A Case Study Featuring NAIOP & Orion Construction at UBC and Morgan Creek
Golf tournaments are legendary for networking, great food, and the occasional questionable swing but let’s be honest: most hole activations are either forgettable or… awkward.
That’s why in in the past 2 years, I brought live, interactive magic to the NAIOP and Orion Construction golf tournaments and turned every foursome’s tee box stop into the highlight of their day.
The Challenge: Make Hole Activations Engaging (Without Slowing Play)
Golf organizers often face the same problem:
- Sponsors want more interaction with players.
- Players want to keep the round moving and have fun.
- Nobody wants a cringe-worthy roasting or an activation that kills the vibe.
Enter hole activation magic: a short, punchy, and completely interactive experience that keeps the energy high, gets everyone laughing, and fits perfectly into the pace of play.
Case Study: NAIOP Golf Tournament at UBC Golf Course
In both 2024 and 2025, I was part of the NAIOP golf tournament at UBC Golf Course. Here’s what we did:
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Setup: A dedicated activation hole where every foursome stopped for 2–3 minutes of close-up magic.
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Format: Visual, fast-reset effects that made each player part of the show.
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Result:
- Golfers stayed engaged longer at the sponsor hole.
- Social media content was captured and shared including these
Instagram clip.
Watch on Instagram, second video - Organizers reported that players called it “the most fun they’ve had on a golf hole — without a driver in their hand.”
Case Study: Orion Construction Golf Tournament at Morgan Creek
For Orion Construction’s 2024 tournament at Morgan Creek Golf Course, we customized the experience to match the brand’s style:
- Branded Magic: Integrated company names, giveaways, and prizes into the routines.
- Conversation Starter: Guests talked about the tricks at dinner, extending the sponsor’s visibility beyond the hole activation.
- Seamless Flow: Designed sets to keep pace of play on schedule — no long delays, just quick moments of astonishment.
Magic vs. a Comedian Roasting Players
Most tournaments default to a comedian or MC roasting players — but here’s why magic often wins:
Interactive MagicComedian RoastEvery golfer becomes part of the experienceEntertainment is one-way, often passiveGenerates laughter and amazementRelies on humor that may not land with everyonePerfectly timed to fit into 2–3 minute groupsCan slow play and back up the courseCreates photo/video moments for social sharingHarder to capture in a quick stop
Why Magic is the Perfect Hole Activation
Magic is safe, inclusive, and high-impact. No one feels singled out, and everyone leaves smiling — which means:
- Better sponsor recall
- Stronger attendee satisfaction
- Shareable moments that market next year’s tournament for you
Planning Your 2025 Tournament?
Whether it’s UBC Golf Course, Morgan Creek, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, Kel Modern Magic can turn your sponsor activation into the most talked-about stop on the course.
📅 Book early — tournament dates fill fast.
Visit kelmodernmagic.com and let’s design a hole activation your players will never forget.
Frequently asked questions
What entertainment works for a golf tournament?
A live magic hole activation works well because it's interactive and fits the pace of play. At the NAIOP tournament at UBC Golf Course in 2024 and 2025, every foursome stopped at a dedicated activation hole for 2 to 3 minutes of close-up magic. Visual, fast-reset effects made each player part of the show, and clips were captured and shared on social media.
Will a magic hole activation slow down play?
No. The sets are built to fit the pace of play, about 2 to 3 minutes per foursome, with fast-reset effects so the next group isn't left waiting. At Orion Construction's 2024 tournament at Morgan Creek Golf Course, the routines were designed to keep the schedule on time, with quick moments of astonishment instead of long delays.
Can the magic be branded for a golf tournament sponsor?
Yes. For Orion Construction at Morgan Creek, company names, giveaways and prizes were worked right into the routines. Guests kept talking about the tricks at dinner, which carried the sponsor's visibility well past the hole itself. Logos and material built around your company can be added to any corporate booking on request.
Which golf courses do you cover for hole activations?
Any course in the Lower Mainland. I've run hole activations at UBC Golf Course and Morgan Creek Golf Course, and Vancouver and the Lower Mainland are home base, including Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, the Fraser Valley and Whistler. Travel is built into one all-in quote instead of billed as a separate line item.
