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“Cup-style events offer a means for friendly competition that can creatively pit two groups against each other.” - Kevin McKinley, Director of Golf and Ski operations for Treetops Resort, Gaylord MI


decision makers within organizations. Once approved, these outings then need to be executed flawless-


ly so participants will rave about them to their superiors and there won’t be a question as to the value of the outing for future years.” Dianna Rom, Regional Director of Sales for Ohio State Park


Lodges, agreed that the last couple of years have impacted the way golf outings are run at her facilities, “Today, there are far fewer all- day golf outings and the outings we are hosting are increasingly positioned as teambuilding events.” Rom said corporate groups are tending to organize shorter out-


ings such as scrambles or events with a shotgun start. Outings are also increasingly designed for golfers of all abilities, so anyone with- in a corporate group, even those with little or no golf experience, can enjoy them. One of the big misconceptions about holding a golf outing, is the idea that those participating need some form of golf skills to join in on the activities. That idea cannot be farther from the truth. Many attendees that take part in golf outings, may not be regular golfers, but enjoy themselves as if they’d played for years.


Danny Ackerman, General Manager of Longaberger Golf Club


in Newark, OH, said scrambles are still one of the most popular types of outings because it is a great way to equalize teams when you have a wide-array of skill levels. He also felt that putting contests and golf clinics are perfect teambuilding activities for groups of all skill levels and abilities. In 2010, Ackerman’s facility hosted 37 separate corporate events


that involved golf. Ackerman said the meeting planners he worked with said they found value in hosting golf events. Some of these meeting planners were also grateful to have assistance with cre- atively scaling back their events from previous years. Dianna Lilly, Director of Member Services for the Ohio


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Trucking Association, is one of those planners. Her association has held several events at Longaberger Golf Club, including an annual all-day fundraiser. For nearly 20 years, the fundraiser was a day-long event, beginning with breakfast, a shotgun start and lunch either on the course in boxes, or as a cookout at the turn or halfway house. Following the round of golf, participants would shower and change, then come to a reception, followed by a dinner and silent, as well as live, auctions. In 2009 and 2010, the Association made the decision to hold a


couple of smaller golf outings. According to Lilly, the association still provided breakfast, lunch and typically a sleeve of balls. Lilly says the small events drew between 36-60 golfers and they


provided an ideal opportunity for members to get together in a re- laxed setting to enjoy each other’s company during a round of golf. They were also successful at raising money for their event. Ackerman said his team is also seeing more small groups staying local and playing several local courses instead. Susan Harris, Marketing Director for the Sweetgrass Golf Club


and Island Resort & Casino, Harris, MI, agrees that golf groups are definitely looking for value as well as convenience. “Our sales team prides itself on working with each group to in- dividualize their experience and then exceed their expectations while staying within their budgets.” McKinley echoed Harris’s comments. He felt those facilities that


are able to offer a quality onsite golfing experience at a competitive price point have definite appeal with meeting planners. McKinley’s team has become well-recognized for developing


some pretty noteworthy events including challenging putting con- tests on their Himalayas putting greens. They feature everything from 90-degree doglegs, ramps and other unique things including the logos of the client’s competitors for negative obstacles.


MIDWEST MEETINGS SPRING 2011


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