European Golf Challenge specialise in bringing a unique, modern and fun approach to golf events. From event management and celebrity appearances to off-the-wall challenges, they create events that live long in clients memories. We caught up with owner LAURA MCDONALD to discuss changes in the industry due to Covid and her plans for the year ahead.
When it comes to dream jobs, Laura McDonald has got it just about perfect. As managing director of EGC she manages and helps to host golf events around the UK, across Europe and around the globe with her experienced team.
An avid golfer as a teenager, her background in marketing and events in the hospitality industry and her love of golf combined when she started her business in 2009 and it’s been a great journey so far.
Through Laura’s experience and a huge contacts book, European Golf Challenge has continued to grow each year. They have provided corporate and charity golf events to well-known brands such as Nedbank, Adidas, ASOS as well as celebrities and even royalty.
One of their unique selling points is their reputable ‘Beat the Female Pro Challenge’ which sees guests take on a well-known LET or PGA female golf professional.
But as Laura says, “this is not just any challenge, but a new twist on conventional golf events and a fantastic service to add to your day”.
“We want your day to be exclusive and be remembered. Our attention to detail and our forward thinking and fun approach, creates a modern vibrant delivery to your day. EGC will work with you from start to finish, covering pre-event planning, event management, and hosting
First of all, how has the pandemic affected your business and the events industry?
It has been a very strange year to say the least. At the start of the year it was all very uncertain and if or when we would be able to host our clients event.
As a result, we did have to cancel and rearrange 90% of all our events. We managed to host a small few throughout September with social distancing measures in place, which was a breath of fresh air finally being back out on the course and working with our clients
How has Covid and the effect on business changed the way you work at EGC?
There have been positives, and this has been a great time to stop and evaluate the business, makes changes that we would of not had the time normally to do. This also gave me personally more time to engage and speak to clients, talk through their requirements and ideas for the events and hosting clients.
One of the main positives is seeing the increase the golf industry has had, the industry is booming, seeing so many beginners take up the sport as well as people dust of the clubs and regain their love for the sport.
I know I have got the serious golf bug at the moment!
What is it that brings your clients back time and again?
We understand each and every clients requirements are individual, that is why we also offer a bespoke tailored planning service to meet all of our clients needs.
What will be the main changes in the golf
events industry after Covid?
The last nine months have brought significant changes to all industries from how we plan our working schedules to how we forward plan.
We have seen an increase in smaller event bookings for 2021 as well as UK play and stay trips. Since all events had to seriously reduce the numbers of attendees this year, our clients saw the benefit of hosting a smaller event and being able to spend more quality and one to one time with their clients.
What’s your message to companies thinking about a golf event?
Aside from treating guests to some of the best golf venues across the UK or worldwide, they also create a valuable opportunity to make connections, build networks and do business.
What makes a successful golf day?
It is all down to experience, detailed planning, having a suitable venue and professional delivery.
What are your plans for EGC in 2021?
We do have exciting projects in the pipeline for 2021. We have a major rebrand and new website launching in December. I am very excited for what next year holds and hopefully slowly but surely getting back to normality.
Go go on tell us more?
Well, I won’t reveal the name yet but it is built upon our expert knowledge of our destinations and outstanding service, we always like to go that extra mile for clients.
So watch this space!
BRINGING A MODERN & UNIQUE APPROACH TO GOLF EVENTS
MAKE YOUR EVENT STAND OUT FROM THE REST
