When a friend, co-worker or business associate invites you to play in a scramble golf tournament, what is your answer? “I’ve never played before,” or “I’ve only played a few times, and that was just to the driving range to hit a bucket of balls.” Sound like a recipe for disaster with a great chance for humiliation or embarrassment? Maybe not. Maybe, it’s one of the great opportunities to expand friendships and an opportunity to do business.
Alright, let’s back up a little and gain some insight regarding this format and why it’s become such a great way to network. For starter’s, it gets people together; whether for team building, client appreciation, business opportunity or just fun. It brings people together and provides a wonderful opportunity to bond.
Most companies have, at one time or another, held a scramble format golf tournament. Some find it to be so advantageous for a morale boost that they pick a resort spot and return year in and year out. I witnessed this while working for The Pebble Beach Golf Academy in the early and mid 90’s. Some do it at a fraction of the cost by holding it locally. Either way, it’s a great idea and it’s fun, even for those who don’t play often.
The scramble format combines four or five golfers playing as a team. Some call it “best ball,” but technically it’s a scramble. It may consist of a few teams or the entire golf course, with sometimes over 20 or 30 groups playing together. Many charity events use this popular format because it allows golfer’s of every level to play together. Everyone hits and then one ball is selected. The process repeats until the ball is holed. It’s that simple!
The golf event is usually followed up with a luncheon or dinner while prizes, donations, auctions, raffle prizes and much more are collected. It is a great way to say thank you to your co-workers or key clients. It’s also a great way to move people around the golf course and I use it to help teach people the game while on the course. There is only so much one can do on the range and there is only so much I can see while observing from the lesson tee.
We have a wonderful facility at Boundary Oak to cater to the needs of Corporate Outing’s and a company tournament. Often times I will give a clinic at the range and then hit the course with a few groups and play along, offering tips and strategies to help the golfer’s improve. The benefits are many, including game improvement, fun atmosphere and a local venue which cuts the cost of travel and considerably higher fee’s and rates. And it’s right here in your our own backyard.
So, what if you don’t play golf but you are invited to participate by your boss and you have heard that it would be great for business if you did? I am often approached by people all the time who have been asked to learn how to play for work place purposes. No problem! It doesn’t take years to learn how to hit a golf ball. In five or six classes I will have you playing well enough to be able to participate in a scramble format. I will teach you enough that you can play, keep up and know just enough to get you out there and participating. I can’t guarantee that you won’t embarrass yourself from time to time but you will no longer just be a bystander or one who sells those raffle tickets.
If you are interested in learning how to play so you can say “yes” the next time your invited or you think it may be a good idea to hold a golf related event, please contact me and I will customize a lesson plan or group outing for you or your company. It’s a fun way to entertain or be entertained. I am at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek Contact number is 925 997-3683 or email me at ddelongolf@aol.com.