Hey there,
Welcome to Day 1 of our "5-Day Tournament Transformation" email course, where we're on a mission to help you run the best golf tournaments through strategic insights and actionable tips.
You’re probably thinking, how do I trust these people know what they’re talking about?
At Live Tourney, we've had the privilege of working with a wide range of golf courses, from the most exclusive private clubs to the most open public venues, coast to coast. Through these experiences, we've gained valuable insights into what makes great tournaments stand out - and what makes bad tournament suffer. Our experiences have given us a wealth of practical advice and proven strategies to help make your tournaments better. By joining our "5-Day Tournament Transformation" course, you're not just getting our expertise – you're starting a journey that's all about giving you the knowledge and tools you need to make your tournaments the best they can be.
We understand the in’s and out’s of running tournaments and we're committed to sharing practical, actionable advice that can make a real difference to your events. Get ready to unlock the potential of your golf tournaments and set new standards of excellence.
Let’s jump in to day 1: Details Matter
Unveiling the Power of Small Tweaks
Today, we're diving into the impact of small adjustments on the overall success of your golf tournaments. Just like in golf, where minor tweaks can significantly influence the outcome of a shot, the details of your tournament management can make a world of difference.
Tournament-Related Course Adjustments
All the best courses know that details make the difference is someone becoming a member or finding somewhere else to play. Obviously the course conditions and groundskeeping is a big part of that - however, that’s likely outside of your (and our) scope, so we are going to focus on the little details you can control that go a long way.
Cup Liners / Paint
One thing we’ve noticed at a lot of top private and public courses is the attention to detail in the presentation of the cups. Heck, even players on reddit mention this as something that is really appreciated:
There are a few ways to go about this - both are relatively inexpensive and don’t take a lot of time:
You can buy a device to paint the lip of the hole such as the one shown above. They’re around $100 but make it easy for the groundskeepers to add to their list of tasks when cutting a new hole. You can also buy simple white cup liners which just get placed right above the cup but below the surface of the green to achieve the same look. These cost less than $75 for a set of 18.
Pin Sheets & Hole Locations
Providing printed pin sheets and hole locations during tournaments holds significant value for certain players, provides new players with some crucial information, and contributes to the overall experience. Pin sheets can be as simple or as complex as you’d like, and it takes a single lap around the course to get all the relevant details. We’ll dive in more tomorrow to some software you can use to do this easily and give you some options for the simple versions, as well as the very custom versions. Ultimately, providing printed pin sheets and hole locations not only enhances the competitive aspect of the tournament but also contributes to a more informed and enjoyable playing experience for the participants.
Off the Course Details
“A hungry golfer is an angry golfer.”
-Me.
When organizing a golf tournament, attention to off-the-course details can greatly enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators. Providing easy access to refreshments, snacks, and food is essential for maintaining energy levels and ensuring a pleasant experience for all involved. We’ve seen courses that have coolers every few holes, or a cart driving around all day. Additionally, offering attractive prizes can add an extra element of excitement and motivation for the competitors. The best one we’ve seen is a sponsorship (which we’ll cover more in Day 3), where for the first hole in one in the series, the winner gets a custom fit set of irons.
These off-the-course details contribute to a more enjoyable and memorable tournament for everyone at very little cost to the course or you.
What to Expect
Over the coming days, here's a glimpse of what's coming your way:
Day 1: Details Matter - Small tweaks can make a big difference
Day 2: Level Up Your Tech - Time to embrace modern technology
Day 3: Profitable Partnerships - See how to make tournaments more profitable
Day 4: Information Gathering - Learn what your players want the easy way
Day 5: Something for Everyone - Tailor your events to be enjoyed by all players
Why This Course Matters
Your commitment to refining your tournament management skills is a testament to your dedication to delivering exceptional experiences. By going through this course, you're taking a proactive step towards elevating the quality of your golf tournaments and setting the stage for future success.
Next Steps
Get ready for Day 2, where we'll delve into leveraging modern technology for all aspects of your tournaments. From registration, to live scoring, to final results, you won't want to miss the actionable strategies we have in store for you. Here's to a transformative journey over the next five days. Let's make every detail count.
