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Starting A Golf League: 6 Things To Remember That Will Make For A Strong Partnership With A Local Course

13 March 2015

Louise Morris

Golf is played by well over one-quarter million persons in the United States, and there are good reasons why so many enjoy the game: it is a lifetime activity, suitable for all ages, and is playable as both an individual and group game. However, not many individuals have played golf in a league format, and they are missing out on an experience that will add a new dimension to their enjoyment of the game. If there are no golf leagues in your area, you can start your own. Before a league can get off-the-ground, though, you will need to build a partnership with a local golf course that will serve as a host site. Below are some important considerations to keep in mind as you talk with the course management.

Provide an overview of how the course will benefit

You should begin your conversation with an approach that explains how the course will benefit from the presence of a golf league. Explain to them that league players will participate in other course activities such as playing rounds at other times, using the driving range, and enrolling in classes with the club pro. The financial benefits of hosting a league will be a big positive for the course, so don't hesitate to spend the necessary time explaining how this will help them out.

Obtain a discounted rate for league play

Since a league will send a considerable amount of business to a partnered golf course, it only makes sense for a course to provide players with a lower-than-normal rate structure. Their fees need to be relatively low in order to attract players who wouldn't otherwise be interested due to the cost.

Greens fees and cart fees should both be discounted a reasonable amount. If you are having difficulty negotiating a low enough rate, and other local golf courses are available nearby, then be sure to use competition to your advantage. Just be careful that you don't use coercive tactics but are instead respectful of the course's needs.

Establish windows of time for play

You will want to secure specific windows of time when your league rounds can be played. Don't expect golf courses to offer prime weekend slots, so be flexible enough to schedule times that are not the busiest for the course. You will want to get as broad a time range as possible, though, so your players can have the flexibility to compete when it is convenient. If the window is too narrow, you may have difficulty obtaining players or getting matches completed.

Tweak policies and rules that hinder the league's operation

If possible, encourage the course management to alter certain policies that are not conducive to league play. For example, some courses restrict club sharing or have limits on the number of players in a cart. While some of these policies are meaningful in a normal context, it might be more conducive to league play to relax or waive a few rules. Just keep in mind that some rules may not be changeable, and be willing to adapt as necessary.

Get help with promotional activities

Golf courses are also the best possible places to promote and attract the bulk of your players. There are lots of possible ways to promote league within the course itself; below are just a few ideas:

• Advertise the league to players in beginners classes.
• Post flyers in the clubhouse common areas or locker rooms.
• Take advantage of social media to help promote and spread the word by tying in your campaign with the course's own social media outreach.
• Plan a big "kick-off" event where the course provides a festive atmosphere to sign-up players and promote itself.

Demonstrate respect for the game in order to build trust

Finally, remember that golf is a traditional game with time-honored traditions that have evolved over its distinguished history. While that is one of the strengths of the game, it can also make introducing change somewhat of a challenge.

Accordingly, be careful to tailor your conversations with course management, so they will view you as a collaborator in preserving the game's heritage and dignity. Keep your approach with them positive, but also keep your efforts within the framework of how golf is understood by its devotees. Your love and respect for the game will help you win over decision-makers and ultimately see a thriving golf league emerge as a result.

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