10 Tips for Golf Events

An event at a golf course is not all about the golf. When choosing a course, consider all the angles.

1. With more than 80 public golf courses in the Twin Cities alone, it isn’t necessarily the biggest or the most well-known golf facility that will give you the best deal. The golf economy is struggling, so courses are willing to work with you.

2. Many times, most of your event guests aren’t golfers, so to them, the quality of the golf course is far less important than the venue, the food and the service. Unless your group is made up of mostly active golfers, don’t base your decision on the fanciest golf course with the biggest name.

3. Many golf facilities are open year-round, so a golf course event doesn’t have to only be held when you can play golf. Majestic Oaks in Ham Lake holds ice golf leagues in the winter months.

4. For guests, consider additional activities to complement the golf. Some courses, like those at casinos or resort areas, have a variety of options for non-golfers.

5. Consider municipal-owned golf courses. With reductions in property tax revenues, these courses are especially open to hosting events to increase their revenue.

6. Private golf courses, in the past reticent to open their doors to non-member events, are now much more willing to consider hosting your group.

7. Don’t think a 9-hole course can’t host an event like an 18-hole course can. There are some excellent 9-hole golf courses that have excellent event facilities.

8. Tour the golf course as well as the facility when you consider a venue. For many participants who have never played there before, things like signage, distance markers, bathrooms and tee box options all affect their enjoyment of the course.

9. Include lessons or a golf simulator as part of your event.

10. Have complete sets of rental clubs available for attendees who don’t own clubs.