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Bringing together a large group of people outdoors for a fun day of golf is a great way to raise funds. More often than not, everyone has a great time and a deserving group or organization comes away better off for it.
Now, I don’t want to be a buzz kill, but bringing together a large group of people outdoors for a fun day of golf also comes with inherent risk, especially when you introduce alcohol.
If you're organizing a golf event, whether it’s a charity tournament or a corporate outing, safety should be at the top of your checklist. This blog will guide you through planning a safer, healthier golf event from start to finish.
First things first—conducting a thorough risk assessment is a must. You need to be prepared for anything. Think through potential hazards such as weather conditions, tricky terrain, and the health risks associated with your participants.
For example, is there a hilly part of the course that becomes slippery in the morning dew? Are you in a part of the country where summer heat can turn into extreme heat? Identifying these issues in advance helps you plan accordingly.
Your first aid kit should be robust and well-stocked. Essential items include bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, and an emergency blanket.
Your course likely also has these at the ready, so talk to the clubhouse and figure out where the first aid kits are located and how to access them.
A clear emergency plan is a must-have. Outline who to contact in emergencies, what steps to take immediately, and the roles everyone will play.
Develop an emergency response strategy that includes contact information for local emergency services, the location of the nearest hospital, and contingency plans for various scenarios.
Your event staff and volunteers are the first line of defense in an emergency. Ensure they understand any emergency response plans and have access to an emergency contact’s phone number.
Hydration is key, especially on hot summer days. Set up hydration stations at regular intervals around the course. Water is essential, but providing electrolyte beverages can be a game-changer for stamina and hydration.
Spoilage and foodborne illnesses can ruin any event. Ensure that the food you provide follows strict safety guidelines.
Dietary restrictions and allergies are also very important to account for. During registration, ask about any food allergies or restrictions, and then take the steps necessary to ensure those individuals receive what they ask for. For severe food allergies, the individual will likely take their own precautions, but that isn’t a guarantee.
Golfers spend hours under the sun, so sun protection is crucial. Most will come equipped with sunscreen, but providing bottles and sprays people can use is a nice touch.
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on the weather with real-time updates using tools and apps. Be ready to adjust your plans or call for pauses if conditions become unsafe.
Inquire about how the course manages lightning and the process for alerting golfers on the course and getting them to safety shelters.
Golf carts are convenient but can be hazardous if not used correctly. And, if you’re serving alcohol, expect a few to be not used correctly. Remind participants of golf cart safety rules and clearly mark restricted areas and safe paths.
A large crowd can lead to accidents if not properly managed. Clear signage and barriers should be used to guide participants and prevent overcrowding in certain areas.
In a competitive event where real money is on the line, tempers and egos can be a little sensitive. Have a plan for de-escalating situations where arguments are on the edge of turning physical.
A good option in this situation is to disqualify both teams as soon as their antics disrupt your otherwise fun, light-hearted event. Give this rule a really demeaning name too, like the “Pouty Baby Disqualification” rule. That’ll shut most people up.
Unfortunately, as the event organizer, the health and safety of your golfers falls on you. Heavy is the crown. By taking the steps above, you can take on any unsafe situations in stride and avoid it ruining your day.