Over the spring and summer, there is no shortage of golf tournaments we’re invited and encouraged to participate in; they are networking opportunities, means of spending time and getting to know business partners and clients, and many, even if not explicitly charitable, will have a charitable component for a great cause.
With the 8th Annual Optimax Open Charity Golf Tournament fast approaching August 21, 2019, we have our fair share of successful events under our belt and can say confidently that great events start with great people, and with preparedness on both sides.
On August 21, 2019, here’s an overview of what to expect and some of the things you can do to ensure you’re ready to have a blast, rain or shine.
What to expect at a Charity Golf Tournament
Hole sponsorships and activations
What separates a golf tournament from a regular day of golf is the various hole activities you’ll come across throughout the day. You can expect great food holes (such as a pizza truck courtesy of Greentree), and a hole in one competition (this year we have a $10,000 prize, courtesy of the Bredin Centre for Learning).
A light tug on the heartstrings
While the purpose of the event is to enjoy time with family and friends, it is also to raise money and awareness in our community. Back at the BBQ where signature steaks and fresh fixings are served, there will also be a short recognition of the charity of choice. This year, the Optimax Open is in support of Intercultural Child & Family Centre, an accredited not for profit child care centre offering a warm and culturally rich environment for children, support for newcomer families and training opportunities for staff.
Silent auction and live auction
Auctions are where the funds are raised. Silent auctions combine the best of both worlds: they allow real generosity to come through with bidding on items we don’t really need, as well as the benefit of going home with goods or services below the store-value, so you’re getting a great deal.
At the Optimax Open this year, look forward accommodations from River Cree Resort, certificates from Greentree Landscaping, Eskimos Tickets and more!
What you can prepare for your next time on the course
Plan for the weather
We all know what to bring to prepare for a day outside, but it never hurts to have a checklist to ensure you don’t miss a thing!
- Sunscreen
- Rangefinder
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Golf gloves
- Golf tees
- Ball markers
- Divot tool
- 6-8 golf balls (or more)
- Sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Rain poncho
- Umbrellas
Don’t forget the paper
Not all golf tournaments are going to have a cash machine on-site, so it’s a great idea to come prepared with cash for those silent auction bids and donations. In our best year, the Optimax Open raised $7,800, and each year, we strive to exceed the year before.
Don’t drink and drive – plan ahead
We don’t judge. Yes, golf tournaments are daytime events, but they’re also almost 6 hours and often in the sunshine; if the Arnold Palmers are going down easy, we expect to hear laughs echoing throughout the course and a couple of carpoolers or cabs at the end of the day.
Get your foursome together.
You’re going to be golfing with three other people for the entire day, which is an excellent opportunity for friends to reconnect, business partners to get to know each other, and vendors to treat your clients. Get your foursome together early and set the invitation soon to give time to organize commitments.
