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Golf and meetings go together like tees and tiny pencils. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat with a competitive round or playing a friendly après conference scramble, your event is only enhanced by exploring Gaylord’s gorgeous greens.

While planning your event in Gaylord, you may not have realized you were heading to one of the Midwest’s most lucrative golf vacation destinations. Our area is home to what has been known as the Gaylord Golf Mecca for 39 years, a collective marketing group of 16 impressive courses.

Not sure how to get the most out of our greens during your visit? We’ve got a few tips for integrating time on the fairway into your itinerary!

1. Golf a la carte – the simplest way to incorporate golf into your event is by encouraging some pre- and post-play. Providing course information to your attendees and allowing for free time before or after scheduled activities gives your group the chance to choose their own golf adventure.

2. Plan a scramble – golf scrambles bring your group together in a whole new way. This simple format requires less skill and accuracy on each golfer’s part and takes some of the pressure off. Teams will bond, learn and grow together in a fun environment away from the confines of their workspace. Use this as an opportunity to pair people together to make new connections or strengthen existing relationships.

3. Include a group lesson or clinic – get creative with your team building activities and add an option for golf lessons to your schedule. Learning a new skill can build confidence. Learning side-by-side with your peers is a fun interaction that also builds memories.

4. Keep it short – 18 holes can be daunting on a full schedule, so why not opt for 9? Along with selecting a 9-hole tee time on any course, you may want to check out one of the area’s short courses. Threetops at Treetops Resort has been revered as America’s #1 Par 3; The Sawyer at Garland Lodge & Golf Resort was just opened in 2025 and features a reversible layout; finally, The Little Course at Black Lake Golf Club will help you master your short game with chipping and putting galore.

5. Take a fall color tour – if your group isn’t meant to swing clubs, they can still tour several scenic courses in the Gaylord area during the fall. Fall color tours are offered at Treetops and Otsego Resort, giving you the scenic experience minus the athletic aspect.

However you choose to integrate golf into your meeting or event, remember to keep it light and fun for participants. The sport has found a new groove in recent years and welcomes newbies as eagerly as seasoned veterans. Embrace being up north, find new motivation and recharge your battery with a round in the Gaylord Golf Mecca.