The team-oriented “Color War” at St. Andrews CC brings members and staff together to compete in a myriad of athletic and non-athletic events.
What do you get when you mix club members of different ages and skill sets with a slew of activities designed to keep them entertained? Such was the agenda for St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla., which hosted its second annual “Color War” this past March. The three-day event featured over 125 members partaking in golf, tennis and fitness competitions, and culminated with a poolside party complete with cocktails and awards. This year, the club aimed to boost participation and include non-athletic members in the activities—a goal that was met with resounding success.
The Goal: Create a varied event agenda to appeal to a maximum number of member skill sets and ages at St. Andrews CC.
The Plan: A three-day “Color War” between member teams that includes everything from golf and tennis to singing, and culminates with a party and awards. |
Literally a team effort, the Color War involved staff from all club departments, with department heads serving as group head counselors and managers as specialty counselors. “Our employees were teamed up with members to recruit, keep track of scoring and execute three days’ worth of logistics for event set-up, all the way through to the awards cocktail party,” explains General Manager/COO Craig Martin.
To appeal to a diverse range of members, the event schedule consisted of a varied agenda. “Our controller worked with the camp directors to create an incredible spreadsheet that handicapped every event based on member ability and age, affording us a very competitive event open to every member,” Martin notes. From junior tennis and golf, to a newly added singing competition, participants had plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents—and have a great time.
To help get the word out, the Color War was promoted via posters, flyers, e-blasts, video from last year’s event and sign-up boards available in each department and at well-attended related events (for instance, sign-up for the singing competition was held at Karaoke nights and golf registration at major club tournaments).
Even with such proactive planning, this event was not immune to Mother Nature; during the morning of the tennis competition, a thunderstorm postponed the match until the following afternoon. “Next year, we will have a written plan to ensure all events can be completed during the three days,” notes Martin.
Aside from the minor weather-related setback, this year’s Color War went off without a hitch, with a 20 percent increase in participation, including non-members. Martin’s staff has already met to determine how to do things differently next year, including adding rowing to the fitness competition, hiring paramedics and adding more water coolers in anticipation of hot weather, and the possibility of purchasing bleachers, along with extra tents and umbrellas.
With such positive member feedback, Martin is certain next year’s Color War will be a big hit. “It doesn’t get any better than seeing such a diverse group of ages and interests all happy with one event,” he enthuses.
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