What it's like to attend a golf media day

Open season is upon us!

Yes, it’s crazy to think that it was only a few weekly columns ago that we were all talking about how wet the courses were, moaning about the complete lack of golf, and the fact that hardly any of us played any golf in January. 

Fast forward to weekly column #17 and we’ve seen no rain for a while, the links at Felixstowe is turning brown and it’s the week of my first two open events of the season. More on that a bit later. 

Can Ryder Cup Ticket Costs Be Justified?

I have tried to swerve any conversation about the cost of the Ryder Cup tickets that has been taking place this week just gone, it seems to have filled the void of the future of LIV Golf the week before, which is now fish and chip paper...

I am right on the fence with this, yes, it would be great if the cost of attending wasn’t 500 euros as I am reading, but I can almost guarantee that the grandstands will be filled come the first shot on the first day. To break it down a bit though, the average cost of going to watch a Premier League football match is now £74 (according to Google) so that comes in at £1.22 per minute. 

Given you’ll be watching golf for roughly 12 hours, at £1.22 a minute, that’s £672. So, is it too much? Personally, I think it is, but as long as those stands are filled the powers that be won't really care as their goal is to get the balance right and if it’s a sell-out, you could argue that they would have done. And in the words of Forrest Gump, that’s all I have to say about that. 

What It's Like to Attend a Golf PR Event

I had a great day out on Thursday last week, ticked a course off my list that had been on for quite some time in the shape of Stoke Park. I was lucky enough to be there representing Golfshake on a press/media day put on by a PR agency for OGIO as they released a new limited edition of golf bags - the Poker Chip range. 

Just to give you a bit of interesting insight - you turn up to these days, and everything is organised for you, which is great. The agencies that put these days together are well versed in running them and I genuinely think they do a great job at doing them. They tell you where to be, and when to be there. A couple of representatives from the agency themselves host the day along with a representative from their client - in this case OGIO. 

OGIO gives you a bit of information about the bags - which are all well presented in the corner and ready to be used. We then take some photos and videos to be used on various social media posts - and that theme will then continue as we head out onto the golf course. 

It’s attended by a mixture of people, some online outlets, some written, sometimes some influencers. I had the pleasure of meeting gents from the agency, HowDidiDo and Golf Business News on this day and to play a golf course that was in outstanding condition. 

Stoke Park really is some venue, many of you will know the large house on site was the one that appeared in films such as James Bond’s Goldfinger and Layer Cake. But the course itself is stunning with a fair few water features and elevation changes. The greens were great and the facilities perfect for practice and specifically a fantastic set of par 3s. But what really makes this place stand out for me were the 15 minute tee intervals which more often than not makes you feel like you are the only ones on the golf course. Not once were we waiting on a group in front, not once did we see the group behind waiting. A perfect blend. 

After the golf, a bit of food is put on before everyone heads off on their respective journeys with their new bag in tow. Some might get used, some might get given away, some might get used as giveaway prizes, but all in all the agency are happy the day is well attended and everyone is happy, OGIO are happy that from all the attendees, lots of eyes are on their new product and we are happy that we have had a great day out. 

From my perspective, I think these days do work well. I will do a few social media posts and there will be a written feature on the range once the press pack has arrived with all the spec info - then that gets shared too. I know personally I have already had four or five messages about these bags (with one financial offer that was declined) and I suppose, that’s the most important thing and the outcome everyone really wants. 

It's Time to Play Some Golf!

So, what of this week?

Following a lesson with coach Sam on Thursday, I am off to play in a pairs event at Little Aston Golf Club. Just a standard 85% Better Ball run by Amateur Golf Events in conjunction with Golfbreaks. Little Aston is another course that has been on my radar for a while, so I'm excited to see what’s in store. 

From there I am heading up to Blackpool where I will spend Saturday doing some practice and maybe a walk around the course at St Annes Old Links where I will be playing in The Old Links Trophy on Sunday - 36 holes of medal. I am REALLY excited about this event as again; St Annes Old Links is another course I have wanted to tick off for some time. I have seen some people on social media playing there recently and the course looks in unreal condition so fingers crossed the weather, and my game, plays ball this week and hopefully this time next week I can report back on some positive golf played and share some of the experiences. 

Have a good one!