Running a golf tour, whether major or minor, requires a great amount of effort and skill on behalf of employees and volunteers. Most spectators do not think about the individuals behind the scenes and just expect a championship like the Masters to fall into place. Luckily, golf tour operators oversee many of the functions of such tours affiliated with tournaments. Their duties revolve around player, fan, and venue relations along with the logistics that allow golf tournaments to take place all over the world.
It may be difficult to understand exactly what golf tour operators do, but if a single event is broken down, the job may seem transparent. If, for example, a big event was planned in the greater Philadelphia region, this event would likely need a sponsor and a venue. The sponsor is usually a business who agrees to fund and associate themselves with an event in exchange for the press that follows. The more significant the tour, the greater the press, so therefore, the investment necessary to sponsor an event is correlated with its importance.
A golf tour operator needs to set up each venue and sponsor usually years in advance and act as a liaison between the two. Once this is established, the logistical nightmare that golf tour operators must deal with begins. They need to establish a field of the most reputable players possible. The better the field, the more likely patrons are willing to pay big bucks to attend.
Advertising is also important for attracting fans to an event as no one will go to something they do not know exists. Once a fan base, a field, sponsorship, and a venue are all established, the event can take place. Most golf tour operators need to plan for a week-long event as there are practice rounds, interactive activities with players and fans, and pretournament qualifying that all take place.
The logistics for this week can be very difficult, and golf tour operators are responsible for making sure each event runs like a well-oiled machine. Thousands of visitors need to know how to get to the course, where to park, how to enter the event, where their favorite players are, and so on. It is easy to see how, if mismanaged, a wonderful golf tournament can turn into a troublesome experience for staff and patrons alike, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of all involved.
Although most golf tour operators are, in fact, in charge of all these things, the good news is that they are surrounded by competent and enthusiastic staff. The staff can help them plan and implement strategies to make things run smoothly and effectively. These teams of people are behind the scenes making sure every golf fan can catch a piece of the action, and without them, tournament golf would not be possible on any level.