SendOff Style: One Last Round
Honoring the Avid Golfer
Mood.
A sporting spirit. An early morning tee time or an active afternoon round, followed by craft beer, cocktails and a hardy spread.
Location.
If your golfer was devout, you might honor them with a religious service at their place of worship, followed by a golf-inspired brunch or cocktail reception at their country club or driving range. Or maybe the event is a memorial following a cremation? If so, plan a round-robin and/or luncheon at their favorite course or in a restaurant they always loved.
Decor.
If you want to invoke a lighter spirit, decorate their trusty golf bag or shoes with flowers and display them at an entrance or next to a photo of them on the course. For a more traditional setting, focus on seasonal flowers or branches in simple vases.
The Spoken Word.
In speeches and readings at a golf-inspired sendoff, it might be nice to comment on what it was about golf that your loved one appreciated. Was it the tranquility of being in nature? The friendly competition and connection? Make sure whoever is speaking honors what it was about golf that meant so much. Add a poem, quote or personal story to your tribute.
For inspiration, here are some golf-related poems…
The Golf Course in the Sky
As eighteen flags flew at half mast, and
Glasses were soberly raised high
The latest member was having a ball
At the golf course in the sky
Freed from the gravity of the situation
The first tee shot soared through space
Bringing a wondrous, beaming smile
To a kind, down to earth face
Surrounded by old club friends
Once thought never to be seen again
The infinity course beckoned ahead
Eighteen holes were for mere mortal men
~Michael Ashby
Comfortless
I found him underneath a tree
"And what is wrong," quoth I,
"That you so solemn seem to be
Under this summer sky?
"All day I've shanked my mashie shot,
My putts rimmed every cup,
I'm doing something I should not;
I think it's looking up."
"Poor man," I said, "'tis very sure
No help for you appears,
The woes you bear I tried to cure
Myself for thirty years.
"And still my mashie shots I shank,
And still I slice the drive,
And with the dubs expect to rank
As long as I'm alive.
"Through time all other griefs my cure,
All other hurts may mend,
The miseries of golf endure:
To them there is no end."
~Edgar A. Guest
Music.
There are many famous musicians who have created songs in homage to this sport. For example, Bing Crosby’s “Straight Down the Middle.” Some suggestions are songs like Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” or Joe Cocker’s “Feeling Alright.” While not for everyone, some may appreciate a good laugh with some classic songs that were redone with a golf theme. Some examples are “Love the One You Wiff” by Jake Trout and the Flounders, or “Bohemian Golf Rhapsody,” by Nigel Tait.
Accents.
Fill the space with their golfing equipment, along with trophies and photos of their golf adventures. Maybe there is vintage equipment or a high school yearbook with a photo of your loved one on the golf team. Some golfers keep a mini practice putting green in their office; if it’s a lighthearted gathering, set that up in the space! Consider sharing a digital album or memorial website of pictures and stories that friends and family can access and contribute to for years to come.
Food and Drinks.
"Golf" food and drinks will mean different things to different people. Maybe your loved one’s version of a “golf meal” would be a burger at the club after a round. Did your golfer have snacks in their bag? Trail mix? Jerky? Sunflower seeds? Candy? Design a snack buffet!
As to cool golf-inspired drinks, no matter what food you serve, you can’t go wrong offering an “Arnie Palmer” to the group. Named after the famed golfer, this non-alcoholic treat of half lemonade and half iced tea is sure to please all. Or create a signature cocktail and spike it with vodka. This is known as the “John Daly.”
Activities.
Host a round or an afternoon at the driving range. Give those who loved your golfer a chance to come together in an uplifting way.
Keepsakes.
Leave blank note cards on seats at the service or at each place setting at a reception to collect memories for the family. Personalize golf balls or tees and give them away as farewell favors at the end of the event.
If the golfing life and culture was important to the person you’re honoring, let us help you celebrate them with creativity and style.
