Bitten by the Gopher: A QR Code Experience

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Each summer, the Country Club of Buffalo hosts its most highly anticipated and well-attended event of the season, our annual Summer Bash. For Summer Bash 2025, the theme was inspired by the movie Caddyshack. We introduced an innovative use of QR codes as a playful, tech-forward way to engage members throughout the evening. Strategically placed QR codes were printed, framed, and displayed across the club with no explanation or instructions, intentionally sparking curiosity and encouraging organic discovery. Aligning with our Caddyshack theme, scanning the QR code launched a short, video featuring a gopher announcing, “You’ve been bit by the gopher, go to the caddy house for your rabies shot!” Members were then guided to a surprise pop-up “infirmary,” located at the Caddy House, where they received a themed jello shot filled syringe as their “rabies shot.”

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

The implementation of the QR code experience was intentionally subtle and intrigue-driven. By offering no immediate explanation, the codes became a conversation starter, prompting members to scan, share discoveries, and encourage others to participate. Once a few members uncovered the experience, excitement spread quickly through word of mouth, creating a sense of exclusivity and playful competition among guests to “find the infirmary.” Member reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The concept generated consistent buzz throughout the event, with members laughing, comparing experiences, and checking in to see who had or had not yet been “bitten by the gopher.” Many members specifically commented on how the QR experience added an unexpected layer of fun and made the event feel immersive and thoughtfully curated.