Tee Off with a fun
40th Birthday Party Idea

The kids and I were brainstorming for a 40th birthday party idea for Dad. It seemed like most of the 40th birthday parties we had been to were held out of the house, some with music, few with kids. Our kids were insisting that they wanted to plan the party and be there for “the whole time”!

We were tossing around ideas for days when one of them asked “What do you think Dad likes to do best?” A simple question with two answers.. golf and fly fish. We couldn’t quite come up with a fly fishing celebration but a golf party had great potential. Now we are not talking “golf plates, cups and napkins”, but decided to plan a late afternoon golf outing for Dad and his buddies and of course, the kids wanted it to be a surprise. So I made calls and put together 3 foursomes, booked the tee-times and had his best buddy invite him to play golf that afternoon. He was shocked when he arrived at the course and found all the guys as well as the kids and myself. He thought that was the party, but we weren’t through yet. We had invited the golfers, their families and some good, albeit “non-golfing” friends back to house after golf to continue the 40th Birthday party!

SURPRISE! He got home from his golf game and was still in the shower while the 40th birthday party really started as the guests arrived. We had coolers hidden in the backyard with all the food and bags of paper goods… plus as always at our house, everyone brought something. What a great party it was… casual, filled with his favorite people and happy to have the kids included. Of course, the celebration continued after eating, with a Golf Outing “Awards Ceremony” hosted by one of the golfing guys.

The awards ceremony was great entertainment for all. There were various comical awards, such as “Thirstiest Golfer” and “Closest to the Crowd” for the guy who almost took out another foursome with his wild drive. I had also asked the golf club to set up the usual “Closest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive”. Plus there was the usual line up of awards for Best Score of the Day etc. We made sure that we had enough prizes for all the golfers. Everyone got something., from flashlights to golf balls to trophies! The final touch, polo shirts for all with a logo celebrating the birthday outing. This was back before the explosion of the internet and I ordered these from a local company. However, now there are so many online sites where you can choose a golf logo and added some text and create a great personalized t-shirt. If you are creative, here's how you can make your own personalized t-shirts.

Dad displaying some gifts to the kids. Even at 40.. like the Energizer Rabbit.. he just keeps going!

Here's our Master of Ceremonies with a recap of the day on the course

Grandpa receiving his award. A flashlight to help him find all the golf balls he lost in the woods.

The golfers displaying their personalized t-shirts!

This was a great 40th birthday celebration.. not only for Dad, but the kids had a blast too. I don't think even the little one went to bed before midnight. More important, they helped plan it and kept the surprise and still talk about it 15 years later!!

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