Successful marketing strategy increases participation and sponsorship -
Plan now for a successful Local Qualifier

With today's complex world and the demands of everyone's time, the term planning ahead has never meant more for a successful event. Americans have less leisure time and the amount of business entertaining is decreasing. In order to maximize participation and sponsorship you need an effective and timely marketing strategy to promote your event.

Effective planning for a golf event starts at least two to three months before the event, and in some case is a year long process. Potential participants should be identified through interest surveys, similar golf tournaments, and through conservations with university personal, students, venders and the community. If you know that someone has an interest in golf you need to capture contact info for future promotions and marketing. The larger the database of potential golfers, the higher rate of return for converting participants and sponsors to your event.

Informing active golfers is a must. Some universities have golf clubs of students and or faculty/staff and these groups should be involved in the planning process to enable more participation. There are numerous golf tournaments in every community; some have ties to the school, and others do not. These tournaments have active golfers and you would be surprised how many golfers play multiple tournaments. Drop off 3x5 “save the date” cards and place on the cars while the tournament is on the course, or ask the tournament if you can man a hole and give out info to promote your tournament. Identify other golf tournaments that benefit the school or have some ties and contact the tournament director. Ask if they can forward your tournament info to their participant lists.

The golf course is a large source of participants; if they have played it once, they'll play it again. Ask the course that you are holding your tournament to help you promote your event. Flyers in the pro shop a few months before your event are effective in gaining additional golfers.

The on campus promotions should include as many different groups as possible. Alumni, faculty and staff club, intramurals, resident halls and the Greek system are good places to start. If given enough notice, these groups can use your tournament structure to host a small event within the tournament. Student government and Student Affairs are always looking for chances for collaboration and interaction between different units on campus. When presented the correct way you now have given them a way to accomplish this goal through your Local Qualifier.