Negotiating the Best Deal
for Your Golf Tournament
by John Oney, PGA Professional,
Tournament Coach Director – TournEase, Inc.

When the economy hits the skids golf courses feel it as much or more than any business.  As a former head pro I’ve experienced that reality first hand.  In times like these golf course operators are looking for ways to fill their tee sheets.  Booking tournaments and outings is the fastest way to make that happen.  Great courses around the country are going the extra mile to be more competitive and attract as many tournament rounds as possible.  This is great news for event organizers because it means there are a lot of great deals out there. 

Courses are more willing than ever to make a deal.  There’s nothing wrong with attempting to negotiate reduced greens fees.  Most clubs are prepared to knock a couple of bucks off their normal rate to get your business.  Getting creative with your approach will help facilitate the negotiation of an amazing player rate.  Do you have over 100 players?  Consider attempting to secure a “buy-out rate” or “flat fee” for your event.  The idea here is to cover the revenue the course wants for the day and benefit your organization for recruiting a higher number of golfers… the more golfers you get the lower the per player cost. 

Keep in mind that getting a great deal isn’t all about price.  Some courses don’t have the ability to further reduce their already discounted tournament fees.  No worries, there are still many ways these courses can provide added value to your event.  Savvy golf tournament sales people will throw in a little sumpin’, sumpin’ to persuade you to choose their course.  And if they don’t offer, it doesn’t hurt to ask.  Cool things like a brief pre-tournament clinic or a beat the pro contest can be a win-win for your event and the course professional.  The club may even be willing to donate a few free rounds to be auctioned off or used as prizes.  If the course really wants your business they’ll be resourceful in finding low cost or no cost ways to make it happen.

Click here to learn more about negotiating the best deal for your golf event.

Want a FREE Million
Dollar Shot Contest for Your Event?

We’re looking for truly original tournament ideas and concepts.  If you’ve got a unique tournament with a cool story, email me at coach@tournease.com. Title the message ‘Original Tournament’ and let me know what makes it special.  If we decided to publish your story on TournEase.com I’ll send you a free gift.  The coolest and most innovative tournament idea will win a free Million Dollar Shot Contest for their Tournament!

Entries must be received by June 30th to qualify.

TournEase Tip: Committees

Create the dream team!  Build your committee including golfers and non-golfers.  Select passionate individuals who are connected within the community.  Once the committee is formed set goals, establish a budget, create a timeline and designate individuals to handle specific tasks.

Browse the TournEase Tournament Shop for great deals on products that are sure to impress.