How to Cater a Golf Tournament Lunch in Santee (Craig’s Deli Style)

Santee, South Carolina is one of the most popular golf destinations in the region. With courses like Lake Marion Golf Course, Santee National Golf Club, and Santee Cooper Country Club, the area hosts charity tournaments, corporate outings, club events, and weekend scrambles year-round.

And while tee times and scorecards matter, every tournament organizer knows one thing is just as important:

The food.

A poorly planned lunch can slow play, frustrate golfers, and create unnecessary stress for organizers. A well-planned lunch, on the other hand, keeps players happy, energized, and talking positively about the event long after the final putt drops.

If you’re planning a golf tournament in Santee, here’s exactly how to cater a tournament lunch the right way — Craig’s Deli style.

What Makes Golf Tournament Catering Different

Golf tournaments are not like weddings or sit-down banquets. Timing, portability, and simplicity matter more than fancy presentation.

A successful tournament lunch needs to be:

  • Fast to serve
  • Easy to eat
  • Portable
  • Consistent for every golfer
  • Affordable for large groups
  • Ready exactly when the round ends

Craig’s Deli has become a trusted option in Santee because their food fits tournament logistics perfectly.

Step 1: Choose Food That Won’t Slow Down the Tournament

Golfers don’t want to wait in long buffet lines or sit through a heavy meal. They want something satisfying that doesn’t kill momentum.

That’s why cold sandwich catering works best.

Why cold sandwiches win every time:

  • No reheating required
  • No soggy buns or melted messes
  • Easy to serve all at once
  • Great for indoor or outdoor setups

Works in hot South Carolina weather

Craig’s Deli specializes in fresh, made-to-order cold sandwiches that stay delicious even when served to large groups.

Step 2: Pick Tournament-Friendly Menu Options

The key to feeding golfers is keeping the menu simple, familiar, and filling.

Craig’s Deli Tournament Favorites:

Cold Sandwich Platters

  • Turkey
  • Ham
  • Roast beef
  • Club sandwiches
  • Chicken salad

Boxed Lunches

  • Individual meals for quick distribution
  • Ideal for shotgun starts or staggered finishes

Homemade Sides

  • Potato salad
  • Pasta salad
  • Macaroni salad
  • Chips

Desserts

  • Cookies
  • Brownies
  • Sweet treats golfers appreciate after a long round

These options appeal to everyone — from serious players to casual charity participants.

Step 3: Decide Between Platters or Boxed Lunches

This is one of the most important tournament decisions.

Option A: Sandwich Platters

Best for:

  • Clubhouse lunches
  • Awards banquets
  • Casual post-round gatherings

Pros:

  • Easy setup
  • Flexible portions
  • Encourages socializing

Option B: Boxed Lunches

Best for:

  • Shotgun starts
  • Corporate outings
  • Charity scrambles
  • Fast turnarounds

Pros:

  • No lines
  • No confusion
  • Easy headcount
  • Perfect for large groups

Craig’s Deli can help you choose the best option based on your event size and schedule.

Step 4: Plan Portions the Smart Way

Running out of food is the fastest way to disappoint golfers.

A general tournament guideline:

  • 1 sandwich per golfer
  • 1–2 sides per person

Extra desserts always appreciated

Craig’s Deli has experience feeding golf groups and can recommend exact quantities based on:

  • Number of players
  • Event style
  • Time of day
  • Course logistics

That experience matters.

Step 5: Time the Delivery or Pickup Correctly

Golf tournaments run on tight schedules. Food should be ready right when the last groups finish — not too early, not too late.

Craig’s Deli works with organizers to:

  • Confirm tee times
  • Coordinate pickup or delivery windows
  • Ensure food arrives fresh and ready to serve

This removes guesswork and stress on tournament day.

Why Craig’s Deli Is Ideal for Santee Golf Tournaments

Tournament organizers choose Craig’s again and again for a few simple reasons.

✔ Consistency

Every golfer gets the same quality meal. No surprises.

✔ Speed

Large groups are fed quickly so awards and raffles stay on schedule.

✔ Portability

Food works indoors, outdoors, or on patios.

✔ Affordability

Great portions without blowing the event budget.

✔ Local Experience

Craig’s understands Santee courses, crowds, and logistics.

Perfect for All Types of Golf Events

Craig’s Deli caters lunches for:

  • Charity golf tournaments
  • Corporate outings
  • Church fundraisers
  • Company appreciation days
  • Club scrambles
  • Memorial and scholarship tournaments
  • League events

Whether it’s 24 players or 144, the approach stays simple and reliable.

Common Tournament Catering Mistakes (And How Craig’s Avoids Them)

❌ Complicated menus

✔ Craig’s keeps it simple and crowd-friendly

❌ Hot food sitting too long

✔ Cold options stay fresh and safe

❌ Long serving lines

✔ Platters or boxed lunches keep things moving

❌ Under-ordering food

✔ Craig’s helps plan realistic portions

❌ Poor timing

✔ Orders are coordinated around tee times

Sample Craig’s Deli Golf Tournament Lunch Setup

For a 72-player tournament:

  • Sandwich platters (turkey, ham, club)
    Pasta and potato salad
  • Chips
  • Dessert trays
  • Drinks (optional add-on)

Everything arrives labeled, organized, and ready to serve.

How to Order Golf Tournament Catering in Santee

Ordering is simple:

  1. Estimate player count
  2. Choose platters or boxed lunches
  3. Pick sides and desserts
  4. Submit your catering request
  5. Coordinate timing with Craig’s team

Craig’s will follow up to confirm details and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Make Your Tournament Memorable for the Right Reasons

Golf tournaments are about competition, camaraderie, and community — not logistical headaches.

With Craig’s Deli handling lunch, you get:

  • Happy golfers
  • Smooth scheduling
  • Zero food stress
  • A professional, local catering experience

That’s why tournament organizers across Santee trust Craig’s Deli year after year.

If you’re planning a golf tournament in Santee, do it Craig’s Deli style — simple, fresh, reliable, and done right.

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