Getting Started: Recruiting Members for Your First Trip
When you’re launching a club hosted travel program, setting the right foundation is essential. One of the best ways to ensure a strong start is to involve influential, well-liked members from the outset.
Every club has its “cool kids”—the members who bring energy and camaraderie wherever they go. Their participation sends a clear message: this trip is worth being a part of. But just as important as recruiting the right members is avoiding the wrong ones—those who might bring tension to the group or turn off some to the idea of travel.
These tips will provide some practical steps to help you recruit the key members for your first trip, ensuring that your travel program starts from the center cut.
Why the "Cool Kids" Matter
Every club has one or two members who are the “mayors” of the club. They’re the ones everyone wants to sit with in the grill room or pair up with for a Saturday game. These members are natural leaders who can help generate excitement about the trip simply by saying yes. Over my years as a PGA Professional, I’ve witnessed how the right members can transform an event—their enthusiasm is infectious and often the spark that gets others to sign up.
Once they’re on board, many others will follow. Members who might be on the fence will see the involvement of the “cool kids” as a sign that this is the trip to be on, making your job of filling the roster much easier. Their participation can also serve as a preview of the fun and camaraderie that will define the experience.
Steer Clear of "That Guy"
Just as every club has its popular members, there are also a few who might not be the best fit for a group trip. These are the folks tend to drain the energy out of the club, always finding something to complain about. While it’s important to be inclusive in club activities, a golf trip is a unique environment where chemistry matters.
For a trip to be successful, the group dynamic has to be positive and fun. Someone who might bring tension or negativity can impact the entire group’s experience. So when you’re getting started, don’t be afraid to prioritize the overall enjoyment of the group. Sometimes, “That guy” just needs to have their invitation “lost in the mail.”
Nick Erlichman, PGA with his Old Sandwich Golf Club members at Ballybunion.
How to Approach Promoting Your Trip
- Start with your Ambassadors: Identify one or two well-liked members who can serve as unofficial trip ambassadors. Their involvement will create buzz and encourage others to sign up.
- Focus on Positivity: Look for members who bring energy, fun, and camaraderie to the group. These are the people who will set the tone for a great trip.
- Frame it as Exclusive: Present the trip as a special opportunity that only a select group will get to experience. Exclusivity builds excitement and urgency.
- Cast a Wide Net Carefully: Most likely, your Ambassadors and the members who follow will fill your trip with ease. If you have to turn to other tools, such as an email blast or the club's social media channels, to promote the trip, do so carefully. The tradeoff to broadening your reach is a higher risk "That guy" ends up on the trip.
- Lean on your Survey Data: If you’ve already surveyed your members, use that data to identify the most enthusiastic and well-suited candidates for the trip. This ensures you’re building a group that aligns with both interest and club dynamics.
The invite list for your first trip is arguably the most important element of starting a travel program at your club. By starting with the members who are universally liked and avoiding the ones who might bring negativity, you’re setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable experience. A little extra thought upfront will ensure that your first trip is a hit—and pave the way for many more to come.
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