We have been serving Lady Captains for many years now and over that time many have given us the top tips they learnt through their Captaincy - the things they found worked and those they wouldn't do again.
We hope you find these tips helpful. Everyone's journey is different of course but we hope that these help you.
Quick Tips:
Always keep a pen and paper next to you at night! When you are thinking about the next event an idea or thought may come to you when you least expect it so make sure you write it down till a more convenient time! Alternatively create a new folder in your notes on your phone so you can go back to it later.
Remember that whilst it can be quite a challenging task to be Lady Captain it can also be enjoyable and rewarding so keep positive!
Always be a listening ear and try and include everyone in all Club activities. Not everyone likes to communicate in the same way so make sure you use a variety of methods, especially for those who are not tech savvy.
You cannot do everything single-handed so do not be afraid to ask for help with certain tasks- it will make life easier.
Try to enjoy your time as Lady Captain, after all it is voluntary. You may look back on things and wish you had done things differently but just remember you did your best and were willing to step up to the challenge!
SPEECHES
There’s nothing worse than outstaying your welcome in terms of speech-making. Audiences love a short & sweet speech!
Presentations – do you need all the winners to say a few words? Probably not…
KNOCKOUTS
Do you play in your club knockouts and team events? If you don’t, this is as great a time as any to start, and people will love that you’ve gone out of your way to get involved.
HOLIDAYS
It can be difficult to get away during your year as Lady Captain. I managed a week and then found there was an event I'd really liked to have attended while I was away. It wasn't the end of the world, but you'll want to do as much as you can in your year. Start planning trips asap!
COURTESY ROUNDS
Many clubs will allow Lady Captains courtesy of the course. Your year is likely to be full-on but, if you haven't had chance to use this courtesy yet, now can be a great time of year to fit a little treat in. Do check with the course you have in mind in advance though!
ENJOY MEETING NEW PEOPLE
One of the great joys of being Lady Captain is meeting new people and growing your network of contacts. It can be handy to have a small supply of logo balls or similar mementoes with you, just so you’re prepared for meeting that new friend and marking the occasion with a small gift.
HOSTING EVENTS
I’m not an extrovert, and meeting / greeting people can be daunting. However, I’ve found that I thoroughly enjoy putting others at their ease when they arrive to meet a room full of strangers, looking how I feel I look in that position. Thinking of hosting that way has made the job much easier for me. Think what works for you.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT YOUR GOLF
It’s easy to panic about how your partner feels about your golf, but relax, It’s a day out for everyone. Try not to be too hard on yourself and enjoy the game!
IF YOU HAVEN’T PLAYED FOR A WHILE
Maybe try a nine-hole competition at first to get you back into the swing. Nine-hole competitions are popular, so you’ll have plenty of company on your first few outings.
FIXTURES – STRAIGHT IN YOUR DIARY!
If you fix up a game with someone, put it in your diary straight away. The golf season gets very busy at its peak that it’s easy to double-book if you’re not careful.
SPARE SOCKS
Always bring spare socks with you in the case of bad weather. No one likes soggy socks!
CHARITY BUNKERS?
Our Captain decided to allow voluntary donations to his charity on one of our tricky par-three for anyone who missed the green, perhaps not thinking that most ladies do miss this green! To compensate for this, Lady Captain chose a different hole and asked for voluntary donations for those whose ball was daring enough to find one of the bunkers. Kind of redressed the balance – and the ladies breathed a sigh of relief!
BOOK IN ADVANCE
Some ladies book their diaries well in advance for golf, and some just wait and see who’s available near the day. As Lady Captain you’re probably already booked up. If not, keep on top of your competitive golf so you don’t miss playing with anyone.
INVITATION DAY
It is a lovely event and an opportunity to invite a guest to your club. Is this in your diary and do you have someone invited? Always good to get in ladies’ diaries early so you are not trying to find a partner at the last minute.
COMMUNICATION
You cannot overcommunicate, so use every option at your club to keep people informed. Sometimes, people may not read newsletters or email but might scan notice by the bar.
WHO’S YOUR ‘GO TO’ PERSON?
I am sure you have a trusted lieutenant or two – do not be afraid to use them or seek others’ opinions if it helps you.
RAFFLES
Think ahead for events when raffle prizes may be needed and get the call out to your members in suitable time. Do not forget a supply of raffle tickets too!
PHOTO ALBUM
How about a photo album or collage of pics of your year? However, you do it, ladies will love perusing photos of the year. There’s always something you didn’t remember when you look back.
FREE DRAWS
Ladies (and gents for that matter) are used to being bombarded with requests to buy raffle tickets. Every now and again, why not offer a free raffle or draw for a nice little prize – a bottle of Champagne – just as a thank you for their support. People love a little freebie!
REGISTRATION
If you have opens or other events and need a registration table, do have your volunteers in place in good time so you’re not scrambling around for volunteers at the last minute.
ICE BREAKERS
If you have a committee or gathering of people who are going to be working together but don’t know each other well, arrange an initial social gathering with some kind of ice breaker. Simple quiz in pairs or groups – you arrange the groups, so people get to meet each other.
TELL PEOPLE WHAT’S HAPPENING
You can never remind people too much what’s on the horizon, or what details they need to know about specific events. Never be afraid of sending reminders round.
SMALL DETAILS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Place cards for lunches and other events, welcome signs for groups of guests, booklets or sheets that give added information - these kinds of details make a real difference to the experience for your guests.
HOW ABOUT A LETTER
My handwriting is awful, I’m sad to admit. However, I do sometimes make people suffer by sending them a handwritten note. I bet your handwriting is way better than mine, so drop the odd personal ‘thank you’ note – it is a lovely touch.
BIRTHDAYS
Just remembering or marking someone’s birthday can delight them, especially if they’re not expecting you to know when their birthday is. Be the one who remembers.
REFLECTION
Your twelve months will fly by but try to ‘take five’ after an event to reflect on the golf day or evening. Sit down with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and just chill. Enjoy the moment. Treasure the memories.
LITTLE TARGETS
Give yourself little targets when you can, not just huge ones. As Lady Captain, you cannot change the world, but you can make slight changes that can make a real difference. Don't be too hard on yourself. Enjoy your year.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Golf is a marvelous game for meeting new people. Don't be afraid of exchanging contact details with someone you've just met and with whom you seem to get on. Don't lose the moment and wish you'd exchanged numbers after the event. Do it now.
BE A BUDDY
You will encounter new members. Be the one who volunteers first to be a 'buddy' to someone new to golf. Lead the way and set an example that everyone can follow.
PLAY IN A PRO-AM
If you get the chance, play in a Pro-Am. The value you will get from playing alongside a professional golfer is priceless, and they will help you and set you at ease. Add it to your 'to do' list.
DON’T DELAY
Don’t put ideas off until a later date. Apart from anything else, time flies and you’ll have missed the boat before you know it. Book it in / arrange it now!
SOCIALS AND OPENS
Use your next event to advertise the one after. Keep momentum going and get people in the habit of popping dates in their diaries early.
HOLE IN ONE MEMENTO
Keep a ‘Hole in One’ memento on stock. I was at a junior event and one of the boys had his first hole in one. Luckily, we were prepared, complete with memento and certificate to mark the occasion.
MAKE PEOPLE FEEL SPECIAL
Share and celebrate successes that appear on newspapers and social media. Not everyone will do that kind of thing for themselves, but if someone else share the new for them, it can make people feel special.
WHEN TIMES GET TOUGH
At some point during your year, you’ll have a moment when you wonder what you’ve taken on. Have a little charm or keyring or similar that represents what inspired you to be Lady Captain. Maybe something from your charity. Keep it handy to help you re-group.
YOUR LEGACY
What will that be? It may be a trophy, framed print, a new competition, the funds raised for your charity, or something totally different, but it’s nice to leave a little part of you behind to mark your year. Only you can decide what that will be that shows who you are and what you stand for.
