If you like entertaining on the golf course then there are certainly plenty of options for the remainder of 2013.
Australian Adam Scott winning the US Masters earlier this year might not sound like a big deal to a lot of people but it is. As the first Australian to ever win the Masters, one of the four golf “majors” in the world, there has no doubt been a flurry of activity at local clubs with young kids aiming to emulate Scott’s 2013 feat.
Aside from that, there has and will also be greater interest in local competitions, starting with the Australian PGA on the Gold Coast (RACV Royal Pines) from November 7-10 where Scott will be accompanied by another big name world player, Rickie Fowler, and plenty of local talent.
The Australian Masters follows in Melbourne (Royal Melbourne Golf Club) from November 14-17 followed by the 2013 World Cup (November 21-24) in which Scott has also confirmed his participation.
Our golfing talent and special international guests will then be at the Royal Sydney Golf Club for the Australian Open from November 28 to December 1.
All tournaments offer corporate hospitality packages, however, to cut down on costs why not simply purchase some tickets yourself and take a leisurely stroll around the course with some of your best clients.
A good tip if you’ve never been to a tournament before is to go on the first or second day to avoid the crowds. This might mean that you have to get to the course pretty early because the top golfers like Adam Scott and co won’t necessarily be teeing off in the afternoon. They could be hitting the first as early as 8am.
And if you do go to a tournament don’t forget to check out the driving range. All players, perhaps with the exception of American John Daly, hit the driving range for some practice before they tee off. The good thing about watching them here is that they’re more relaxed and don’t mind if you take the odd photograph or two – a definite no no out on the course.
Many hit the driving range again once they’ve finished their round so stick around afterwards as well. If you’re an autograph hunter and they’ve played a good 18 holes then they might just oblige you with one. If it’s Adam Scott’s it may even be worth something one day.
Mixing golf with pleasure
If it’s golf with conferencing you’re after then it’s hard to go past the spectacular Peter Thompson designed Hamilton Island Golf Club – the only championship golf course in Australia on its own island.
The elevated course provides amazing vistas and has been the setting for corporate golf days, team building, partner tournaments as well as after dark dinner and golf packages.
You don’t even have to be a golfer to enjoy the course . Many Hamilton guests take the five minute launch transfer across to enjoy lunch in the qualia-esque club house while enjoying the panoramic Coral Sea views.
Hamilton Island Golf Club hosted its first PGA tournament in October 2012 and in November this year is hosting a Pro Am which should become an annual event – attracting corporate groups as well as sponsors.
There has already been strong industry praise, according to Hamilton. World Corporate Travel’s Gary Bender recently experienced the golf course on a Virgin Australia PCO famil and described it as “possibly the best golf course in Australia”.
There are some great specials for the remainder of 2013 and 2014 with 30 per cent off group golf rates for a minimum of 20 guests. m
See the advertisement below for contact details.
