Golf day events are exciting occasions that bring together enthusiasts, sponsors, and organizers for a day of sport and networking. One often overlooked aspect of these events is the crucial role that signage and displays play in ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and professional experience for all involved. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential types of signage and displays that can elevate your golf day event from good to great.
Setting the Stage: Welcome Banners and Entrance Displays
First impressions matter, and your event’s entrance is where it all begins. Large, eye-catching welcome signs should greet participants as they arrive, setting an enthusiastic tone for the day. These banners should feature:
- The event name and logo
- The date
- Logos of major sponsors
- A warm, welcoming message
Consider using high-quality materials that can withstand outdoor conditions, ensuring your entrance remains impressive throughout the event. Products like flag fountains, A-frame Banners, Popup Banners, Sharkfins and telescopics are a great way to great a fan fair at the entrance. https://brandexpert.co.za/product-category/outdoor-display-products/
Give Aways and Goodie Bags
Sponsors and attendees can contribute to your goodie bags, We have a variety of bags that can be branded with your logo and your sponsors. They are great keep sakes and build brand awareness. If you need ideas on what to fill your goodie bags with, our comprehensive products under our corporate gifting will really help to get your creative juices flowing. https://www.promoafrica.com/brandexpert
Guiding the Way: Directional Signage
Clear navigation is key to a stress-free event. Implement a system of directional signs using bold arrows and concise text. To enhance clarity, consider color-coding different areas (e.g., blue for parking, green for registration). For larger events, providing attendees with a simple A5 or A4 map printout that corresponds to these signs can be incredibly helpful.
These signs can be printed to ABS and staked into the ground or a more high end H-Stand or Lollipop stand could be used. These are great as they can be re-used for future events and the graphics are simply removed and replaced.
On the Green: Hole Signs and Course Information
Each hole should have a sign that includes:
- Hole number
- Par
- Distance to the green (from different tee positions if applicable)
- A small map of the hole layout
- Sponsor logo if the hole is sponsored
These signs are not just informative but also provide excellent opportunities for sponsor visibility. I recommend somethings effective like an “Estate Agent” board which ism correx with droppers. Its cost effective and great for a once off use.
Hole sponsors often use Gazebos, sharkfin banners and popup banners to create brand awareness for the golfers passing through. Brand Expert has Golf Day kits for ease of purchase.
Keeping Score: Leaderboards and Live Updates
Competition drives excitement. For smaller events, a manual leaderboard with moveable name plates can suffice. Larger events might benefit from a digital leaderboard updated in real-time, creating a buzz of friendly rivalry among participants.
Staying on Track: Schedule Displays
A centrally-located board with the day’s timeline is essential. Include:
- Registration times
- Shotgun start time (if applicable)
- Lunch or snack breaks
- Contest deadlines
- Award ceremony time
This helps keep everyone informed and the event running smoothly. Once again H Stands or Sandwich boards are great for this. If you want something more high end – mobile pylons are the way to go,
Rules of the Game: Etiquette and Guidelines
Place signs at the starting area and key points around the course to remind players of:
- Local rules specific to the event or course
- Pace of play guidelines
- Special contest rules
- Etiquette reminders (repairing divots, ball marks, etc.)
Recognizing Support: Sponsor Displays
Acknowledging sponsors is crucial for maintaining relationships and securing future support. Create a hierarchy of recognition:
- Title sponsors get the largest logos
- Gold, silver, bronze tiers (or similar)
- A “sponsor thank you” wall for photo opportunities
Highlighting the Fun: Contest and Special Hole Signs
For holes with special contests, create eye-catching signs explaining the rules, such as:
- “Closest to the Pin: Mark your shot if it’s on the green!”
- “Longest Drive: Must be in the fairway to count!”
These add an extra layer of excitement to the game.
Comfort and Safety: Amenity and Emergency Information
Clear signage for refreshment stations, first aid locations, and emergency procedures is vital. Use icons in addition to text for quick recognition, and ensure these signs are visible from a distance.
Tech Touch: Digital Displays
If budget allows, incorporate digital screens for a professional touch. These can showcase:
- Rotating sponsor advertisements
- Live scoring updates
- Weather information
- Social media feed of the event hashtag
There are some great mobile display screens for purchase which elevate the events look and feel.
Picture Perfect: Photo Opportunities
Create Instagram-worthy backdrops featuring the event name, date, sponsor logos, and fun golf-related props. This encourages social sharing and extends the reach of your event. Banner walls are great for this or even mini gazebos where you can wall off the sides and backs.
Closing in Style: Award Ceremony Area
Design a backdrop for the awards stage that includes the event name, logo, major sponsor logos, and the year. Consider leaving space to display winners’ names for that perfect photo finish. Banner walls or free standing fabriframes are great for a backdrop. They come in various sizes to suit the facility.
Design Tips for Effective Signage
When creating your signs and displays, keep these key points in mind:
- Use high-contrast colors for readability
- Ensure text is large enough to read from an appropriate distance
- Use weather-resistant materials
- Maintain consistent branding across all signage
- Include multilingual information if you have international participants
By implementing these signage and display strategies, you’ll create a professional, organized, and enjoyable atmosphere for your golf day event. Effective communication through well-designed signs can significantly enhance the experience for participants, satisfy sponsors, and contribute to the overall success of your event.
Planning and Implementing effective print and signage
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for planning and implementing effective signage and print for your golf day
1. Build a Comprehensive Plan
Begin by engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including marketing, operations, and design teams. This ensures a unified approach to the signage strategy. Address essential elements such as branding guidelines, specific requirements, project timelines, design preferences, budget constraints, and installation logistics. Record all decisions and discussions meticulously. This documentation will serve as a reference throughout the project lifecycle and help in maintaining alignment among all parties involved .
2. Conduct a Site Evaluation
If there is pre-existing signage, evaluate its current state, effectiveness, and areas needing improvement. Identify crucial locations such as entrances, exits, and high-traffic areas where signage will have the maximum impact. Examine potential signage locations considering landscaping, lighting conditions, and structural aspects.Ensure compliance with accessibility standards to accommodate all users, including those with disabilities .
3. Research and Comply with the Golf Club Regulations
Understand the limitations and branding restrictions that the golf club might have in place. Ensure you have a clear understanding of what you can and cant do as this will influence what branding elements you use.
4. Develop Design Concepts & Create Mockups
Develop initial design concepts that align with the brand’s visual identity and project goals. Pay attention to the choice of colors, fonts, materials, dimensions, and layout. Ensure these elements are cohesive and visually appealing. Propose designs that are both budget-friendly and durable to withstand environmental conditions. Engage with a signage company or a graphic designer that can develop your design concept which is designed specific for signage and print. Maintain constant communication with the signage company to address any issues promptly. Check your signage, displays and print a few days before you go onsite to install so you can tackle any issues you might e
5. Plan Production and Materials
Plan for production lead times and account for potential supply chain disruptions. Ensure that the chosen production methods and materials are in line with the project’s vision and budget. Most signage companies work on a 10 – 14 working day lead time. I do not suggest you leave print and signage ordering to the last minute. This can lead to unplanned mistakes or branding not meeting deadline.
6. Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan & Install Briefing
Create detailed plans outlining the exact locations for each sign. Develop a realistic timeline that covers all phases from production to installation. Set aside a contingency budget to handle unexpected expenses. Equip installation teams with comprehensive documentation and guidelines and ensure you do a site walk through with them to ensure every one understands where branding and signage must be placed. Ensure that installers are well-informed about the site conditions and project requirements.
7. Perform Final Checks
Conduct a detailed inspection of all installed signage to identify and rectify any issues while the installation team is still onsite.
By implementing a detailed process, you can ensure that your signage and print planning efforts for your golf day is comprehensive, cohesive, and effective, leading to successful event that align with your objectives.
HAPPY GOLFING