So I was talking to our pro today about our member guest. The price has literally doubled in 5 years. I told him I think it’s fine but they need to knock the tee gift out the park. They were discussing a Smathers belt and Gfore shoes. Here’s my thing… I think that combo is awesome and I know how much they cost. I just honestly think at least half the people would be like “really a belt costs how much!?” So tell me, what been the best and most creative ideas you’ve seen?

We got to make our own spiders on the taylormade website ..was kinda cool

ekaj thats not bad. And then was your entire club using Spiders for the next 6 weeks? I love teasing guys that still wear the Ecco shoes they got as a gift 4 years ago.

Noyes26 my old club did this, custom scottys, the idea is great but then everyone has the exact same club all year. My club last year gave you 600 pro shop credit, then invited a few merchandisers, bushnell, gfore, footjoy etc. All the stuff in the shop was easily half off, and the merchandisers were selling stuff heavily discounted. I'd much rather do that, and pick what I want, rather than some goofy gift

What is your ideal tee gift for a Member/guest

KentonQ

MyJoys has been one of my favorites. You have to do it early enough, but it was very cool to have all the custom pairs out for the welcome event. Plus there are thousands of style and color combos, so not everyone has the same 3 or 4 pair.

Noyes26

KentonQ I’m against FJ shoes because of their sizing. Only type of shoe the size that I would need (12.5) doesn’t exist. But I know they did that one year for a 1 day Member/guest.

Noyes26

maxbianchi Ive been a guest at a place that does gift certificate to pro shop. They also in practice round have “bet any amount and hit the green it doubles, miss green you get that amount in pro shop”. But they don’t bring in outside vendors and the pro shop is awful.

A couple years ago we had Titleist there and you got to choose different packages.

What you are saying sounds pretty cool.

KentonQ

Noyes26 the sizing can be odd, but that’s why myjoys are nice. Can get any size, including 12.5, and even different sizes for each foot.

ForeLeft

I've know a few clubs who bring in the "van" from like Travis Matthew. Cute girls, passing out drinks, and all sorts of apparel and accessories like @maxbianchi was saying. Definitely a talked about experience.

https://www.travismathew.com/book-an-event

Noyes26

ForeLeft that was discussed last year. Not a fan of Travis Mathew.

ForeLeft

Noyes26 it’s supposed to be for the greater good NOYES! LOL

we don’t all look good in Jordans like you 😎

mljones99

maxbianchi I've only played in 2 member/guests and that is how this particular club did it. shop credit and Titlest/Footjoy was there offering stuff for like 30% below wholesale. I'd much prefer to pick my own.

ekaj

Noyes26 yea it was kind weird 🤣 ….i sold it right away …

DaHOF

I've been a part of so many member-guests over the years (both my own and others). Frankly, the best "experience" is the TM Van. I don't even care for TM gear, but they do it right. I've been to plenty that offer up MyJoys, Nikes, etc and I always hate it because everyone is wearing the same shoes. Bags are nice, but then everyone has the same bag. I love the smathers belt idea, but there are a LOT of people who have no clue what they are or what they cost.

At the end of the day, the best thing I have received is a simple gift card to a major brand or the like. At least then I can pick my own stuff out. You can't make everyone happy, but at least a gift card gives some options.

Noyes26

DaHOF yea I think that’s a whole point is you want to show value. I also like when there are smaller tee gifts on both days. Doesn’t have to be anything crazy. Show up on day 2 and and you’re cart is a logo towel, seamus ball mark, box of balls, and a Tervis cup. Or even just a Tervis cup and a T shirt. Total cost of those two things is like $20-$25.

DaHOF

Noyes26 I agree with the "smaller" gifts. It always adds a nice personalized tough. I know at one of the member-guests at Hillcrest CC in Los Angeles, they had personalized chocolates made for the people one morning (they had a chocolatier in the kitchen, so that was how it came about). You could totally do something like personalized ball markers, divot tools, box of balls, etc. each day and not break the bank doing it. So many cool "trinket" makers out there now that can do about anything a club could want.

MarkF

The way that ours is run is there are three options for the guest to choose from for the bigger gift. Usually $200-$250 value. Last year the vendor was FJ and this year it will be Travis Matthew. They sprinkle in a couple sleeves of balls, coozies and cigars in the cart throughout the weekend.

Noyes26

MarkF very similar and honestly, should be better.

dbenick3

What are the price overall for these member guest? It begs the question would you rather 200 off or the bigger gift?

Noyes26

dbenick3 Take my money. Spend it wisely. As long as there are waiting lists, prices will keep going up.

MarkF

dbenick3 Ours is $900 for the sign up $1300 if your team is in for bets on both days and then there is some side action here and there.

Putterho

Agree with the credit to spend with various vendors opposed to being given a specific item. The Travis Mathew truck was awesome a few years ago.