Golf Day Checklist and Planning Guide

A golf day needs more than a booked course and a list of players. You need time to collect handicaps and dietary requirements, build teams, confirm start times and arrange transport before guests arrive. This checklist also covers the details that are easy to miss, from scorecards and pencils to chilled drinks, parking signs and dinner setup. Follow it from the first booking through the final course and catering checks.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • Reserve the golf course

  • Reserve dinner venue

  • Send invitations

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Collect handicaps

  • Send transportation information

  • Compile the participant list

  • Create teams and starting order

    2 people

  • Order prizes

  • Set the golf rules and format

    2 people

  • Confirm start times

  • Place catering order

  • Check the weather forecast

  • Send final participant confirmation

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Check prizes and materials

    2 people

  • Prepare scorecards

    2 people

  • Make name badges

    2 people

  • Distribute golf balls and tees

    2 people

  • Make route and parking signs

  • Chill drinks

    2 people

  • Unpack groceries

    2 people

  • Set up the reception table

    2 people

  • Set up buffet tables

    3 people

  • Set up chairs and tables

    3 people

  • Hang decorations

    2 people

  • Set out golf equipment

    3 people

  • Set up catering

    3 people

Event

  • Staff the registration table

    2 people

  • Check in participants

    2 people

  • Serve welcome drinks

    2 people

  • Give the golf briefing

  • Guide teams to their starting points

    2 people

  • Hand out lunch packs

    3 people

  • Assist with the golf match

    3 people

  • Refill drinks

    2 people

  • Refill snacks

    2 people

  • Collect scorecards

    2 people

  • Check scores

    2 people

  • Open the dinner buffet

    3 people

  • Serve dinner

    3 people

  • Refill drinks during dinner

    2 people

  • Announce the winners

  • Present prizes

    2 people

Aftercare

  • Clear tables

    3 people

  • Wash dishes

    3 people

  • Sort waste

    2 people

  • Clean the venue

    3 people

  • Collect Golf Equipment

    3 people

  • Remove decorations

    2 people

  • Put furniture back

    3 people

  • Inventory materials

    2 people

  • Return borrowed items

    2 people

  • Collect expenses

  • Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

  • Reception desk
  • Buffet tablesqty 4
  • Dining tablesqty 6
  • Chairsqty 40
  • Parasolsqty 4

Tableware

  • Dinner platesqty 45
  • Dessert platesqty 45
  • Knivesqty 45
  • Forksqty 45
  • Spoonsqty 45
  • Water glassesqty 50
  • Wine glassesqty 50
  • Coffee cupsqty 45
  • Napkinsqty 100

Sports equipment

  • Golf clubsqty 40
  • Golf Ballsqty 120
  • Golf teesqty 250
  • Scorecardsqty 50
  • Pencilsqty 50
  • Scorecard holdersqty 12
  • Ball markersqty 50
  • Pitchforksqty 20
  • Prizesqty 8
  • Team flagsqty 10

Equipment

  • Coffee makerqty 2
  • Hot drink urnsqty 4
  • Coolersqty 6
  • Extension cordsqty 3
  • Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

  • Serving plattersqty 12
  • Serving spoonsqty 8
  • Cutting boardsqty 3
  • Bread knivesqty 3
  • Ice cube traysqty 6

Decorations

  • Golf day bannerqty 2
  • Name badgesqty 45
  • Table numbersqty 6
  • Balloonsqty 40
  • Directional signsqty 8

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 6
  • Cleaning clothsqty 12
  • Dishpanqty 2

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Book the golf course and dinner venue before sending invitations, then include a clear registration deadline so you have time to build teams and confirm numbers.
  • Collect handicaps and dietary requirements during registration, not in the final week. Use the completed participant list to create teams, starting orders and name badges.
  • Confirm start times and transport information several days before the event. Include parking directions and place route signs so players are not delayed at reception.
  • Check golf materials before guests arrive: scorecards, pencils, holders, ball markers, pitchforks, golf balls, tees and team flags. Prepare extras rather than discovering shortages on the first tee.
  • Review the weather forecast before the final confirmation, then chill drinks and set up the reception and buffet tables before players return. Check power strips, extension cords and coffee equipment during setup.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a golf day?
Start booking the golf course and dinner venue at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Send invitations once the date, format and start times are sufficiently confirmed, leaving time for registrations and team planning.
When should I collect handicaps and dietary requirements for a golf day?
Collect both during registration and close the process 7 to 10 days before the event. That gives you time to finalise teams, starting order, catering quantities and special meal requests.
What should I prepare on the morning of a golf day?
Set up the reception desk, name badges, scorecards, pencils, golf balls and tees before the first players arrive. Allow at least 90 minutes for signs, drinks, equipment and registration setup.
How many drinks should I plan for a golf day?
For the first hour, plan on 2 to 3 drinks per person, then adjust for the length of the round and the weather. Keep water available throughout the day and chill the drinks before registration begins.

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