inches of the best ball, but no closer to the hole. If the selected shot is in a bunker or water hazard, all shots must be played from the bunker or water hazard. Also, if the selected shot is off the green, all shots must be played from off the green. This process continues after each shot until the hole is complete. Each team member s tee shot must be used at least three times (not applying this rule may speed up play!). Your scorecard must indicate where each player s three tee shots were used. One score is recorded for the team while moving to the next hole. Your scorecard must indicate where your team used mulligans (coupon for an extra shot). Mulligans must be turned in with the scorecard. (Limit of four mulligans per foursome). The scorecard indicating the team s correct score must be submitted to the score keeper immediately upon completion of the 18 hole round in order to be eligible for prizes. In the case of ties, the winning teams will be determined by comparing the most difficult to the least difficult hole, rated by men s handicap, until the tie is broken. *Check with your chosen course for rules on other scramble or format variations. 20

23 The Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf makes the best prize for your outing. With 80 golf courses and a value of over $8,000 in golf and amenities, The Golden Passbook will wow your guests. The Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf is NOT a two for one book. Once you purchase the Passbook, all the golf is free twosomes and foursomes. Use it as a door prize, a contest prize like closest to the pin, or add it to your fundraising auction. A special discount off the retail price of $450 is available to you when you utilize it for your outing. Just call the MGCOA and ask about our Outing Guide special offers. Call The Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf is published annually and all of the golf is donated to the MGCOA by participating golf courses. We are grateful for their support of the golf industry and the voice of Michigan golf business. 21

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25 More Fun and Games Marshmallow Long Drive Challenge This is a creative spin from the normal Longest Drive challenge. Pick any club and see who can get the most distance hitting a marshmallow instead of a golf ball. You can also use a whiffle ball. Speed Hole Teams are timed from tee off to hole out, usually on a par 3. The fastest time wins, and this team is announced at the conclusion of the tournament. Dunk Tank Hole A dunk tank is placed at a location where space is available, and it s not in the swing path usually on a par 5. The object is to dunk someone by throwing softballs at the target. If you manage to do so with your throw (or 2-3), you are allowed to tee off from the front tees. The higher cost of this on-course game recoups in the amount it s talked about afterwards by your players. Longest Drive, Opposite Hand On a par 5, players are given a left-handed driver (lefties get a right-handed driver) you can usually borrow demo drivers fro the Pro Shop. After the group has hit their normal tee shot, tee them up and take a swing from the other side of the ball. The furthest out, wins. Closest-to-the-Pin for Wine! Every foursome competes against itself. The winner of the group gets a voucher for a bottle of wine to be picked up at the end of the day. Have a local winery donate the wine as advertisement for their product. Random Club Challenge On the tee box, make everyone reach into a bag and pull out a slip of paper. That paper tells them the name of the club they must tee off with and then play out the entire hole with only that club. Whatever on-course contest or games you choose to host, remember to be creative and have fun! Everyone loves winning prizes and a bit of friendly competition, so give your golfers a memorable and unique experience out on the course, and they ll repay you by donating more & talking about your event during and after the outing day!

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27 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Money Ways To Raise $$$$$ In addition to golfers, there are many other ways to increase revenue at your golf outing. You have the best source for ideas at your fingertips - the management of your chosen course. Have the course suggest the best holes for your games. Also, some courses may have information on Hole-In-One insurance, car dealerships, etc. Hole Sponsorships Perhaps the easiest way to raise money is to sell hole sponsorships - either one for each hole, or two (one sign for the tee, one for the green). Companies can also sponsor the practice green, driving range, etc. Remember to thank all sponsors with appropriate signs and mention them in your program. Separate competing companies; in other words, don t put Coke and Pepsi on the same hole! Corporate Sponsors The best way to sell a corporate sponsorship is to have them underwrite a portion of your event. For example, the cocktail hour is sponsored by Company A, today s dinner is brought to you courtesy of Company B, Hole-In-One Contest sponsored by Company C, etc. Raffle Tickets This is where you want to offer your most valuable prizes. Use your raffle to make money. Put your best prizes into the raffle - not as gifts to the winners of your skill competitions. Have someone selling raffle tickets all day - during registration, at the turn in the course, at the cocktail reception, etc. Prominently display the prizes and/or explain them in your printed material, signage, etc. 25

28 Don't Blow Your Top! Not just anyone can put on a charity golf event and even fewer can put on a first- class event that raises a lot of money and that has golfers waiting to return year after year. There are many tales of disasters with non - profits trying to run golf tournaments, only to discover that they broke even financially and almost died of exhaustion in the process. Tournament Masters aids charities, civic organizations, and corporations host more successful, more entertaining, and more profitable events. Call For Free Consultation! Golf Tournaments are Money Makers for: Charity AND FOR THE GOLF COURSE Look at any weekday on the tee sheet and the regular income won't compare with a day that has a tournament scheduled. But it takes a lot of time and energy to market your course to those local groups that wish to raise funds for this cause or that. TOURNAMENT MASTERS IS HERE TO HELP. What we do is manage golf events for groups that have no clue how to manage a golf event or those that are seeing dwindling results. Your course is terrific on day of event matters, but we both know that day of event is only 10% of what it takes to be a successful event. The other 90% involves things you don t have the staff to do. That is where we come in. Partner with us and we ll help you grow your tournament business. Give us a call and let s boost your business starting today!

29 Why book an outing when you can book an experience? We specialize in entertainment and creating fun! Entertain Clients, Donors, Volunteers and Staff with Unique Fun-Filled Golf Events 18 hole events, 9 hole events or something less! Clinics and Cocktails Playful Putting Contests Pitch & Putt Parties Par 3 Challenges Big Hole Scrambles Riot on the Range We re only limited by your imagination! Let us Create a Thrilling event for your group Haslett Road, Haslett Michigan s Most Spectacular Resort We re Renovating! Ask us about our $4.5 Million Dollar Renovation Specializing in Group Outings, Corporate Events, & Couples Getaways 81 Holes of World-Class Golf, Top-Notch Customer Service, and a whole new Lodging Experience! (855) Treetops.com

30 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Mulligans A mulligan, to put it simply, is a stroke that is replayed from the spot of the previous stroke, an extra shot. This is an example of a mulligan ticket which was sold for $5.00. Generally, it is a good idea to limit one mulligan per person, per 18 holes, otherwise play will be slowed. Depending on your group, the price of the mulligan can be raised or lowered. Gambling Hole Draw a 10 foot circle around a pin on a par 3 hole approximately 150 yards. A volunteer stands on the tee box and offers the golfers the opportunity to double their money by hitting the ball inside the circle. They put up $5, $10, or $20. If they hit the ball in the circle they double their money. If they don t, you keep the money. Auctions Whether it be a traditional auction, or silent, this is an excellent opportunity to raise money from donated or purchased prizes. A silent auction is done totally on paper, usually with the prize prominently displayed, and could be held during your cocktail reception. Be aware that a verbal auction takes more time and organization. Ask the golf course to donate rounds as prizes. Celebrity Shoot-Outs An exciting way to increase revenue is to invite a celebrity to play in your outing. Perhaps you could incorporate them into your award program as well. Charge $20 to have the celebrity or maybe a golf pro at a par 3 take an extra shot for the team. 28

31 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Beat The Pro or Buy The Pro Have a golf pro stand on a tee box and give each golfer the opportunity to drive the ball farther than the Pro. The golfer puts up $5, $10, or $20. If they beat the Pro they double their money; if they don t, you keep the money. Or let the Pro take your shot for a fee (doesn t count for contests though). String Sale Putting Contest Before or after the golf tournament, have a putting contest on the practice green. $5 gives a golfer 3 chances to putt a ball into a hole 10 feet away to get them in the finals to win a prize. During the finals, all qualifiers putt for a great prize. You keep the cash. Skins Willing golfers put $20 (more or less) in the pot at the beginning of the tournament. The team with the lowest score on a hole (where there are no ties on that hole) wins the pot. Have a percentage of the pot earmarked for your outing group or charity. Similar to mulligan sales, you can sell string. The player can buy 5 feet of string for $5. They can use the string to move their ball closer to the hole or out of a hazard (one string, one move). 29

32 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Pot of Gold This is a twist on a 50/50 raffle that is fun for all participants at your outing. Sell raffle tickets for $10 each. Have the person write their name on the back of the ticket and put it into container, Pot of Gold. After your meal (or during), pull 10 tickets from the Pot of Gold, one at a time and each person whose ticket was pulled will sit in a provided chair in front of the room. Now you have 10 people with the chance to win half of the money collected. You empty the Pot of Gold container, and put the 10 tickets back into the Pot of Gold. Each person owns their seat and can sell it to any other person at the outing, any time while they remain in their chair. You now pull one ticket at a time. The name on the ticket you pull is out of the competition, so you only have nine people left. After each ticket is pulled you ask if anyone wants to sell their seat, or if anyone wants to buy a seat. If you have no takers, you pull another ticket and that person is eliminated. You continue this until you have 2 tickets left. Keep in mind that as the pool of potential winners gets smaller, the chance of someone offering to buy a seat becomes more appealing. With the amount of money on the line, let s say the Pot of Gold is worth $500, a seat could sell for $50, $100 or even $200 depending on the odds and the person selling their seat keeps the money. If you bought the seat for $10 and sell it for $100, you have made a good deal and the person who bought the ticket now sits in your seat with the chance to win a lot of money. In order to prevent several participants from splitting the Pot of Gold you might want to add the clause that it cannot be split until there are only 2 people left. This will only take between 20 and 45 minutes to complete and is a lot fun for the whole group. 108 HOLES 67 VILLAS 4 VENUES 1 PHONE CALL As the largest golf resort in southern Michigan, we have endless options for your event. Just one phone call puts you in touch with our outing experts GULLLAKEVIEW.COM

33 Golf's impact on the state is well over $2.2 billion dollars. MGCOA supports the stabilization and growth of Travel Michigan s tourism-promotion budget and environmental stewardship at all golf operations. About the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association: At the heart of the great game of golf are great golf courses. After all, what would the game of golf be without the playing field golf courses? People with vision, drive, determination and a love of the game build golfs playing fields. Golf course owners whether they are a part of a corporate structure, operating many courses or a family business operating one course are the heart of golf in Michigan. Belvedere Golf Club, Charlevoix 2016 MGCOA Golf Course of the Year Michigan Golf Course Owners Association provides owners and operators with the tools they need to succeed in the complex and competitive golf business. Their success ensures that the playing fields continue to meet the demands of passionate golfers across the state. Hosting a golf outing can be an excellent way to treat friends, business colleagues or customers to a day of fun, relaxation and to the extent you wish, competition. Charities have also found that a golf outing is a great way to raise funds. The charity benefits and their guests have a great time. When planning your outing, please consider one the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association s members listed in the back of this handbook, by county. Support those courses that support the growth and development of the industry through their dedication and effort. 31

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35 A G u i d e t o r u n n i n g a s u c c e s s f u l g o l f o u t i n g Testimonials Partnerships The Ryan Dobry Diabetes Charity always looks forward to returning to Elmbrook Golf Course year after year!! As a radio announcer in Traverse City for 33 years I have attended many golf tournaments over the years but when it comes to my diabetes charity golf outing we are returning for the 14th year in a row to Elmbrook! They continue to provide not only a wonderful golf course but the entire staff consistently goes out of their way to make sure our event is a success. Ryan Dobry-Hunt Radio Announcer Sunny Country Traverse City, Michigan Type 1 Diabetic (38 years) We provide a copy of the guide to the committee of every outing we host. Every committee has learned from the information in the Guide and each has been thankful to have it. This year is the Silver Anniversary of the O Mercy Classic, a fundraising outing for improvements to our local hospital. They have generated nearly a million dollars over the past 24 years. Each year there are new people joining their committee and those people are given a copy of the Guide to help bring them up to speed on what we are doing. They have found it invaluable. Bob Koutnik Fox Run Country Club Grayling All of our new outing directors are given this Guide to a Successful Golf Outing as well as to any inquiries we field for golf outing. It is an invaluable tool for golf outing directors in outing on a successful event. Jeff Hoag Scott Lake Country Club Where Golf is Fun! Fun is Good Comstock Park 33

36 Please consider these MGCOA member courses when arranging your next golf outing! Allegan Cheshire Hills Golf Course - Allegan Clearbrook Golf Club & Restaurant - Saugatuck Lake Monterey Golf Course - Hopkins Lynx Golf Course - Otsego Antrim A-GA-Ming Golf Course - Kewadin Antrim Dells Golf Club - Ellsworth Cedar River Golf Course - Bellaire Grandview Golf Club Bellaire Schuss Mountain Golf Course - Bellaire Shanty Creek Resort - Bellaire Sundance Golf Club - Kewadin The Legend Golf Course - Bellaire The Summit Golf Course - Bellaire Arenac Huron Breeze country Club - Au Gres Singing Bridge Golf - Tawas City Barry Hastings Country Club - Hastings Mullenhurst Golf Course - Delton Bay Maple Leaf Golf Course - Linwood Sandy Ridge Golf Course - Midland Benzie Champion Hill Golf Club - Beulah Crystal Downs Country Club - Frankfort Crystal Mountain Resort/Betsie Valley - Thompsonville Crystal Mountain Resort/Mountain Ridge - Thompsonville Pinecroft Golf Course - Beulah Berrien Berrien Hills Country Club - Benton Harbor Brookwood Golf Course - Buchanan Golf Club of Harbor Shores - Benton Harbor Lake Michigan Hills - Benton Harbor Lost Dunes - Berrien Calhoun Bedford Valley Golf Course - Battle Creek Cedar Creek Golf Club - Battle Creek Cedar Farms Golf Club - Battle Creek Riverside Country Club - Battle Creek Stotin Brae - Augusta The Medalist Golf Club - Marshall Tomac Woods Golf Course - Albion 34 Cass Hampshire Country Club - Dowagiac Indian Lake Hills Golf Course - Eau Claire Spruce Ridge Golf Club & Resort - Dowagiac Charlevoix Alpine Course - Boyne Falls Belvedere Golf Club - Charlevoix Boyne U S A Resorts - Boyne Falls Monument at Boyne Mountain - Boyne Falls Cheboygan Indian River Golf Club - Indian River Clare Devil s Knob - Harrison Eagle Glen Golf Club - Farwell Firefly Golf Links - Clare Snow Snake Ski & Golf - Harrison Clinton Eagle Eye Golf Course - Bath Hawk Hollow Golf Course - Bath The Emerald at Maple Creek - St. Johns Timber Ridge Golf Club - East Lansing The Falcon Golf Course - Bath Twin Oaks Golf Course - St. Johns Woodside Golf Course - Lansing Crawford Forest Dunes Golf Club - Roscommon Fox Run Country Club - Grayling Emmet Arthur Hills at Boyne Highland - Harbor Springs Bay Harbor Golf Club - Bay Harbor Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club - Harbor Springs Beaver Island Golf Course - St. James Country Club of Boyne - Harbor Springs Crooked Tree Golf Club - Petoskey Donald Ross Memorial Course - Harbor Springs Heather Golf Course - Harbor Springs Hidden River Golf and Casting - Brutus Moor Course at Boyne Mountain - Harbor Springs The Inn at Bay Harbour Golf and Resort - Boyne Falls Walloon Lake Country Club - Petoskey Genesee Captains Club At Woodfield - Grand Blanc Coyote Preserve Golf Club - Fenton Fenton Farms Golf Club - Fenton

37 Grand Traverse Elmbrook Golf Course - Traverse City Grand Traverse Reort and Spa - Acme Interlochen Golf Course - Interlochen Lockenheath Golf Club - Williamsburg The Kingsley Club - Kingsley Gratiot Eagle Brook Golf Club - Middleton Ingham Branson Bay Golf Course - Mason Brookshire Golf Club - Williamston Chisholm Hills Golf Course - Lansing College Fields Golf Club - Okemos Eldorado Golf Course - Mason Forest Akers Golf Course - East Lansing Indian Hills Golf Course - Okemos Meridian Sun Golf Club - Haslett Oak Lane Golf Course - Webberville Royal Scot Golf Course - Lansing Iosco Red Hawk Golf Club - East Tawas Wicker Hills Golf Club - Hale Iron George Young Recreation Complex - Caspian Isabella Bucks Run Golf Club - Mt. Pleasant Maple Creek Golf Club - Shepherd Pohlcat Golf Club - Mt. Pleasant Riverwood Golf Course - Mt. Pleasant The Pines Golf Course At Lake Isabella - Lake Isabella Jackson Concord Hills Golf Course - Concord Country Club Of Jackson - Jackson Grande Golf Club - Jackson Hill s Heart of the Lakes Golf Course - Brooklyn Kalamazoo Eastern Hills Golf Course - Kalamazoo Gull Lake View Golf Club - Augusta Indian Run Golf Club - Scotts Red Arrow golf Course - Kalamazoo States Golf Club - Vicksburg Stonehedge at Gull Lake View - Augusta Thornapple Creek Golf Club - Kalamazoo Kalkaska Grandview Golf Club - Kalkaska Timber Wolf Golf club - Kalkaska Kent Arrowhead Golf Course - Lowell Boulder Creek Golf Club - Belmont Maple Hill Golf Course - Grandville Saskatoon Golf Club - Alto Scott Lake Country Club - Comstock Park The Falls at Barber Creek - Kent City The Pines Golf Course - Wyoming 35 The Rogue Golf Club - Sparta Thornapple Pointe Golf Club - Grand Rapids Tyler Creek Golf Course & Campground - Grosse Point Farms Lapeer Washakie Recreation Area - North Branch Leelanau Leland Country Club - Leland Manitou Passage Golf Club - Cedar Northport Creek Golf Course - Northport Sugar Loaf Golf Course - Cedar Lenawee Raisin Valley Golf Club - Tecumseh Livingston Chemung Hills Country Club - Howell Faulkwood Shores Golf Course - Howell Hartland Glen Golf Course - Hartland Hawk Meadows at Dama Farms - Howell Hunters Ridge Golf Course - Howell Ironwood Golf Club - Howell Moose Ridge Golf Club - South Lyons Rush Lake Hills Golf Club - Pinckney The Majestic at Lake Walden - Hartland Timber Trace Golf Club - Pinckney Whispering Pines Golf Club - Pinckney Mackinac The Jewel Golf Course - Mackinac Island Macomb Cherry Creek Golf Club - Shelby Twp. Cracklewood Golf Club - Macomb Gowanie Golf Club - Mt. Clemens Heather Hills Golf Club - Romeo Maple Lane Golf Club - Sterling Heights Oak Ridge Golf Club - New Haven Sycamore Hills Golf Club - Mt. Clemens Timberwood Golf Club - Ray Manistee Manistee National Golf & Resort - Manistee Marquette Red Fox Run Golf Course - Gwinn Mason Hemlock Golf Club - Ludington Lincoln Hills Golf Club - Ludington Mecosta St. Ives Golf Club - Stanwood Tullymore Golf Course - Stanwood Menominee Indian Hills Golf Course, Inc. - Stephenson

38 Missaukee Missaukee Golf Club - Lake City Monroe Bedford Hills - Temperance Monroe Golf & Country Club - Monroe The Legacy by Arthur Hills - Ottawa Lake Green Meadows Golf Course, Inc. - Monroe Montcalm Brookside Golf Course - Gowen Glenkerry Golf Course - Greenville The Links ay Bowen Lake - Gowen Montmorency Thunder Bay Golf Resort - Hillman Muskegon Fruitport Country Club - Muskegon Hickory Knoll Golf Course - Montague Muskegon Country Club - Muskegon Old Channel Trail Golf Course - Montague Oakland Birmingham Country Club - Birmingham Boulder Pointe Golf Club, Oxford Copper Hills Golf & Country Club - Oxford Highland Hills Golf Course - Highland Lincoln Hills Golf Club - Birmingham Links at Crystal Lake - Pontiac Oakhurst Golf and Country Club - Clarkston Oakland Hills Country Club - Bloomfield Hills Oxford Hills Golf Course - Oxford Pine Trace Golf Club - Rochester Hills Plum Brook Golf Club - Sterling Heights Pontiac Country Club - Waterford Red Run Golf Club - Royal Oak Shepherds Hollow Golf Course - Clarkston Somerset Golf Club - Troy Stonycroft Hills Club - Bloomfield Hills Tanglewood Golf Club - South Lyon The Huntmore Golf Club - Brighton The Myth Golf & Banquets - Oakland Twp Twin Lakes Golf Club - Oakland Walnut Creek Country Club - South Lyons Westwynd Golf Course - Rochester Hills Wyndgate - Rochester Hills Oceana Grand View Golf Course - New Era Thoroughbred Golf Course - Rothbury Otsego Michaywe - The Pines - Gaylord Michaywe - The Lake - Gaylord Rick Smith Signature - Gaylord Rick Smith Tradition - Gaylord Robert Trent Jones Masterpiece - Gaylord The Lake Golf Course - Gaylord The Loon Golf Course - Gaylord The Natural - Gaylord The Ridge Resort - Gaylord Tom Fazio Premier - Gaylord Treetops Resort - Gaylord 36 Ottawa Gleneagle Golf Club - Hudsonville Grand Haven Golf Club - Grand Haven Presque Isle Black Lake Golf Club - Onaway Roscommon Pineview Highlands Golf Course - Houghton Lake Quest Golf Course - Houghton Lake Saginaw Apple Mountain Resort - Freeland Crooked Creek Golf Course - Saginaw Swan Valley Golf Course - Saginaw The Fortress - Frankenmuth Sanilac Marlette Golf Club - Marlette Shiawassee Dutch Hollow Golf Club - Durand Glenbrier Golf Course - Perry Willow Brook Golf Club - Byron St. Claire Black River Country Club - Port Huron Holly Meadows Golf Course - Capac Michigan Meadows Golf Course - Casco Willow Ridge golf Club - Fort Gratiot St. Joseph Island Hills Golf Club - Centreville Pine View Golf Club - Three Rivers Sauganash Golf Club - Three Rivers Van Buren Beeches Golf Club - South Haven HawksHead Links - South Haven Washtenaw Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center - Plymouth Lake Forest Golf Club - Ann Arbor Polo Fields Country Club - Ann Arbor Radrick Farms Golf Club - Ann Arbor Reddeman Farms Golf Club - Chelsea Rustic Glen Golf Club - Saline Salem Hills Golf Course - Northville Stonebridge Golf Club - Ann Arbor Wayne Brae Burn Golf Course - Plymouth Coyote Golf Club - New Hudson Detroit Golf Club - Detroit Gateway Golf Club - Romulus Glenhurst Golf Course - Redford Inn at St. Johns - Plymouth Links Gateway Golf Club - Romulus Wexford El Dorado Golf Course - Cadillac Evergreen Golf Course - Cadillac

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40 You plan more than outings. We host more than golf. Let us be your partner for the other 100 things you re juggling. Greater Lansing offers over 30 courses within 30 miles, many recognized as best-of-class by Golf Digest magazine, so you know we ve got great golf. What we also have is a dedicated CVB team, ready to act as additional members of your staff, focused on making your event perfect. From outing to convention to conference - all great events come together in Greater Lansing. Call today to learn more! YOUR MEETING PLANNING PROFESSIONALS Mary Chris Hotchkiss, Brenda CMP, CTA Haight, CMP, Amanda CTA Toy, CMP, CTA (517) Amanda Toy, CMP, (517) CGMP, GMS, CTA mchotchkiss@lansing.org Mary Chris Hotchkiss, atoy@lansing.org CMP, CTA