Golf outings aren’t just a casual round with friends. They’re big gatherings that pull people together for something special. Think fundraisers, charity drives, community get-togethers, or celebrations across groups, all needing solid planning to pull off smoothly. At Great Gorge, September is prime time, with weekends filling up fast, so get ahead of it early.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to nailing your 2026 golf outing, from choosing the format and snagging tee times to food, contests, and keeping everyone together post-round.
Why golf outings matter
Golf outings are unique events. They give sponsors, donors, clients, or community members a chance to connect in a relaxed outdoor setting. Unlike a small group of friends booking a regular tee time, outings usually involve 50 or more players, require more coordination, and often have fundraising or community goals tied in. With thoughtful planning, these events can create lasting memories and strengthen relationships far beyond the golf course.
Start with the basics: type, date, and size of your outing
Before you book anything, nail down three key things:
- The purpose of your event
Is this a fundraiser, a charity golf event, a community gathering, or a company celebration? Your goals will shape the format, sponsors, and agenda. - A date that works for most people
Because Great Gorge is in high demand, especially on weekends in September, you’ll want to pick your event date early. Spring and summer weekends also fill up quickly. - The size of your group
Outings at Great Gorge typically range from 20 to 180 golfers. Knowing your expected head count helps with scheduling, food and beverage planning, and pricing.
Choose the right course layout
Great Gorge Golf Club features three championship nines: Rail, Lake, and Quarry, all designed by legendary architect George Fazio in 1970. For group outings, we set up play from the most accessible tee boxes – men play from the whites and women from the reds. This keeps the pace moving and ensures everyone in your group can enjoy the course comfortably, regardless of skill level.
With multiple combinations available across the three nines, you’ll get variety and challenge without the length that can slow down larger groups.
Explore your courses here:
Great Gorge golf courses →Advanced booking and event format options
Because outings are larger and more complex than typical tee times, you’ll want to coordinate directly with the course team. At Great Gorge we offer:
- Advanced group bookings for 20–180 golfers
- AM and PM tee times or shotgun starts
- 18 & 27-hole packages
- Pricing includes:
- Greens fees
- Golf cart usage
- Unlimited driving range access
- Pro shop credit ($5 per golfer)
- Long drive & closest-to-pin contests
- Setup of cart and sponsorship signage
Scorecards and scoring services
This structure ensures that your outing has everything it needs without leaving details to chance.
Explore more:
See Our Group Outing Options →Choosing the right format for play
Most outings at Great Gorge use a scramble format for scoring, and for good reason. It keeps play moving, works well for mixed skill levels, and creates a team atmosphere that fits the spirit of group events. Since many outing participants haven’t played Great Gorge before – or have only played it a few times – the scramble format lets everyone contribute without worrying about holding up their group.
Other formats are available if your event calls for something different, but we find that scrambles deliver the best experience for the vast majority of golf outings.
Food, drinks, and time together
For many groups, what happens after the golf is just as important as the golf itself. Sitting down for snacks, lunch, a drink, and a relaxed conversation often becomes the highlight of the day.
At Great Gorge, the food and beverage program is designed with outings in mind:
Turn-key and customizable packages — Whether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all three, our team can help you build a menu that fits your group’s needs and dietary preferences.
Breakfast options — From pastries and bagels to scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, and sausage, a morning meal gives your group energy and sets a welcoming tone.
Lunch at the turn — Choose from boxed meals with sandwiches or hot meal options like burgers and hot dogs, along with drinks. These keep players fueled and on schedule.
Post-round dinners — Buffet style meals on the covered pavilion offer BBQ favorites like pulled pork, sausage and peppers, chicken, and more. It’s a great time to gather, honor winners, and share stories from the course.
Bar packages — A range of beverage options is available, from ice cold craft beer to seasonal cocktails and wine. Packages can be tailored to your group and billed by the hour.
This blend of food and drinks helps your group stay together, enjoy the atmosphere, and turn a round of golf into a full day of connection.
Find out why Great Gorge Club is a full-circle experience.
See Other Experiences →Add fun with contests and extras
Outings are about friendly competition as much as golf. Great Gorge can help set up:
- Longest drive and closest-to-pin contests
- Scorecards and scoring services
- Sponsorship signage and branding opportunities
- Pro shop credit for prizes or giveaways
Small contests and prizes add energy to the event and give everyone something to aim for beyond the regular round.
Practical planning tips
Plan ahead — Reserve your date early. Fall weekends fill up fast.
Communicate logistics — Share tee times, shotgun details, and format with players well ahead of the event.
Set expectations — Let golfers know about dress code, scoring formats, and post-round plans.
Think about extras — Custom apparel, prizes, and signage help make your event feel special and cohesive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my Great Gorge outing?
Fall weekends, especially September, fill up fast. Spring and summer Saturdays go quickly too. Most groups book 6-12 months out to lock in their preferred date. Call early to avoid disappointment.
What’s the minimum group size for an outing?
Great Gorge handles groups from 20 golfers up to 180. Smaller than 20? You can still reserve a block of tee times together, just without the full outing package pricing and services.
Do all outings play from the same tees?
Yes. Men play whites, women play reds, the most accessible boxes. This keeps pace of play brisk and lets first-timers enjoy the course without feeling overwhelmed by distance.
Why does scramble format work best for most groups?
It moves faster and includes everyone. Since many players haven’t seen Great Gorge before, teams hit their best shot each time. Keeps things fun without slow groups or pressure on high handicaps.
Can you handle specialty diets or large buffets?
Absolutely. Breakfast, lunch at the turn, or post-round pavilion buffets all customize easily. Just let us know headcount and preferences when booking. Vegetarian, gluten-free, or kid-friendly options work seamlessly.
What’s the difference between shotgun and tee times?
Shotgun starts everyone at once across holes, perfect for 50+ players to finish together. AM/PM tee times work better for smaller groups who want to trickle through normally. Both keep your schedule tight.
Are sponsorship signs and branding easy to set up?
Yes, included in packages. Cart signs, banners, scorecards, even pro shop displays. Send us your logos and sponsor names when booking, we handle placement so you focus on the event.
A quick look at golf’s appeal
Golf not only brings people together outdoors, but it also supports meaningful causes. Many outings double as fundraisers, charity events, or community builders, adding purpose to the fun. According to the National Golf Foundation, golf participation continues to climb, with tens of millions of Americans playing on-course each year (source: ngf.org). This makes golf outings both popular and impactful for groups that want a day that counts.
Great Gorge makes it all easier
From the scenic layouts designed by George Fazio to the dedicated team helping with food, logistics, contests, and timing, Great Gorge is built to support well-run outings of any size. With flexible booking, clear packages, and welcoming spaces before and after the round, your event can feel effortless and memorable.
Whether your outing supports a cause, celebrates a team, or brings the community together, this is golf at its best.
Reserve your round today.
Book a tee time! →