Tournament vs Stay & Play: Which Golf Trip Is Right for You?
- Kokanee Springs Resort
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
January 27, 2026
When planning a golf getaway, most trips fall into one familiar category: Stay & Play. You book your accommodations, reserve tee times, coordinate meals, and try to align everyone’s schedules.
But there’s another option that often delivers more value, less planning, and a more memorable group experience.
A tournament experience.
If you’re deciding between a traditional Stay & Play trip and a tournament at Kokanee Springs, here’s how to know which one is right for you.
What a Stay & Play Trip Is Best For
Stay & Play trips are a great option if:
You want a flexible schedule
You’re planning a quieter, more independent getaway
You choose when you play, where you eat, and how you spend your time. For some golfers, that freedom is exactly what they want.
However, for some groups, that same flexibility can quickly turn into more coordination, more decisions, and more work.
What a Tournament Experience Really Includes
Tournaments and events aren’t just about competition. They’re about creating a complete golf experience.
At Kokanee Springs, tournament events typically include:
Organized tee times and pairings
On-course contests and prizing
Group meals or social events
A shared schedule that keeps everyone together
Instead of planning every detail and herding cats, you arrive knowing everything is already set up.
Key Differences: Tournament vs Stay & Play
1. Planning & Logistics
Stay & Play: You handle bookings, tee times, meals, and schedules.
Tournament: The structure is built in. Less planning, fewer decisions, and less stress.
2. Value for Groups
Stay & Play: You pay separately for golf, accommodations, meals, and extras.
Tournament: Many inclusions are bundled together, often offering better overall value, especially for groups.
3. Social Experience
Stay & Play: Groups may split up across tee times and activities.
Tournament: Everyone plays, dines, and celebrates together, turning the trip into a shared experience.
4. Commitment & Attendance
Stay & Play: Group trips can be hard to lock in. Dates shift and plans change.
Tournament: A defined event gives everyone a clear reason to commit and show up.
Who Tournament Events Are Perfect For
Tournament events tend to be a great fit if you’re:
Organizing a corporate or client outing
Coordinating an annual group getaway
Planning a buddies’ golf trip
Looking for a more social, energetic experience
They’re also ideal if your group has done Stay & Play trips before and is looking for something fresh.
Still Feels Like a Getaway — Just With More Built In
A tournament experience doesn’t replace what people love about Kokanee Springs, it enhances it.
You still enjoy:
Championship golf
Mountain scenery
Comfortable accommodations
Time to relax and unwind
The difference is that everything flows together with less effort.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
If you want less planning, stronger group energy, and better overall value, a tournament experience could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Explore our last available tournament of the year.
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