“Like herding cats.” I hear this phrase over and over again when booking golf packages. Group leaders get frustrated trying to create a golf package that fits the group’s needs while keeping everyone happy at the same time. While this is always the case with larger groups, even the smaller groups have problems coming to an agreement on what works best for them. For group leaders that have put together packages for years or group leaders that are just getting started, it’s important to remember a few helpful tips when starting your booking.
The first tip is to think about the golfers in your group. How many golfers do you have, and probably more importantly, how many golfers do you want to have? Managing a group of four can be difficult; managing a group of 36 can seem impossible. Remember, if you are playing certain games or the popular “Ryder Cup” event, if one player drops out, you have to be able to replace him or her quickly.
Think about the golfer’s handicaps and what types of courses they want to play. At the Penn Ohio Golf Trail, we offer 60 different courses and 10 private country clubs. This can fit any group’s needs for courses. However, if you have a group of higher handicap golfers or a mix of high and low handicappers, not every course may be perfect for your group. A course like Olde Stonewall, the No. 1 public course in Pennsylvania, with a slope rating of 149 might not fit what your group is looking for.
Most importantly, what is your golfers’ budget? Some groups may want more expensive courses but are not as concerned about lodging. Other groups may just be looking for a house to gather the entire group and less concerned about high-end courses.
Second, think about what lodging works for your group. Does your group want to be under one roof together, or do they want the privacy of individual hotel rooms? Do you want to be on the course or close to courses, or does driving to courses not matter?
Penn Ohio Golf Trail offers many different hotel options, but the most unique aspect is the mansion lodging. The mansions sleep from 8 to 36 people under one roof. They feature large common areas, big-screen TVs, pool tables, poker tables, full kitchens, and outdoor grill areas. For many golf groups, the ability to gather in one house creates the atmosphere that most golf packages lack.
Finally, speak to your golfers about what courses they want to play. Think about the handicaps of each group member and if a particular course fits your group. What style of courses does your group prefer? With 60 different courses, the Penn Ohio Golf Trail has everything from
classic private member-only country clubs, such as Youngstown CC and Trumbull CC, to new public courses that are a shot maker’s dream — The Quarry and Boulder Creek.
I always hear group leaders say, “give me the best courses.” While playing high-end or difficult courses may work for some groups, more often than not, they don’t work for all groups. There are so many amazing public courses that offer great golf, but will not break the bank or the golfer. Pine Lakes, Chippewa, Yankee Run, Reserve Run, The Links at Firestone Farms, Mill Creek, Sanctuary, Sable Creek, Tam O’Shanter, Oak Tree CC, among many others, will create a perfect golf package.
At the Penn Ohio Golf Trail, we can do all this work for the group leader. We can help create the perfect golf package. With 60 courses, 10 private country clubs, 5 mansions, 16 hotels, 8 destinations, and private catering, we can create a package to fit any group’s needs. The best tip I can give a group leader is to make it easy on yourself: call the Penn Ohio Golf Trail (877.534.6789) or click here to create your perfect golf package.
