In the world of business, networking, partnerships, deal making and community service are key – and not all of those business building moves happen behind the closed conference room doors. A lot of it takes place in the open. Literally.
“Golf brings people together,” says Liz Poburan of Putting Horse Ranch. She and her husband operate a golf course just outside of Edmonton that has a few key differences from the courses you may be used to. This sprawling property has an all putting course, and a Par 3, 4 and 5 course in addition to a beautiful country-themed venue for weddings, parties, and corporate events.
The Poburans, who have been in the business for 10 years know that despite the popularity of golf courses as a place to network and hold charitable events, not everyone has had the opportunity to learn how to play golf. Pitting an unexperienced player against a seasoned one in a company tournament could be more anxiety producing than team building, and adventurous hors d’oeuvres and a wine list in a club room are not everyone’s cup of tea. This is why they offer an all putting course, which is akin to a larger game of outdoor mini golf, giving experienced golfers a fun and relaxed day of putting and new golfers a stress-free way to enjoy the game. Then everyone can refresh themselves with delicious foods and drinks in their licensed venue, an Instagram-worthy, elegant barn.
“Our focus is on people coming together in the great outdoors. Good things happen when people can just relax and enjoy each others company,” the Poburans confirm. “This is why, in addition to golf, we can customize corporate and charity events to include meetings, catering, and horseback riding, because nothing says teamwork like hitting the open trail together!”
Having a helping hand planning a networking, corporate or charitable event on the golf course is an ideal way to get the most return on your investment, and that is something in which Kimberley Banford, owner, ReFresh Event Management, specializes.
ReFresh Event Management has decades of experience organizing golf tournaments, including corporate and not-for-profit events.
“Tournaments of all sizes are welcome. We offer golf tournament planning in Edmonton and across Alberta,” says Banford. “ReFresh Event Management has the expertise and resources needed to execute any corporate event whether it be 10 people or 2,000. ReFresh is here to “freshen” your event and take it to the next level!”
“Golf tournament planning can be a complex, labour intensive process,” she continues. “Organizing such an event involves everything from soliciting the golf course to catering, organizing participants, teams, and reaching out to sponsors and collecting prize donations.”
Banford shares the golf event planning process that has helped them create hundreds of successful tournaments over the years.
“We are available to organize as much or as little as you need for your upcoming golf tournament. Within your budget, we discuss a fee that works best for you. We work with you to determine the goals and purpose of your event. We source and present options to you for the host golf course, working with you to choose the best course for your tournament and catering.
“We can put together a sponsorship package on your behalf, if you choose, and solicit sponsors for your event as required. We will remove the burden of all the detailed work that goes into organizing your tournament and be your go-to representative on the day of the event to ensure it runs smoothly.”
Like the Poburans, Banford believes in the power golf has to bring people together.
“Spending the day in the open air can help you bond and the leisurely pace of golf will give you plenty of time to relax and get to know each other better. Golf tournaments can be a great way to show employees and clients alike just how much you appreciate them. Potential clients will welcome the chance to learn more about you and your business in a relaxed environment and employees will enjoy having a little bit of fun in a beautiful setting as a reward for a job well done.”
For corporations, charities, or event planners thinking about hosting a golf tournament, she encourages, “Definitely consider it.”
“There are many different reasons why a company should consider hosting a golf tournament,” she continues, “Whether its for a non-profit or corporate effort, most golf tournaments are fundraisers of some sort. Golf tournaments are a great way to raise money and bring people together; so raising money for an organization is probably the most common reason that people plan tournaments.
“The fun and team-minded setting of a golf tournament is also a great atmosphere for entertaining business clients. Golf events are a very common place to take potential clients or partners, because it gives you the time to discuss important matters while having a fun and lighthearted objective.
“Simply put, golfing is a great activity to do with people you would like to get to know better, and it is a relaxed and slow-paced environment to get to work on solidifying important business contacts.”
She should know. She’s an avid golfer herself.
“On a personal level, I love golf because it allows me time outside in the sunshine with my family and friends. Nothing better than that and it’s great exercise,” Banford confirms; and she enjoys the game as much as she loves helping clients plan for their time on the course.
“I love each new challenge that comes across my desk. No two golf tournaments are ever the same and each one is truly unique. But if there is one aspect that stands out for me, I would have to say it would be raising funds for a charity. I love knowing that my business has helped raise awareness and funds. I have a soft spot for helping others around me.”
Those attending the June 18 Chip in Fore The Kids tournament in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Strathcona County will get a firsthand look at ReFresh’s expertise in golf event management. The BGCBigs tournament will help the organization with the funds it needs to provide local underserved children and youth with the tools and mentorship they need to succeed in life. Tickets are now being sold on Eventbrite and guests will enjoy, in addition to golf, a barbeque lunch, hole-in-one competitions, prizes, and – of course – the chance to network and meet with other community-minded people in Edmonton.
Banford concludes, “Planning an event is a big deal. Our team of experienced event professionals will help guide you through this process. Hiring an experienced event planner gives clients the freedom to focus on what they do best, while we focus on what we do best. Our job is to make you look good!
“ReFresh Event Management Inc. has flawlessly executed events in all types of venues and has developed relationships with highly qualified professionals who inspire confidence and make planning your event an enjoyable experience. We exceed your expectations of excellence on every level, as we plan your event that’s simply unforgettable.”
Whether you are looking for a unique place in the countryside to host an event or a team of experts to make your tournament a success, you can’t beat the combination of a golf course and the planning professionals that ensure your time on the course does what it does best: bring people together.
