How to organise an anniversary golf day

An anniversary golf day works best when the golf, dinner and guest information are planned as one event. Start by securing the course and dinner venue, then build the guest list around player ability, dietary needs and the chosen format. In the final week, confirm the start list, catering, prizes and equipment rather than relying on early assumptions. On the day, keep reception, scoring, refreshments and the dinner handover clearly assigned so nothing is missed between the last hole and the meal.

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The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

1
Reserve the golf course
2
Reserve dinner venue
3
Determine the competition format
2 people
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Assess golf skills
8
Compile start list
2 people
9
Create group assignments
2 people
10
Confirm catering
11
Order Prizes and Thank-You Gifts
12
Check the weather forecast
13
Inform participants
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Checking prizes
16
Collect Golf Equipment
2 people
17
Prepare scorecards
2 people
18
Fill coolers
2 people
19
Set up the reception table
2 people
20
Prepare match information
21
Set up the dining hall
4 people
22
Hang decorations
2 people
23
Set up the coffee station
2 people

Event

24
Manage reception
3 people
25
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
26
Explain the golf rules
27
Bring Groups to the Start
2 people
28
Provide drinks at the lane
2 people
29
Collect scorecards
2 people
30
Check scores
2 people
31
Serve aperitifs
2 people
32
Serve dinner
4 people
33
Refill drinks
2 people
34
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
35
Cut the cake
2 people
36
Hand out farewell gifts and thank-yous
2 people

Aftercare

37
Clear away dishes
3 people
38
Collect waste
2 people
39
Clean the dining hall
3 people
40
Clean golf equipment
2 people
41
Return materials
2 people
42
Store leftover groceries

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Buffet tableqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 40
Dessert platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Water glassesqty 40
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 40
Coffee spoonsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water carafesqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef and serving knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Chargersqty 2

Sports equipment

Golf Ballsqty 60
Golf teesqty 150
Scorecardsqty 40
Pencilsqty 50
Scoreboard
Golf umbrellasqty 6
Prizesqty 6
Thank-you giftsqty 40

Decorations

Table runnersqty 8
Balloonsqty 40
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Welcome sign
Menusqty 40
Table numbersqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop headsqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 10
Washing-up bowlsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the golf course and dinner venue before sending invitations. Allow at least 8–12 weeks for a larger group, especially if the dinner follows directly after the round.
Ask for registrations, dietary requirements and playing ability in the same response. Close registrations about 10 days before the event so you have time to create balanced groups and a final start list.
Choose the competition format before preparing scorecards and prizes. Print the scorecards, prepare pencils and check the scoreboard at least one day ahead; missing scoring materials are difficult to replace once players are on the course.
Treat the reception and coffee point as separate setups. Prepare the welcome drinks, coolers, coffee machines, thermos flasks, cups and water on the morning of the event, with the reception table ready before the first guests arrive.
Confirm catering numbers and the dinner room layout 48 hours before the event. Check tables, chairs, tableware, serving equipment, microphone, speakers, extension cords and chargers, then check the weather and tell participants what to bring, including golf umbrellas if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an anniversary golf day?: Start at least 8–12 weeks ahead. Book the golf course and dinner venue first, then send invitations once the date, format and basic schedule are fixed.
When should I close registrations for an anniversary golf day?: Close registrations around 10 days before the event. This gives you time to assess playing skills, group players, confirm dietary requirements and send the final information.
How do I organise the start list for a golf anniversary event?: Prepare the start list about one week before the golf day, then check it again 48 hours before. Use the selected competition format, player ability and any requested groupings to create manageable tee groups.
When should I confirm catering for the golf dinner?: Confirm the guest count, dietary requirements and serving plan 48 hours before the event. Keep a small record of the final numbers at reception so the dinner team is working from the same information.

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