Directing a Successful
Golf Outing
2
Meet the Anchorage Golf
Course Tournament Staff
Nick Brennan
Tournament Coordinator
907-522-7825
nbrennan@anchoragegolfcourse.com
Tom Farris
Head Golf Professional
907-522-4110
tfarris@anchoragegolfcourse.com
Jeri Cunningham
Golf Operations Manager
907-522-7823
jcunningham@anchoragegolfcourse.com
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Our Mission Statement
To provide an exceptional hospitality experience, in
spectacular surroundings, in an atmosphere of comfort,
openness and friendship. To provide every patron with
premier services and facilities for the enjoyment of the
finest traditions of golf.
Anchorage Golf Course
3651 O’ Malley Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
www. anchoragegolfcourse.com
Tournament Office – 907-522-7825
tournaments@anchoragegolfcourse.com
Fax #- 907-522-3326
Golf Pro Shop – 907-522-3363
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Planning an event takes time, organization and
dedication. The Directing a Successful Golf Outing
Book will help you in this process. The Anchorage
Golf Course (AGC) staff will assist you whenever
you have questions or need further assistance. Our
goal is to showcase your golf outing.
Congratulations!
Your organization put you in charge of a golf
outing because you are a veteran of these
events, or you missed the last meeting where
they selected a committee chair. Lucky for you,
the Anchorage Golf Course has put together
this handy guide to help you in your task.
The purpose of this guide is to help you:
Raise funds
Assure participants have an enjoyable time
Provide Anchorage Golf Course with the information
to help make your event preparation as easy as
possible.
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Getting Started…………………… 7
Entry Form/Invitation…………….. 8
Publicizing Your Tournament…... 9
Sponsors………………………….. 10
Signs & Banners…………………..11
Gifts, Prizes, Awards……………..12
Hole-In-One……………………….13
Food & Beverage………………..14
Tournament Supplies……………15
Time Line for Tournament………16
After Tournament Follow-Up…. 20
Volunteers……………………….. 21
Gaming Ideas………………….. 22
Golf Etiquette …………………...24
Frequently Asked Questions…..26
Table of Contents
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9
Key Steps
Getting Started
Entry Form/Invitation
Publicizing your Tournament
Sponsors
Signs & Banners
Gifts, Prizes, and Awards
Hole-In-One
Food & Beverage
Tournament Supplies
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1. Getting Started
Select 2 or 3 dates
Contact AGC for availability
Decide number of players and
preferred start time
Discuss cost per player
Secure tournament date with
AGC
Name your event
Sign contract
Submit deposit
A.M. shotguns must be booked before
P.M. shotguns can be scheduled.
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2. Entry Form/Invitation
Include the following on your entry form or invitation.
Collect as much information as possible about your
participants to make your job easier.
Event Name
Date
Format of Event
Players Names with Contact Info
Handicap Information for Players
Price
Check in Time, Depart Time, Actual Start Time
Contests - Long Drive, Closest to Pin etc.
What’s Included
Rental Club Info
Driving Range Info
Deadline for Entry
Payment Types Accepted. Checks Payable to?
Samples can be provided
upon request
Most important communication of
your tournament
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3. Publicizing Your Event
Email entry form to your invitation
list
Post entry form on your website
Have AGC link your tournament to
the AGC Tournament Calendar
Contact local newspapers
Post entry forms at local golf
courses. Always ask for permission
before posting your tournament
flyers.
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4. Sponsors
Solicit as many sponsors as you
can for the following items
Hole-In-One(s)
Tee Box Signs
Beverage Cart Signs
Driving Range Signs
Scorecards
Golf Cart Signs
Banners
Gifts, Prizes, Awards
Driving Range
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5. Signs & Banners
Tee box signs should
be 18 x 24 inches with
stakes attached. The
Hole # the sign goes on
should be clearly and
securely marked.
Exact placement on
the tee box should also
be noted.
Banners can be any size and can be
placed on the entry road, driving
range, registration table and putting
greens.
Beverage cart signs must be 8.5 x 11
inches with a maximum of 3 per cart.
Golf cart signs must be 8.5 x 5.5
inches to fit in holder.
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6. Gifts, Prizes, Awards
Contact Tom Farris or Jeri Cunningham for assistance
in purchasing your gifts, prizes and awards. Custom
options, special orders, embroidered or custom printed
items and much more are available. Let us do the
shopping for you.
When looking for prizes, consider purchasing gift cards
from the Pro Shop. The participants can get their prize
that day and choose exactly what they want.
If you receive valuable prize donations, consider
holding a drawing for them at the awards banquet.
This way the golf event remains fun, does not become
too competitive, and participants of all ability levels
have an equal chance for a great prize. It is also a
great way to help your event grow the next year.
Tournament prize catalogs
are available upon request.
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7. Hole-In-One
Hole-In-One Insurance Companies
Hole In One USA
800-383-7273
Hole In One International
800-827-2249
National Hole In One Association
888-423-8187
Once HIO coverage is acquired,
email or fax a copy of the HIO
contract to the tournament office.
tournaments@anchoragegolfcourse.com
Fax # 907-522-3326
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8. Food & Beverage
Please call, fax or email
Jonathon Pendergrast
O’Malley’s on the Green
Office-907-522-3324
Fax 907-522-3326
jpendergrast@anchoragegolfcourse.com
O’Malley’s on the Green is a full service venue. The
options for food & beverage are unlimited. From
a simple breakfast to a beautiful banquet, your
tournament needs can be accommodated. Ask
about our latest outdoor dining area “Barbecue
Hill”. Full service beverage carts and snack shop
are also available to accommodate your many
cravings throughout your event. Golfers may not
remember what they shot, but they will remember
what they had to eat.
State and municipal laws do not allow
golfers to bring their own alcoholic
beverages on courses with a liquor
license. AGC 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.
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9. Tournament Supplies
Calculator
Scissors, tape, staplers, paper clips,
push pins and any other supplies
Copies of pairings
Alpha list must have hole numbers
Copies of rules
Proper clothing
for all weather
Goody bags
Registration
signage
Please label all supplies so they can be returned to
you. AGC does not provide office supplies or copies.
Please make sure you have everything you need.
Suggested supply items
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Time Line
90 Days in Advance
To lesson apprehension and encourage new golfers to partici-
pate in your event inform them of AGC’s “Get Golf Ready” clin-
ics. Ask AGC Tournament Staff or visit our website for details.
Review and choose menus.
Place orders for any prizes or gifts that require logo.
Order sponsor banners, hole sponsor
signs and other media or advertising
material.
Select a photographer or videographer.
Mail out formal invitations for the event.
30 Days in Advance
Provide final contracted player count to AGC.
Review start time and other arrangements with AGC
Tournament Staff.
Get lots of volunteers: 2 - 3 for registration; 2 for each Hole-
In-One; 1 - 2 for scoring; 1 - 2 for various games.
Consider reserving a pre-tournament lesson clinic for new or
infrequent golfers. It will enhance the event and make the
day more enjoyable for those who want to participate, but
do not know how to golf. Lesson clinics and putting events
are also available during the golf event for non-golfers. .
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Time Line (Cont.)
3 Days in Advance
Confirm with sponsor delivery time of Hole-In-One items
(cars, ATV’s, boats, etc).
Fax copy of Hole-In-One contract, so we can confirm yardage is
correct.
Final list of players and non-players emailed to AGC in a Word or
Excel format. Email to: tournments@anchoragegolfcourse.com.
Make sure spelling is correct, since cart signs are made based on
this information.
Confirm number of volunteer carts needed and names of
volunteers.
Provide rental club info to AGC and who is paying for the rentals.
Assemble gift bags.
7 Days in Advance
Call AGC for the name of your personal Tournament Director.
Confirm number of players to AGC.
Provide rules sheet to AGC.
Advise AGC if you will hand out scorecards at registration or if they are
to be placed on carts by the AGC staff.
Provide final payment to AGC.
Confirm number and type of rental clubs to AGC.
Contact Jonathon Pendergrast and review your food and beverage
choices for the event at 522-3324.
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Time Line (Cont.)
3 Days Prior to the Event
Deliver signs, banners, goodie bags, tents, donated items
and office supplies to AGC.
Confirm number of tables and chairs needed for check in,
contests, food and special events.
Provide script for any announcements you would like
made at the start of your event.
Determine how the $2-per-player Pro Shop credit will be
used. You may supplement the amount, if needed.
Send a fax or email to remind players of event with check-
in time and start time. Players need to check in early and
no later than 60 minutes before the start time. Players will
leave the staging area 15 minutes before the start time.
Remind players they cannot bring their own alcohol on the
course. This is a violation of state law. The golf course has
an obligation to monitor & control the responsible service
and consumption of
alcohol. Consumption
by individuals under 21
years of age is
prohibited by law.
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Event Program or Welcome Letter
You should have a “welcome letter” on the day
of the event and provide a copy for each cart.
An outline of the day’s activities will spare you
from having to answer the same question 100
times. Include rules, agenda and the following
items:
*Gaming Holes *Sponsors *Play Format & Rules
Time Line (Cont.)
Day of Event
Organize and instruct volunteers. Volunteers must be at
their assigned holes 20 minutes before the start of the
event.
Check in golfers at least one hour prior to event time.
Volunteers are to help with sign and banner placement.
Volunteers are to score event.
Make sure you have pairings list, Alpha list of players
with hole number, rules book and other tournament sup-
plies. (see page 15)
Hole-In-One volunteers. Make sure your Hole-In-One
volunteers understand the rules and what they are
supposed to do.
Know your rules person’s name, in case there is a rules
question or dispute.
Please note that the start time is the time the players are
on the tee ready to strike the ball.
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Time Line (Cont.)
Day After Event
E-mail thank you to participants and sponsors.
Pick up all signs, banners and supplies from AGC within 24 hours
Return survey to AGC.
Please be aware that canceling an event after you
booked it might cost you money. Golf is more than
just a glamorous sport, it is a business that provides
one’s livelihood. When you book an outing, AGC will
turn away other business to accommodate 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 80 (or vice versa), it is
important to notify AGC as soon as possible. This may
allow AGC to minimize any cost that might be
incurred.
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Rain/Weather Policy
Golfers tend to be fanatics 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 AGC determines
weather conditions have become dangerous or if
the conditions could cause damage to the course.
Hole-In-One Volunteer Duties
Witnesses must be age 21 or older and not
participating in the tournament
Only one shot per contestant is allowed
Safely position yourself so that you have a
clear view of both the tee box and the hole
If a Hole-In-One occurs,
immediately notify AGC
Tournament Staff for assistance
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Fundraising Ideas
Mulligans
A mulligan, to put it simply, is an extra shot.
This is an example of a mulligan 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. 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 auction off 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 .
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.
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Putting Contest
Before and 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 to get them in the finals. You can
choose the distance. During the finals, all
qualifiers putt for a great prize. You keep
the cash.
Skins
Willing golfers put $20 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.
String Sale
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).
Beat The Pro or Buy The Pro
Hire a golf pro to stand on a tee box and give
each golfer the opportunity to drive the ball farther
than the Pro. They put 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).
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Golf Etiquette
Golf Etiquette is an essential part of the game. And it is something
that newcomers to the game often learn as they go—on the course,
when playing with more experienced golfers.
The guidelines for good golf etiquette exist
for safety, pace of play (which helps keep
the game enjoyable) and maintaining the
quality of the golf course.
Here are some basic rules that will help keep
the game enjoyable for you and your event
participants.
Pace of Play
Keep the round moving by being prepared to hit your shot when it
is your turn.
Play “ready golf”. Each player plays when ready and it is safe,
instead of waiting for the player who is away.
Do not spend more than 2 minutes looking for a lost ball.
Always keep pace with the group in front of you. Don’t worry
about the group behind you. It is their job to keep up with you.
When two players in a cart hit to opposite sides of the hole, drive to
the first ball and drop off that player with his club, then drive to the
second ball. After both players hit, meet up farther down the hole.
When walking from your cart to your ball, take a couple clubs with
you.
Always leave the putting green as soon as your group has finished
putting
Mark your score at the next tee box, not on the green.
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Safety
Do not swing your club until you know others are at a safe distance.
Be aware and stay clear of trouble.
When practicing your swing, never swing in the direction of another
player.
Do not hit the ball until you are certain that the group ahead of you
is out of range.
If your ball appears headed toward another player or another
group, give them a warning by yelling out, “Fore!”
Observe the safety suggestions posted in golf carts and drive
carefully. Golf etiquette requires keeping your cart off the grass
as much as possible.
Never throw clubs in anger.
Be Kind to the Course
Observe cart rules. The 90 degree rule requires you to stay on the
cart path until you are even (at a 90 degree angle) with your ball.
Then you may drive your cart straight out to your ball and straight
back to the cart path after your shot.
Keep carts away from greens and hazards.
Repair your divots in the fairway by filling with
sand and gently tapping down with your foot.
Repair your ball marks on the green.
Always rake sand bunkers after hitting to erase
your footprints and damage to the area where
your ball was.
Avoid taking a divot on a practice swing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the
event take?
The golf portion will vary, but a
rule of thumb is 5 hours for a
shot-gun start, and 4.5 hours
for a tee time event. Add
an additional 2 hours to
accommodate the program and
food service afterwards.
What happens if we have
a lot of no-shows?
You must pay for the guaranteed number that you contracted
for with AGC. Refer to page 17 & 20 for more information.
What about spectators?
Visitors are prohibited from driving around the course. Doing so
could be dangerous, especially when they don‛t know their way
around the course. Player Assistants will normally assist in moving
key volunteers or VIPs around the course. AGC prohibits non play-
ing children under age 6 from being out on the golf course.
What tees do players use?
Men can hit from the white tees. Women can hit from the red
tees. If there are beginners or those that don't golf often, we
have green tees available for use to make the round more
enjoyable for participants.
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What do I need to know about minors?
Liquor control is the #1 concern on the golf course owner‛s mind
when mentioning minors. If you‛re inviting a younger crowd, keep in
mind that your outing can‛t change state and municipal 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 etiquette and their inexperience could
slow up play. No one under the age of 18 may operate a golf 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 AGC
Tournament Coordinator. Sign frames with wire posts are commonly
used and cause very minimal damage to grass on the course.
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 page 13 for reputable insurance companies.
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Extra Golf Etiquette Hints
Quiet, please! Never talk during another player’s
swing.
Do not yell out following a shot. Even if boisterous
behavior doesn’t bother your playing partners, there
are other people on the course who may be within ear-
shot.
Be aware of your shadow on the putting green. Don’t
stand in a place that causes your shadow to be cast
across another player or that player’s putting line.
Never walk through a playing partner’s putting line.
Your footprints might alter the path of a partner’s putt.
Step over the putting line or walk around (behind) the
partner’s ball.
Walk, don’t run. Running can cause damage to the
course.
Mark your ball on the green if your ball is near the hole
or in another player’s line.
The flagstick stays in the hole until everyone is on the
green, unless a player requests its removal.
To remove the flagstick, pull it straight up to avoid
damaging the rim of the hole. Take it to the edge of
the green and gently lay it down so the bottom knob is
off the green and it can’t make a mark on the green.
