Wayzata Chilly Open Hole Sponsorship Sign Up 2023

OVERVIEW:  The Wayzata Chilly Open is the largest, most well known and unusual golf tournament held on a frozen lake.  Since 1984 thousands of hearty Minnesotans head to Lake Minnetonka for this unique frozen golf event to celebrate our “chilly” winter season. Our great team of volunteers carve out three 9+ hole golf courses right out on the ice. Golfers come from all around with their golf clubs and hockey sticks to putt with tennis balls on Wayzata Bay!  

HOW IT WORKS: The idea is to get 27 businesses to each "host" a golf hole and create a fun experience for golfers.  Each year a theme is selected - stay tuned for the 2023 theme announcement! The goal is to have one sponsor per hole so that golfers can be entertained while they are waiting to golf their nine holes on the frozen bay. Activities have ranged from a simple bags tournament to a mechanical bull.... golfers prefer the latter.

The Chamber works with an equipment company to set-up/tear-down equipment, so if you choose to rent there will be no hassle to you. As you complete this sponsorship process you can select to be sent an equipment rental form (if desired).  A sponsorship packet will be emailed end of January with more information and details. 

BENEFITS + AGREEMENT:

Onsite Promotional Opportunity:

• Exclusive sponsorship and design of one of twenty-seven golf holes at the event
• Ability to promote your business to 600+ registered golfers at the event on one of 3 courses. (1,800+ golfers total)

Business Name included on the following event materials:       

• Signage near the registration area at the event
• Recognition of sponsorship on www.WayzataChillyOpen.com (year-round)
• Recognition of sponsorship on the E-gateway the week of the event
• Recognition in the Chamber’s 511 E-newsletter – (February issue)
• Chilly Open Facebook  and Instagram Channels

Additional benefits:

• Two free official chilly open hats
• Ability to say you were part of the best Golf Tournament on a Lake ever
• Offered First Right of Renewal

PRICING/EQUIPMENT:  A golf hole sponsorship is $300 for Chamber Members and $400 for Non-members. Keep in mind this price does not include any equipment, food, decorations, give-a-way items, costumes, etc. So, GO ALL OUT and draw participants to your golf hole.

GOLF HOLE SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Decorate your golf hole according to the theme… The crazier the better!
• Provide a welcoming atmosphere for the golfers.  
• Staff your golf hole from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Tee times are 10 am, 12 pm & 2 pm)
• We recommend you provide a handout or give-a-way of some sort for golfers to remember your business. (Over 600 golfers will visit your golf hole.)
• Bring a couple of large trash containers for your tent and area
• Creative signage is a great way to promote your business
• If you are serving ANY type of food or drink (non-alcohol of course) you will need to complete a Permit from the City of Wayzata Health Department
• You will have anywhere from 20– 25 golfers at your golf hole at a time. Because the groups are not all golfing together we encourage you to have some sort of other activity or competition for golfers to participate in while they are waiting to golf. 
• For the real competitors! The Chamber will be issuing a best decorated hole with a trophy for each course! The criteria is: creativity in decorations according to the theme, enthusiasm, and giveaways! Have fun! Be creative! Be enthusiastic! Promote Wayzata! Promote your business!

WAYZATA CHAMBER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Chamber will arrange to have all courses plowed and rental equipment set up by Friday, February 10th at 4 pm.
• Official Chilly Open signs will be set up (Saturday) at each tee box indicating hole numbers.
• The Chamber will give recognition to hole sponsors in the newsletter, our website and in other media press.
• Chamber volunteers and staff will be available the day of the event to answer questions.
• Chamber volunteers will drill for the pin placement and the flagsticks will be put in place. These will be picked up at the end of the event.

FAQ's 

Can I sell product or items on the ice?

No, we prefer this to be a sponsorship, not vendor opportunity.  We don't have businesses selling directly on the ice, but it's a great way to promote your company and share more about who you are.

I have my own equipment, do I have to rent? 

No! Save the money - but, we require all vendors to have a tent (whether you have your own or need to rent one). Due to the strong lake winds, we highly recommend a heavy duty tent, table(s), chairs(s), astroturf (so you're not slipping around on the ice in your tent). 

I'm interested in learning more about the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce and becoming a member.  What's the next step?  

Contact info@wayzatachamber.com or you can also just apply online.