PDGA TD School | Episode 6 | Choosing a Venue

Video Transcript

Welcome to TD School In this episode, we'll guide you through the process of selecting a location for your tournament, including important considerations for both the course and the venue. There are many factors to consider, so buckle up! When selecting a course for your tournament, it's crucial to consider the layout and suitability for the event and the players you're expecting to host. Evaluate factors such as hole distances, fairway widths and overall difficulty to cater to different skill levels represented in your field. These factors will directly affect the pace and flow of your event. Safety areas should also be top of mind. Identify potential risks posed by a full field of players and other park users. Look out for multi-use areas, crossing fairways, picnic areas, walking paths, or adjacent sporting fields and try to avoid these areas whenever possible. Remember to account for adverse weather conditions. Consider factors like wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Could the course become unplayable or potentially unsafe? What condition are the tee pads and fairways in? Plan accordingly and communicate any necessary precautions or adjustments to participants. Leaving some space in your schedule is a good idea if weather delays are commonplace. Now let's shift our focus to the venue itself. Check for accessibility and navigability concerns within the park. Ensure that participants can easily find their way around and that any necessary accommodations are in place for individuals with disabilities. Make sure the venue has enough parking to accommodate your player base. If parking is limited, evaluate options like nearby street parking or potential shuttle services to make sure all your players can get to the event. Be prepared to clearly communicate parking instructions to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Assess whether the venue provides a suitable tournament headquarters. Look for the communal social spaces. Assess the power and shelter areas. Additionally, consider the availability of a warm-up area for participants. Take stock of the restroom facilities on site. Determine if there are enough restrooms for the expected number of participants or if additional porta Johns will be required. Also check for cell service and Internet availability, a lack of which can cause communication issues between the TD and players during play. Consider the potential interaction with other park goers. Familiarize yourself with your rights to restrict casual play and other activities on the course and playing area. Determine who...