Opening Day Committee Planning
Opening Day is very special to all the Nifty Niners! We celebrate the start of our golf season, seeing friends from last season, and meeting new ones. This is usually an afternoon (2pm) event due to the time to set up; and one of the most well attended events of the season. As a member of the Opening Day Committee, you have a few responsibilities to look after.
A budget of up to $300 has been designated for your use in table décor, cart “surprises” and or gifts for winning teams or contest winners during the round. Yes, you can give cash to your winners. Please keep a running tally of how you spend your money. Receipts are nice, but not necessary. A member of your committee will communicate with the Niners Treasurer to receive the reimbursement for your expenses (up to $300). You will distribute the money to the team member(s) who made each purchase for the event. If you purchase re-usable items with your budget, please place them the Ladies Lounge Nifty Niners locker for future use.
This day is organized around a theme and a golf format of your committee’s choosing. This can be as creative or as simple as you want. Your theme can relate to spring colors, music genres, a golf format, songs, movies, fun slogan, etc. Please begin planning 4 weeks ahead of opening day. Don’t forget the golf cart can play music as you approach a hole, ask a trivia question and more.
If your theme was not inspired by a golf format, it’s time to make that decision. You can select a postable or non postable format. See Kyle if you need help with this. There are also golf formats on our website.
Games, contests and cocktails after the round have also been a popular addition to the day.
Set up a meeting with Kyle 3-4 weeks before Opening Day to discuss your plans, ideas, and talk or email with Chef Shawn for meal suggestions and add a welcome cocktail if you want. In addition to your $300 budget, talk with the Nifty Niners Treasurer to see if meal and beverage cost supplements have been budgeted for and may be offered to reduce the member charge.
You will make the day special with table décor to fit your theme. Use décor from prior seasons in the lady’s locker room- locker 1 and 2, or show off your creativity!
Plan a meeting 2-3 weeks out with Kyle to discuss how Opening Day is shaping up. Have your format and rules for the game set, and the timeline for the afternoon organized. Who is making the welcome sign at the entrance to golf parking? Are you encouraging the ladies to dress for the theme? Confirm your menu and/or cocktail selection with chef and Kyle. Know that the league liaisons will want 10-15 minutes of your evening to discuss the upcoming season, so plan for that in your timeline.
Create your Opening Day flyer for Kyle to email. Add details about the day to boost the excitement. Kyle and Bella can help with CANVA for your flyer.
Do you have welcome “gifts” for the golf carts, prizes for the winning teams or individual contests you need to purchase? Are you giving winning teams cash from your $300 budget? Be prepared!
The arrangement of the dining tables is at your discretion. Note that decorating a couple of long group tables is much easier than 6-8 round tables, but either work great.
Opening Day is all about fun, do not stress over it. No matter what, the ladies will enjoy a fun round of golf, a nice meal, and have a great time with their new friends!