Just For Fun
You have heard me comment on the various events that help make up the special culture at our eTapestry Division of Blackbaud. Please allow me to describe our twist on the classic company golf outing. There may not be another one like ours anywhere.
We start out by inviting and in fact, encouraging as many non-golfers to attend this Thursday early evening event. Next we find the closest, most unique and economical par three golf course near our office. How does $5 per person for an economical company golf outing in 2009? The Heartland Resort can best be experienced by their web site. Where else can you play within the confines of RV hook-ups, a good ole swimming hole and a neat little miniature golf course. The map below provides some insight into the wide variety of nearby activities!
Those of you who follow professional golf are familiar with the Ryder Cup. We borrowed a few ideas from this great event. We match up each non-golfer with a golfer for a two person team. (One qualifies as a golfer at eTapestry if you either played at least once before or own a set of golf clubs or have a significant other with a set of golf clubs!) This two person team plays alternate shot golf until the ball is in the hole or a score of 8 is achieved. (It does happen even on a par three course...) We offer various prizes to add to the fun. My favorite part is that the entire course is so compact that you can virtually talk or at least yell over to everyone else while the round is going on. The action is fast paced and is never without a dull moment with this format. We had a three way tie this year for first place. As I left to go babysit my granddaughter they were deciding on whether to:
- Have a one hole playoff
- Pick a hole to find the lowest score on that hole
- Flip a coin/play paper/rock/scissors
- Play 3 holes on the miniature golf course
I have played in quite a few charity golf outings and even in a PGA Pro Am, but I can truly say for minute by minute fun and fellowship the eTap outing takes the blue ribbon. I personally love chatting with many of our employees during such away from the office gatherings. Here are a few pictures to provide additional color:
The event was so popular this year we had several other Blackbaud employees from various other locations join us. I am betting that they will arrange their schedules to join us next September like so many of us do for the fun!