Golf Events

Question: I have seen the announcement for the golf event, and my colleague and I are considering attending. Can you please explain the format of the event?

Answer: The event is set up as a Scramble, which means that all four golfers will hit their tee shot and then select the best shot to be used. The others will pick up their balls from their first shots and move them to the location of the best shot, and each player will hit their second shot and again take the best shot for the group to use. If you are playing a Par 3, hopefully the second shot is a putt. If the hole is a Par 4 or 5, the second and third shots approach shots to the green. This format allows a player who may have limited ability to participate, with the best shots of the group ultimately being accepted. Many times a less experienced player can be the best Putter in the group, which is very important. To even the playing field even more in mixed groups, women who participate typically tee off closer. 

Question: How should we pick the players we want to have in our group for this event? We are limited to four total correct?

Answer: Yes, four players is the limit but it's not unusual to have a group with less playing. The event normally takes 5 hours of time on the course as each hole has two groups, and you can run into stretches when you may be waiting, especially on the Par 3 holes. Pick your teammates based on who you feel would be the most fun and also would benefit from spending an entire day out of the office. Golf is a game for business and it can create lasting friendships.

Question: When you play in this format is it permitted to give some a Mulligan shot multiple times?

Answer: The event is structured so that there is not a trophy awarded for the best score, so allowing someone to make more than one try at a shot is fine. One thing you do need to remember is that you must keep up the pace of play. Having some who insists on making four or five attempts at a shot will slow everyone down. Allow one extra shot, and then move on regardless of the outcome.

Question:  If you really do not play but want to be involved, are there other opportunities to participate?

Answer: There are two other options available to you. First you can be a sponsor either at a hole or with one of the other activities. If you sponsor a hole you will have the advantage of seeing everyone at the event, as they must play each one. This gives you networking time with everyone. The other opportunity would be to attend the reception at the end of the event, which gives you about two hours with the group to meet people.

Submitted by Ted Miller, HMCC, CHME, CHSP, CGTP, CGMP