Custom Swag: The Ultimate Touch When Traveling with Members
One of the easiest ways to elevate your club-hosted golf trip is with custom swag. Matching hats, shirts, or even golf bags instantly create a sense of unity among the group while adding a professional touch to the trip. Plus, it’s a great way to leave a lasting impression on your members that extends well beyond their final round overseas.
Over the years, numerous Professionals in our program have created swag for their groups, and the results are always fantastic. From matching apparel to personalized accessories, these thoughtful touches add an extra layer of excitement to the trip. And the photos? They're always a hit, showcasing the camaraderie of the group while serving as great keepsakes for years to come.
Kevin Muir, PGA and his members from The Club at Wyndgate at Royal Portrush.
Ideas for Custom Swag
- Matching Apparel: Items like hats, shirts, and quarter zips are practical and stylish. Plus, quarter zips are a must for overseas trips where layering is key.
- Golf Bags: If you’re looking to go big, matching golf bags are an unforgettable choice. One standout example comes from a group at Old Newbury Golf Club, who created custom golf bags for their recent trip to Ireland. Based on the photo below, it's clear they made a big impact.
- Golf Travel Bags: These are another "go big or go home" option. While they’re an investment, they’re practical for members who need one and send a powerful message from clubs that are new to travel: “This might be our first trip, but it won’t be the last.”
- Bag Tags: Custom bag tags are an easy and inexpensive option, but they have a practical use during the trip: They’re incredibly helpful for driver hosts collecting and organizing members’ bags post-round.
- Accessories: Items like custom headcovers, shoe bags, or even water bottles offer great bang for the buck. Better still, look for options that tie in your destination. Companies like Seamus Golf and Links & Kings have countless options available.
Ron Margeson, PGA and Jim Hilton, PGA with their Ould Newbury Golf Club members at Ballybunion.
It's More than Just Swag
- Personalize for Greater Impact: Embroidering items with the club’s logo, the year, or a unique nickname for the trip adds a layer of personalization that makes the swag even more meaningful.
- Fosters Camaraderie: There’s something special about seeing your group all decked out in matching gear. It builds a sense of spirit and unity before you even depart.
- Lasting Value: Custom swag has a lasting impact long after the trip is over. Every time your members use their hat, bag, or quarter zip back at the club, they’ll be reminded of the incredible experience they had.
- Promotes Future Trips: Seeing members around the club sporting their gear will naturally spark curiosity and interest from others. The next trip might just sell itself!
How to Make it Happen
- Build it into the Cost: One smart approach is to bill each member a small, set amount when they sign up for the trip. Frame it as an enhancement for the experience. By the time the trip rolls around, they’ll likely have forgotten about it and will be thrilled with the surprise.
- Don't Forget a Group Photo: Don’t miss the opportunity to capture a photo of your group in their matching gear during the trip. It’s perfect for the club’s social media, newsletters, or website, and it shows the pride your members take in being part of the experience.
Custom swag is a simple yet impactful way to take your club hosted golf trip to the next level. It builds camaraderie, helps to create lasting memories, and even promotes future trips. Whether it’s hats, shirts, or something bold like golf travel bags, it’s a surefire way to leave your members thoroughly impressed.
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