Golf & Group Outings

heightened camaraderie and stronger relationships. Whether golfing with colle

Not just for foursomes, golf has become a fun team event, too. The scramble fo

According to Timothy Quirk, director of golf, the Leatherstocking Golf Course a scramble is still the most popular format for golf outings at Leatherstocking Go and scrambles are great for promoting team camaraderie, as it doesn’t matter simply by making a putt or two at our course.” asual conversation and friendly competition while "hitting the links" often leads to eagues or clients, this sport has proven immensely valuable in the world of business. ormat has many benefits to fostering good feelings among participants. at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, NY, “We’ve found that the traditional olf Course... Our course is considered one of the most challenging on the East Coast, what skillset someone has. A higher handicap golfer can contribute to the team

“Seeing the smile on a higher handicap golfer when they make an eagle putt on a par-five because the lower handicap golfers got the team to the green in two shots is priceless,” Quirk adds.

Leatherstocking Golf Course, which has been rated consistently as one of the top golf courses in New York state, is well-versed in hosting group golf events and outings. The resort offers golf instruction by certified PGA professionals, and has a golf pro, sales managers, and catering sales managers who work with planners to ensure a first-rate golf group experience.

“Groups also can take advantage of customized golf clinics,” notes Quirk. “Whether it’s a short golf clinic or a half-day golf school, we’ll tailor the experience based on the group’s team building goals. Additionally, putting contests have become more popular, as they are a fun way to start a golf event. We’ve also seen a growing trend for air cannons that can launch a ball over 400 yards.”

Quirk recommends that planners work directly with the golf professional staff and food and beverage staff, as it is important to have clear communication with the golf pro well in advance of the program to ensure that every detail is covered prior to arrival so there won’t be any confusion for attendees on the day of the tournament.

Situated in the scenic Allegheny Mountains, The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA, boasts more than 250 years of experience in hosting conferences and events with a dedicated team of hospitality professionals, plus more than 40 recreational activities, from axe throwing to zip lining to an expansive and luxurious spa. In addition, the Warm Springs Pools, located a few miles away, feature mineral rich warm springs for an authentic historic spa experience.

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The Cascades, one of the resort’s two golf courses, consistently ranks among the finest Virginia golf courses with impeccably manicured greens set against the serene backdrop of the surrounding landscape. Players can practice their swing on a driving range before heading to one of the two historic golf courses at The Omni Homestead. Both courses feature a clubhouse and offer shortgame practice facilities and driving ranges.

“Captains Choice or Scramble is great for a team competition among players of different abilities. Each player hits a drive, and the captain chooses the best drive. Each team member hits their next shot from that location. The team continues this until they complete the hole. The team with the lowest 18-hole score wins,” explains Joe Barrow, director of sales, The Omni Homestead Resort. “Tournament play may include two-person teams or matches between individuals with a point system in place to add up each team’s score, like the Ryder Cup.”

Two-person team formats could be either “Best Ball” or “Alternate Shot,” says Barrow. For Best Ball, each team member plays their own ball. The lowest score of each team member is counted for each hole. For Alternate Shot, a team of two plays the same ball. One team member hits the drive, and the next team member plays the ball from that drive. This alternate shot format continues until the team completes the hole. One player drives on even number holes and the other player drives on odd number holes.

For one-person team formats, there is Match Play, where the lowest score on a hole wins that hole and the match is over when one person leads by more holes than there are left to play. The other is Stroke

Play, where the entire score is counted and the golfer with the lowest score (number of strokes) wins the match.

"Captain’s Choice is best for charity events or different skill levels seeking to have a fun outing,” says Barrow. “Handicaps are used to even the playing field with other teams. Tournament play formats are used for more serious, competitive play.”

Longest drive and closest to the pin are typical activities that are included as part of tournaments. Prizes are normally awarded for each male and female golfer who win each of these categories. “Putting and chipping contests after the tournament are fun events that bring everyone together, and there are typically prizes awarded for these, as well,” Barrow adds.

Challenge the Pro is another fun activity that can be incorporated during a scramble format tournament.

A resident pro will hit a drive with each group. The group can use their drive or the pro’s drive for that hole, and play in from there.

“The Omni Homestead Resort’s golf staff are professionals at incorporating fun activities into tournaments. They can customize fun and memorable experiences to fit any group,” says Barrow. “If the group is not highly competitive, keep it simple and fun. If the group is competitive, ensure you are organizing an event that will challenge everyone fairly.”

In addition, Barrow advises to talk with the golf staff and collaborate on the best ideas. Share the goals of the event with them, find out what they do best, and ask for their advice. Choose locations that provide many other activities that non-golf playing spouses or significant others can enjoy during the golf events, too.

“Choose locations that have unique and memorable venues for evening social events,” Barrow continues. “Finally, choose locations that have very desirable golf courses that are ranked and score very high in customer satisfaction. Ensure that the staff is experienced and friendly.”

The Ocean City, MD area is home to 17 championship courses that have been recognized by Golfweek, Golf

Digest, and golfers of all skill levels - a perfect weekend road trip destination.

“A stand-out option for group golf outings is Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, located minutes from the boardwalk,” notes Tom Perlozzo, director of tourism and business development for Ocean City Maryland Tourism. “This 18-hole, seaside course overlooks the Sinepuxent Bay and the Assateague Island National Seashore.”

Another course replete with natural beauty is Links at Lighthouse Sound, which runs along the river, marsh, and bay. River Run Golf Club & Community, designed by legendary golfer Gary Player, boasts a Scottish-links feel and is a perfect place to relax and unwind, as well.

“For those looking to get a jump start on planning their Ocean City golf getaway, look no further than oceancitygolf.com,” says Perlozzo. “Designed to take the hassle out of planning, travelers can choose from all-inclusive packages that include hotels, golf packages, condominiums, restaurants, golf schools and courses and entertainment.”

Be sure to consult with the experts of Ocean City courses to help with booking the perfect tee times, best deals, accommodations, cart rentals, group rates, and more, says Perlozzo. “The professional staff are available to help you with everything from planning to putting.”

Select a course that caters to the skill levels of all players, too. Also, having club rentals and tee times reserved ahead of time will be helpful in getting a group onto the green quickly, Perlozzo adds.

Working closely with the course and resort professionals will help to ensure a smooth-running event for all attendees and participants. Sharing in a fun and enjoyable day on the links will undoubtedly help bring everyone together.

For those seeking additional opportunities to forge strong team bonds, the wide range of team building activities and programs offered by TeamBonding can assist in building relationships and strengthening skills in a variety of ways.

Team Building Activities

Gatherings and group activities of all kinds have resumed, including team building. Excited by the opportunity to get together face-to-face once again, many are eagerly attending and happy to be able to enjoy each other’s company.

But while in-person team building has seen a triumphant return in 2023, many companies still are working remotely or in hybrid setups, as well, observes David Goldstein, COO (creator of opportunities), TeamBonding, proving that virtual events are here to stay, too.

“Our charitable programs are proving to be a popular choice among groups, as many companies are looking for ways to give back to their communities and make a positive impact,” Goldstein observes. “Companies continue to love old staples like the Charity Bike Build and Operation Cancer Care, as well as the new additions to our roster of charitable programs such as Build-A-Birthday, Clean Water Connection, and Wheels Around the World."

Culinary events also continue to be a crowd-pleaser, and it isn’t hard to understand why. Not only do these functions provide teams with an opportunity to bond over tasty food, but they also help in developing essential skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

TeamBonding’s Food Truck Challenge and TeamCuisine are just two examples of their popular culinary events.

“As the weather warms up, we’re also seeing more teams eager to get outside and have some old-fashioned fun,” asserts Goldstein. “Events like Corporate Survivor, Summer Camp Throwback, and Outrageous Games are all the rage, providing a chance for teams to let loose, connect with each other, and channel their inner child. After all, that is what spring and summer are all about.”

TeamBonding always is adding new and innovative programs to their ever-expanding list of offerings, while also making sure that every program is tailored specifically to meet the unique needs and goals of each team.

The Mystery Bus offered by TeamBonding is a thrilling adventure to unknown destinations carefully selected to fit a team’s interests, timeframe, and budget. This turnkey event is designed to take the hassle out of planning and give a team an unforgettable experience to talk about for years to come.

“We’ve taken teams to the NASCAR Hall of Fame to do a 'race car building' competition in Charlotte, a songwriting workshop in Nashville, a Surrey scavenger hunt in Long Beach, a private winery cave tour in Napa, and the list just keeps on growing,” Goldstein explains.

For a hands-on challenge that combines creativity and teamwork, Team Bonding’s Ice Sculpting workshop is as unique as it gets. Led by a professional ice sculptor, teams work together to carve ice blocks into impressive designs. Some ambitious teams will sculpt their company logos or other branding elements. “Ironically, this event is great for spreading warmth,” Goldstein adds, “with lots of smiles, laughter, and camaraderie along the way.”

Once the team building activity has been completed, it requires an ongoing effort on the part of companies and their team participants to keep the lines of communication open, promote collaboration, and create a shared sense of purpose among team members when they have returned to the workplace.

“To sustain momentum, regular check-ins should be scheduled to allow team members to touch base on their progress, to discuss chal- lenges, and to share ideas in a safe and supportive environment,” advises Goldstein. “In addition, using team collaboration tools can help to facilitate communication and connection, even when your group can’t physically be in the same location. Using Slack, our team has created a variety of channels for different purposes, including fun ones like daily inspiration or weekend recaps that help keep the relationships strong beyond work-related projects.”

It is important, too, to continue to recognize and celebrate team and individual achievements, no matter the size, Goldstein asserts. Celebrating successes together helps to build a sense of team identity and reinforces bonds that were formed while participating in the team building activity.

Finally, consider scheduling a follow-up team building activity. “Giving teams something to look forward to is not only a way to keep them engaged and connected, but it helps to reinforce the skills and relationships built during the initial activity,” Goldstein adds.

In addition to professional development programs offered by TeamBonding, they also offer a variety of activities designed to strengthen different areas of a team, such as cooperation, communication, leadership, and more.

For example, Leadership Stories is designed to cultivate a team’s leadership skills. Through board game-style scenarios, teams are challenged to make smart leadership decisions and start important conversations that have a truly meaningful impact.

A TeamBonding program that focuses on effective communication and cross-functional cooperation is called Integrity. In this activity, participants are presented with a series of integrity problem-solving challenges. In an engaging and fun atmosphere, participants can showcase their communication skills and work on team development.

For those looking to hone strategic planning and time management skills, Chain Reaction is a great option, Goldstein suggests. “In this program, each team designs, builds, and tests several simple machines, which ultimately must work together as part of a greater whole within the allotted time. Animate, our new stop-motion animation team building event, is another unique option that highlights time management and strategic planning. Our expert facilitators guide groups through the process of how to make a stop-motion video and manipulate figures frame-by-frame to bring the story to life.”

Lastly, Shark Teams, based on the popular TV show Shark Tank, is a helpful program for product development, presentation, process improvement, or marketing. While fun, it also offers important, powerful lessons for both business and teamwork.