A great golf society day doesn't happen by accident. Behind every one there's an organiser juggling tee times, formats, food, prizes and twenty-odd golfers with opinions. Here's how to pull it off without the stress, and make it a day people are still talking about at next year's event.
1. Set the date early
Good courses get booked up, especially for spring and summer weekends. Aim to fix your date three to six months out, and send a “save the date” as soon as it's confirmed. The earlier people commit, the easier everything else becomes.
2. Choose the right course
Think about your group, not just the course's reputation. A mix of handicaps means a course that's challenging but not punishing. Check the society packages on offer, as many include coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, the round and a meal afterwards. Check the clubhouse can host you for prize-giving too.
3. Pick a format that suits everyone
Not everyone in a society plays off single figures, so the format matters.
- Stableford keeps everyone in the game, even after a bad hole.
- Texas scramble is perfect for mixed abilities, because the team plays the best shot each time.
- Pairs better-ball is sociable and competitive.
Add a couple of side competitions, like nearest the pin and longest drive, so there's something for everyone to chase.
4. Sort the money early
Agree a price per head that covers green fees, food and prizes, and collect it upfront. Chasing payments on the day is the fastest way to spoil an organiser's round.
5. Make it look like a team
Nothing turns a group of golfers into a society like matching kit. It makes the day feel like an occasion, the photos look brilliant, and the shirts get worn long after the last putt drops.
A few tips if you're ordering custom polos:
- Order early. Custom kit takes time. At Minus Par Golf, a custom design takes 4 to 6 weeks from design to delivery, so we recommend getting in touch 2 to 3 months before your event. Left it late? Our in-stock polos with your embroidered logo take 1 to 3 weeks.
- Make the design your own. The best society kit is designed for the occasion, with colours, themes or in-jokes that mean something to your group. We work with every society to create a one-off design.
- Don't worry if you don't have a logo. Plenty of societies don't. Ask your supplier whether they can design one. At Minus Par Golf we'll design your logo and embroider it on every shirt, and both are included in the price.
- Choose a design people actually want to wear. A bold design stands out on the first tee and gets worn again. A plain shirt with a logo often ends up in a drawer.
- Get sizes right. Collect each player's size alongside their payment. A proper size guide saves a lot of swapping on the day.
- Think about juniors. If parents are bringing children along, check whether junior sizes are available. Ours start from age 5.
- Prioritise performance. It's still a round of golf. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabric with some stretch.
6. Plan the prizes
Prizes don't need to be expensive to be fun. Cover the winners, a runner-up, nearest the pin and longest drive, and don't forget a wooden spoon for the player who had the toughest day. It's often the most popular prize of the lot.
7. Plan the day itself
Send a simple timetable a week before: arrival time, tee times, playing groups, format and dinner. On the day, keep scorecards, pencils and a list of groups handy, and assign someone to collect cards at the end.
8. Capture it
Take a team photo on the first tee before anyone's had a bad hole. Share the photos afterwards; they're the best advert for next year's event.
Planning your society day? We design bold, bespoke polos for golf societies, clubs and golf days, working with you on a one-off design for your occasion. No logo yet? We'll design one for you, and logo design and embroidery are included in the price. See how society orders work or see our style.