Looking to Increase Participation? Create an Experience!
by John Oney, PGA Professional,
Tournament Coach Director – TournEase, Inc.
It seems like the number of golf events increases each year. Increased competition means golfers are forced to make difficult choices on which tournament(s) to play in. Studies show that the Numero Uno motivation for players to participate is… (drum roll please)… BEER! I’m kidding. Actually, the number one way to keep your players and sponsors returning year-after-year is to provide them with a world-class experience.
Tournament directors are getting more creative with event day activities, player gifts, and post tournament festivities. It’s truly all about providing an experience that participants are excited to be a part of. Did you happen to watch the Masters? Of course you did. People lucky enough to attend tell stories about the infamous pimento cheese sandwich, the Par 3 Tournament, Amen Corner and the beautiful azaleas. I’m not suggesting that you try to recreate the Masters; my point is simply that the experience is unforgettable. It’s the reason we can’t wait to watch it on television each spring and why it’s nearly impossible to get a ticket.
Your tournament doesn’t have to be hosted at Augusta National to be extraordinary. Focus on finding ways to provide an experience that keeps your participants returning each year. Build a foundation that sets your tournament apart from other events. Create an identity with a tournament logo and website. Develop unique traditions, contests and parameters for your event. And remember… you don’t have to break the bank to make it happen. Challenge your committee to come up with inexpensive and/or free ways to make tournament participants feel like pros. Small details, like volunteers cleaning players clubs, make a big difference. This technique has been used by successful tournament directors for years and it keeps their participants begging for more.
Does your tournament provide a unique experience? Email me at johno@tournease.com and tell me what makes it special. If we decided to publish your story on TournEase.com I’ll send you a free gift. |
TournEase Tips:
Create a tournament website! Simply put… this is best way to promote and advertise your tournament. It can single-handedly increase awareness of your event, showcase the charity, and give much need exposure for the sponsors. Tournament websites with online registration and payment capabilities allow you to secure entry fees via credit card prior to the event which reduces cancellations, no-shows and last minute payments.
Make your
Event Exciting:
Event day activities like a Hole-In-One contest, Million Dollar Shot and/or a Putt for Dough contest can be a great way to entertain and interact with your golfers. They can also generate additional sponsor revenue, and create fundraising opportunities. Insurance backed contests allow you to offer valuable prizes in return for a small fee. When you obtain coverage through TournEase our insurance partner assumes the risk associated!
Contact a TournEase Tournament Coach for more information and to purchase your contest insurance today! |
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