Think outside the (tee) box for an unforgettable golf-infused meeting.
John Hernstat, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, shares four ways planners can creatively use elements of golf at their events, from receptions on the course to interactive golf-themed wellness.
Incorporate Wellness
With expansive rolling greens and a beautiful outdoor setting, golf courses can be the perfect location or backdrop for health and wellness activities, everything from yoga sessions on the greens to group walks and jogs along the course. A favorite is “speed golf” where groups play a round of golf as quickly as possible without the use of a golf cart. The activity helps to shake up a more traditional wellness program by adding a fun and competitive element.
Involve Everyone
The game of golf is not for everyone, so it is important for planners to provide options for all attendees. For example, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa has 27 holes of golf available, making it easy to split the course up for two or three different activities. With a versatile course, planners can feature a traditional 18-hole tournament for those who want to golf, while the other nine holes are converted to a frisbee golf set-up, or another activity.
Planners can also consider a “scramble” in which more experienced golfers are paired with less experienced players in a foursome. This format helps to take the pressure off and provide a more relaxed experience to encourage bonding time with their peers.
Teambuilding
The game of golf doesn’t always need to be serious. In fact, sometimes it’s better when it’s not. One of the most memorable teambuilding activities is “All Sport Golf,” in which players get a golf bag filled with different types of sporting equipment, from soccer balls and tennis rackets to hockey sticks, and use the equipment to play “golf” on the course. Another great way to use a golf is a glow-in-the-dark putt-putt at night, which is a big hit among meeting attendees.
Incorporate CSR
Golf can be one of the best ways to tie in corporate social responsibility. Many groups set up customized tournaments in which the proceeds benefit a charity that is important to the organization. These types of tournaments can make a big impact on attendees, as they are able to take part in a fun day on the course while giving back to something that is important to them.
John Hernstat is the Director of Sales and Marketing with Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. He has more than 25 years of experience working in the hospitality industry, where he has helped to coordinate countless unforgettable meetings and events for his clients.
