Design Tips: Golf Tournament Signs

Spring is here and has everyone thinking of warmer weather. Campfires, picnics, swimming, parties and, most importantly, golf. When the cold weather wanes, golf ranges fill up and courses batten down their hatches for the impending horde of golf professionals, aficionados, lovers and first timers. What does this mean for this year’s series of golf tournaments? Better start planning your signage.

Whether you’re hosting or sponsoring, there are three types of signage worth investing in for golf tournaments: banners, tee signs and hole sponsors.

Golf Tournament Banners

Golf tournament banners are generally larger than tee signs or hole sponsor signage. The best material is vinyl as it’s relatively immune to extreme weather, can last for five to ten years, and is easy to clean. When it comes to the design of these signs, it’s best to keep it simple: Bold lettering, neutral or soft colors, and minimal copy. The key to a good banner is making it large enough to notice, adding pictures, phrasing or simple graphics to make it worth a second glance, and making sure the name or purpose of the golf tournament is the largest piece of copy.

Tee Signs

Tee signs are more directional. They display what hole you’re on, sometimes contain an image of the course and are often reusable. Rule of thumb for these signs, less is best. Especially if you plan to reuse them next year. Make a striking contrast between the lettering, pictures, and background so that even on the brightest of days it’s easier to see. For instance, a dark green or black background with white lettering. Most use aluminum, plastic or wood as they are durable, easy to reuse, and easy to clean.

Hole Sponsor Signage

Hole sponsor signage often takes the place of tee signs and are, as the title suggests, sponsored by businesses for the tournament. They typically go quickly, so if you’re looking to sponsor a hole, it’s best to put in an offer early. Similar to tee signs, most are plastic, aluminum, or wood. Again, less is best. Most companies will have something like, “Hole 9 is sponsored by” and then the company’s logo or a person’s name. This makes it easy to read and easy to remember. It also keeps people from getting lost in all the verbiage.

Whichever signage you are looking to invest in, remember to keep it simple. Neutral or relaxing colors, contrast between background and lettering, personalized graphics, and minimal copy. The golf season is just beginning, make sure you’re ahead of the game.