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		From Teeing Ground To Green Reprinted from May 2006 Issue -by JOE MADAY Tournament Season Is Here It’s apparent that tournament season is upon us. In fact my motivation for writing this particular article came to me while watching participants in the Richland Police Benefit Association golf tournament teeing off. It’s apparent that some of these officers have dedicated more time to practicing their emergency vehicle driving skills than honing their golf game. That’s not a put down. As a former police officer, I can appreciate the training needed to perform their job today. Golf tournament planning equals golf tournament success! Tournaments are a great way to raise money for your local charities, clubs, or associations. The number of tournaments going on any weekend at your local golf course evidences this fact. Planning is the key. If you’re interested in holding a golf tournament you should begin planning now for a tournament to be held this time next year. Here are some things to consider: 1. Pick courses that can accommodate your needs and be sure to discuss those needs with the club’s professional or director of golf. Be sure to mention that you are planning a charity event and ask for discounts on cart and greens fees. Once you decide on your preferred location, reserve the date and tee times well in advance. Let them know what you want to accomplish, especially if you are considering a breakfast or lunch. 2. Your success depends on how many players your golf event draws. For smoother play, try not to book more than 128 golfers. Produce a flier that will advertise the golf tournament. Include a registration form along with a fax number and mailing address for submittal of the form. 3. Get tournament sponsors on board and order course signage early. It can take some effort to get all those logos into a proper format for your sign printer. Be sure your sponsors approve their logos before the signs are printed. Most companies are very specific about their logo and expect everyone to follow their guidelines. 4. Think about providing goodie bags or tournament giveaways - embroidered golf shirts, divot repair tools, tees, balls, etc. Consider bottled water and sunscreen packets. Order these items early. 5. Develop a database, to help you track your players and pair the teams, for your registration process. Be sure to provide this information to your club pro a few days prior to the event. 6. Make a checklist of everything that has to be done on tournament day and delegate each task on the list. Get an early start. 7. On tournament day, provide players an easy check-in system and be sure they have what they need to play (tees, balls, score cards, etc.). 8. Have fun! For more information on tournament planning check with any of our advertisers. Additional information, and variations on tournament play, may be found on the United States Golf Association web site at: www.usga.org/championships/amateur_golf_competitions/for_your_club.html. Tournament or not, remember your golf etiquette - replace your divots, repair your ball marks, rake the bunkers, and love the game. I’ll see you here, next month, in The Entertainer. About the author - Joe Maday is a member of The Northwest Golf Media Association. He is also the Co-Founder of The Brotherhood of The Dimpled Orb™, b.o.d.o.™ Golf, and the b.o.d.o. Tour™. He has competed as a regular player on the b.o.d.o. Tour™ and was the Commissioner of the Tour’s august body of brethren. If you have any comments about this article, questions on where to play, or problems with your game, you can reach Joe at his e-mail address: bodogolf@televar.com.