Posts in Why Golf
GolfStatus Celebrates Three Years of Monthly Educational Webinars
GolfStatus Celebrates Three Years of Monthly Educational Webinars
 

Free monthly webinars have reached 9,000 nonprofit professionals with golf fundraising knowledge, CEU credits, and actionable strategies since 2022

Lincoln, NE (September 5, 2025) - GolfStatus, the leading golf event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, is proud to celebrate three years of providing free educational webinars designed to help charitable organizations plan, promote, and execute successful golf events.

Since the first webinar in September 2022, nearly 9,000 nonprofit professionals, volunteers, event planners, and industry partners have received valuable insights into golf fundraising. The monthly sessions focus on practical strategies, proven best practices, and actionable ideas that help causes of all types and sizes make the most out of their events, whether they’re hosting their first golf tournament or growing an established outing.

“We started the webinar program with the goal of making golf fundraising knowledge accessible to any nonprofit or tournament planner, regardless of size or resources,” says Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer at GolfStatus. “Three years later, it’s incredible to see the impact: thousands of nonprofits using golf to raise money, engage supporters, and expand their missions.”

Webinars offered by GolfStatus are:

  • Free to attend, with no cost to register.

  • Accessible to all, with every registrant receiving the full session recording.

  • CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) approved for continuing education units for certification or recertification.

  • Available on-demand in GolfStatus’ online resource library.

The GolfStatus webinar series has featured tournament planners, fundraising and nonprofit industry experts, and golf professionals who share their experiences and advice on topics such as securing sponsorships, leveraging technology, engaging donors, boosting revenue, and creating memorable experiences for participants.

Register for upcoming sessions or watch recorded webinars at https://golfstatus.com/webinars.

For more information, contact Ashley Stahr at [email protected].

About GolfStatus

GolfStatus helps nonprofits leverage the giving power of golf to raise more dollars, engage supporters, and do more good. Its robust golf event management platform streamlines golf tournaments from start to finish to save time and enhance the overall event experience for golfers, sponsors, and golf facilities. GolfStatus combines powerful technology with practical golf fundraising resources and industry-leading support to make charity golf tournaments easy, approachable, and efficient for organizations of all types and sizes. Visit golfstatus.com.

 
 
Why GolfJennifer Wemhoffnonprofits, fundraising, golf fundraisers, community, event management, software, sponsorships, revenue
GolfStatus & Project Purple Release Impact Video Showcasing Powerful Mission Behind Annual Golf Tournament
GolfStatus & Project Purple Release Impact Video Showcasing Powerful Mission Behind Annual Golf Tournament
 

Lincoln, NE (August 27, 2025) - GolfStatus, the leading golf event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, is excited to announce the release of a new Drive Impact video, spotlighting the success and heart behind Project Purple’s Annual Charity Golf Classic for Pancreatic Cancer. The video captures the meaningful connections, community support, and dedication to the mission that have made the event a key fundraiser in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Now available on YouTube, the two-minute video offers a look at how Project Purple uses golf to drive awareness and raise critical funds for pancreatic research and patient support. It also highlights how GolfStatus’ event management technology has helped streamline the tournament’s logistics, simplify operations, and support the event’s growth over the past few years.

“When you start an event like a golf tournament, you don’t know how successful it will become. Our golf event has grown over the years,” says Dino Verelli, Founder and CEO at Project Purple. “We started off very small and thanks to our supporters and GolfStatus, it’s become a keystone event within our community.”

The video also features a highlight of the annual Golf Classic: Project Purple’s unique Hall of Fame ceremony, which honors and celebrates those who have battled pancreatic cancer.

“Project Purple’s tournament is a powerful example of how golf fundraisers connect communities to causes that matter,” says Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer at GolfStatus. “GolfStatus is proud to be a small part of their journey and help them drive impact year after year.

For the third year, Project Purple partnered with GolfStatus to power their golf fundraiser, leveraging GolfStatus’ golf event management software to streamline planning, offer new sponsorships, and drive revenue. As a nonprofit, Project Purple qualified for no-cost access to the platform through GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program.

Learn more about Project Purple: https://www.projectpurple.org/

Learn more about GolfStatus: https://golfstatus.com/

About GolfStatus

GolfStatus helps nonprofits leverage the giving power of golf to raise more dollars, engage supporters, and do more good. Its robust golf event management platform streamlines golf tournaments from start to finish to save time and enhance the overall event experience for golfers, sponsors, and golf facilities. GolfStatus combines powerful technology with practical golf fundraising resources and industry-leading support to make charity golf tournaments easy, approachable, and efficient for organizations of all types and sizes. Visit golfstatus.com.

About Project Purple

Project Purple is a non-profit organization empowering the fight against pancreatic cancer. The organization’s unwavering commitment is fueled by the pursuit of raising awareness, driving crucial research, and providing aid for patients who are battling this disease. Since Project Purple’s founding in 2010, it’s been leading the charge, pioneering advancements, and bringing hope to those affected by pancreatic cancer. Visit projectpurple.org.

 
 
Why GolfJennifer Wemhoffnonprofits, fundraising, golf fundraisers, community, event management, software, sponsorships, revenue
Play It Forward to Award $10k to a Nonprofit Using Golf to Do Good
Play It Forward to Award $10k to a Nonprofit Using Golf to Do Good
 

GolfStatus is proud to team up once again with Dormie Network and Dormie Network Foundation for Play It Forward 2025, a one-of-a-kind campaign celebrating the incredible impact of golf fundraisers and the organizations and passionate people behind them.

An image of a woman hitting a tee shot while a man watches.

Now in its fifth year, Play It Forward puts a well-deserved spotlight on the nonprofits and charitable organizations that use golf to fuel their missions, and you’re invited to be part of it.

From August 1 to September 30, you can nominate a charity golf tournament you love, whether you’re an organizer, participant, sponsor, volunteer, or supporter. One deserving golf fundraiser will receive a $10,000 donation, and the person who nominated it will score a Dormie Network Stay and Play package, good for a two-day, one-night golf getaway at one of its exclusive private destination clubs.

It’s a win-win for golf and for the thousands of golf tournaments hosted each year to raise mission-critical funds for nonprofits and charitable causes doing good. Eligible events can be hosted by a nonprofit or a third party that benefits a charity and include traditional 18-hole tournaments, TopGolf events, mini golf fundraisers, or anything in between.

“Play It Forward is about recognizing the everyday heroes who harness the game of golf to create real, lasting impact in their communities,” says Brian Schenk, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Dormie Network Foundation. “We’re honored to support the organizations doing this important work and to celebrate the tournaments that help make it possible.”

A hole and sand trap at a golf course.

Briggs Ranch in San Antonio, Texas is one of Dormie Network’s exclusive destination golf clubs.

THE IMPACT SO FAR

Since launching in 2021, Play It Forward has contributed $50,000 to organizations using golf to power positive impact and change:

 

Let’s Play It Forward Together!

Golf tournaments don’t just raise funds—they build communities, raise awareness, and inspire change. Play It Forward 2025 is your opportunity to help one of those tournaments make an even greater impact.

key dates

  • August 1, 2025: Nomination period opens

  • September 30, 2025: Nomination deadline

  • December 2, 2025 (Giving Tuesday): Winner announced

The winners will be announced in a press release and on GolfStatus’ and Dormie Network’s social media platforms, so be sure to follow along for updates.

GolfStatus: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube

Dormie Network: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube

Nominate a Golf Tournament!
 
 
Why GolfJennifer Wemhoffplay it forward, Dormie Network, Dormie Network Foundation, nonprofits, golf courses, social media
Putt Putt Fore Puppies Mini Golf Fundraiser Aims Even Bigger for Year 3
Putt Putt Fore Puppies Mini Golf Fundraiser Aims Even Bigger for Year 3
 

After two years of success, the Putt Putt Fore Puppies mini golf tournament is back for an even bigger and better year three! Planned by GolfStatus staff, Putt Putt Fore Puppies brings the community together to raise funds for Capital Humane Society (CHS), which cares for homeless pets in Lincoln, Nebraska, and helps them find their forever homes.

Registration is open and live for 2025!

📅 September 12, 2025

🕓 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. (registration opens at 3:30, shotgun start at 4:30)

📍Adventure Golf Center, Lincoln, Nebraska

Find out more
 

tournament recap

Here’s a quick rundown of what the tournament accomplished in its first two years:

Year 1: 2023

  • Golfers / Teams: 164 / 41 

  • Courses: 2 of 3

  • Sponsors: 21

  • Fundraising Goal: $3,000

  • Outcomes: $9,200 donated to CHS

    • $1,100 raised on tournament day

Year 2: 2024

  • Golfers / Teams: 216 / 54

  • Courses: 3 of 3

  • Sponsors: 31

  • Fundraising Goal: $12,000

  • Outcome: $15,000 donated to CHS

    • $5,500 raised on tournament day

what’s new for 2025

Based on feedback from last year’s participants, the planning team is implementing a few changes 2025 tournament. The scope and format of the tournament will remain the same, but we’re exploring the feasibility of adding an auction and have decided to remove the playoff from the event. Other notable changes:

  • New planning team. Planning team members include: Ashley Stahr, Director of Marketing; Payton Prall, Digital Media Manager; Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager; David Li, Graphic Designer; Dane Stahr, Product Designer; Ty Perkins, Account Manager; Paul Sanger, Account Manager; Alex White, Fundraising Specialist; Brenden Holling, Client Success Specialist; Jack Burmeister, Client Success Specialist; Cash Dinkel, Director of Client Success;

  • New sponsorships. Nature calls, so a Portapotty Sponsor was added, along with sponsorships for new pet-friendly player gifts to replace koozies.

  • New team packages. Two team packages are offered this year—an “all-in” package and a standard package. Both include t-shirts, dinner, new player gifts, a drink ticket, and a round of mini golf for each golfer, but the all-in package includes entry into on-course games and 12 raffle tickets.

  • New schedule. Additional time has been built into the schedule to accommodate the extra time required to complete the Backwoods Course and the raffle drawing.

  • Pet showcase. Pet owners can purchase a “sponsorship” to show off their beloved pets on the event website and signage at the tournament.

  • New t-shirts. T-shirts are included with each team package this year, as well as a standalone option. The adorable design features the pets from the Pet Showcase! Stay tuned for a preview on the event website.

Follow along on our tournament planning journey here and on Facebook and Instagram!

Thank you sponsors!

 
 

Presenting Sponsor

Doggie Bandana Sponsor

Tennis Ball Pet Toy Sponsor

Swag Sponsor

Trophy Sponsor

Hole Sponsors:

Signage Sponsor

 
 
 
 
Why GolfJennifer Wemhoffputt putt tournaments, mini golf, software, resources, sponsorships, sponsors, event website, raffles, add-ons, games, live scoring, online registration, hole assignments, waitlists, technology sponsorship, promotion, budgets, teams, planning committees
Putt Putt Fore Puppies is Back!
Putt Putt Fore Puppies is Back!
 
The event planning team poses in t-shirts from the tournament and a big check for Capital Humane Society.

Year two of Putt Putt Fore Puppies was a resounding success!

The GolfStatus and Dormie Network marketing teams had so much fun in the tournament’s first year—and learned so much—that we decided to do it all over again and crush our goals from 2023. Check out the 2023 planning blog to get the rundown on the mini golf tournament.

Putt Putt Fore Puppies raised money to support the pets looking for their forever homes at the Capital Humane Society here in Lincoln, Nebraska. See our journey here and on Facebook and Instagram!

Thank you tournament sponsors!

Sinclaire Hille Architects logo

Presenting Sponsor - Sinclair Hille Architects

Red Robin logo

Koozie Sponsor - Red Robin

Raising Canes logo

Swag Sponsor - Raising Canes

The Mercato and Certified Piedmontese logo

Certified Piedmontese - Dinner Sponsor

Unico Group logo

Golf Ball Sponsor - UNICO Group

Pinnacle Bank logo

Batting Cage Sponsor - Pinnacle Bank

Dormie Network logo

T-shirt Sponsor - Dormie Network

Belmont Veterinary Center logo

Grand Prize Sponsor - Belmont Veterinary Center

Firespring logo

Refreshment Station Sponsor - Firespring

Pillar Restaurant Group logo

Snack Sponsor - Pillar Restaurant Group

Regal Printing logo
 
Prairie Dental logo

Music Sponsor - Prairie Dental

 
 

Hole Sponsors:

Nicki Behmer Popp for Legislature logo
 

3rd quarter / Post-Tournament update

We did it! The second annual Putt Putt Fore Puppies was an even bigger success than last year. Our goal was to donate $12,000 to Capital Humane Society, and thanks to the generosity of our networks and the Lincoln community, the event raised over $15,000 to help care for homeless pets!

event day & post-tournament recap

The tournament sold out, with 54 teams on all three courses at Adventure Golf. We made some changes to the tournament’s set up, moving check in and add-ons closer to Adventure Golf’s entrance to clear up a bottleneck we saw in that area from last year. Things ran smoothly for the most part, though we may add another station for folks to purchase add-ons next year to keep things moving. Over $5,000 went through our GolfStatus event website on tournament day for purchase of all-in games, raffle tickets, t-shirts, and donations, along with nearly $500 in cash. Golfers browsed raffle prizes, visited sponsor booths, decorated pet bandanas, interacted with adoptable dogs from Capital Humane Society, and enjoyed dinner while waiting for the shotgun start.

Emails were sent to all participants prior to the event reminding them to check their hole assignments and encouraging them to download the GolfStatus app ahead of time. Most teams were ready to go with the app, but QR codes were posted at registration and on the clubhouse for folks to easily download the app if need be.

We adjusted the day’s schedule based on 2023, allowing additional time for the teams on the more difficult Backwoods course to finish (even though it wasn’t quite enough time!). Thankfully, live scoring helped our team finalize the results on each of the three courses in just a few minutes so we could move onto awards quickly.

Overall, the event was a resounding success and Capital Humane Society was overwhelmed by the response to the event and the amount the tournament was able to donate. The planning team met to debrief and have some ideas to make the event even better next year! We sent out a post-tournament survey and will use those suggestions to improve for 2025.


3rd quarter update

The third quarter was a race to sell sponsorship packages, promote the tournament, recruit teams, and handle the final details to ensure a successful event. As we experienced last year, the bulk of the team registrations came in during the month leading up to tournament day.

Having a larger planning team than last year paid dividends in sharing the load of sponsor outreach, tournament prep, and day-of event execution. We continued to meet monthly but increased the frequency to bi-weekly leading up to the tournament. GolfStatus’ downloadable Timeline and Checklist kept our planning and task on target.

We crossed these major planning tasks off the list in the third quarter:
  • ✓  Finalized details, logistics, and hole assignments for on-course games.
  • ✓  Discussed a plan for inclement weather (which we thankfully didn’t need!)
  • ✓  Promoted the tournament through email blasts, posts on local event calendars, hanging up flyers in businesses in the area, sending flyers home with local elementary school students, and word of mouth.
  • ✓  Sent an email to last year’s participants with a promo code for $5 off registration on National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day on April 30
  • ✓  Sold all but two sponsorships, both of which already had their hard costs covered. Each team member reached out to their networks to promote available sponsorships.
  • ✓  Placed vendor orders for signage, koozies, golf balls, pin flags, and t-shirts.
  • ✓  Worked with our client success rep to make hole assignments and sponsor hole assignments.
  • ✓  Sent emails to all participants via the GolfStatus messaging tool to encourage them to download the GolfStatus app, purchase add-ons, and review hole assignments.
  • ✓  Coordinated with Capital Humane Society to have adoptable dogs on site at the tournament.

2nd Quarter Update

Planning has continued moving along smoothly. Getting the event website up and running was much simpler this time around, since all we had to do was copy last year’s event and update the specifics. We decided to offer two team registration packages, one that included a t-shirt for each team member at a higher price point and one that didn’t.

Each committee member was responsible for developing one or more sponsorship packages, which were added to the newly launched event website. We ran a registration promotion as part of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30, offering a promo code for $5 off registration, which was sent to last year’s participants via GolfStatus’ email tool.

We did run into one major hiccup which necessitated a date change. The event was originally planned for Friday, September 20, but when the Big 10 conference released the 2024 football schedule, we discovered a home Nebraska Cornhuskers football game the same evening as the tournament. In football-crazed Lincoln, we didn’t think we could compete with the Huskers, so the tournament was moved a week earlier to September 13. We made sure all promotional materials (including the event website, flyers, social media graphics, and email blasts) were updated and that we communicated with the teams and sponsors who had already committed. Adventure Golf continues to be a great partner, working with us to seamlessly move the event date.

Perhaps best of all, after learning about the animals in need of homes, one of our planning committee members decided to adopt a cat from Capital Humane Society!

David and Quynh, his new cat from Capital Humane Society!

Here are the tasks we handled this quarter:

1st Quarter Update

We kicked off planning with committee meetings in February and March to review lessons learned and ideas from the post-tournament debrief and start brainstorming for 2024. The planning committee welcomed several new members, with newer GolfStatus Account Managers and Client Success Reps joining in on the fun. The team now numbers 13, which means more people to share the workload. The decision was made to move the tournament to September, for a couple reasons. One, we hit the jackpot with weather last year—75, sunny, and just a slight breeze. October weather in Nebraska is extremely unpredictable, with more stable conditions in September. Second, Capital Humane Society had no events scheduled for September, so Putt Putt could fill that gap.

Thus far, planning has been easier, as we have actual data and last year’s experiences to draw from. We have a better understanding of costs, revenue, attractive sponsor packages, and how many teams to shoot for. We also have processes and assets in place to use down the road. What’s more, we could simply copy our event in GolfStatus’ backend so there was no need to start from scratch. Stay tuned for the website launch!

Here are the tasks we handled this quarter:
  • ✓  Finalized the planning committee
  • ✓  Set dates for all remaining committee meetings
  • ✓  Set a fundraising goal
  • ✓  Reviewed pricing options for facility rental and team registration
  • ✓  Brainstormed sponsorship and package ideas
  • ✓  Brainstormed revenue enhancers
  • ✓  Locked it in with Adventure Golf (September 20!)
  • ✓  Confirmed the date with the Capital Humane Society team
  • ✓  Divided up sponsorships among committee members
  • ✓  Worked on updating the event website so it can launch in April
  • ✓  Updated the tournament’s budget spreadsheet
 
Why GolfJennifer Wemhoffputt putt tournaments, mini golf, software, resources, sponsorships, sponsors, event website, raffles, add-ons, games, live scoring, online registration, hole assignments, waitlists, technology sponsorship, promotion, budgets, teams, planning committees
GolfStatus & Dormie Network Are Playing It Forward—Again!
GolfStatus & Dormie Network Are Playing It Forward—Again!
 

GolfStatus is once again teaming up with its giving partners at Dormie Network and Dormie Network Foundation for the Play It Forward campaign to give back to organizations that are using golf for good.

Two smiling men bump fists on a golf course.

Now in its fourth year, the campaign is a unique opportunity to “play” it forward. Folks nominate a charity or nonprofit raising money through golf to receive a $10,000 donation to its golf tournament. The nominator of the winning golf event will receive a Dormie Network Stay and Play Package, good for a two-day, one-night stay at one of its private destination golf clubs.

“Play It Forward celebrates golf’s incredible capacity to do good through thousands of charity golf tournaments that raise mission-critical funds for organizations of all types and sizes,” says Brian Schenk, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Dormie Network Foundation. “This campaign demonstrates our companies’ collective, ongoing commitment to moving nonprofit causes forward.”

An aerial view of a golf course with tree-covered mountains in the background.

Ballyhack, one of Dormie Network’s exclusive destination golf clubs, is set against the Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke, Virginia.

Past Winners

Play It Forward has contributed $40,000 to four nonprofits since its inception in 2021:

  • Avery’s Hope is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that provides financial assistance to rare, ultra-rare, and undiagnosed pediatric GI patient families. A Top Golf fundraiser was chosen to be more inclusive for the patients and families the nonprofit serves.

  • Sisters Across America provides support and mentoring for young minority women pursuing professional golfing careers and teaching juniors to grow the game, raising money through two annual golf fundraisers. Make-A-Wish of Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley’s Pro-Am for Wishes raises money to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

  • Created by the parents of Cameron Steinberg, who passed away at just two months old from hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the Foundation raises money for research into congenital heart defects and resources for patients and families. Using golf as its primary fundraising vehicle, the Foundation has raised over $200,000 in four years.

 

The contest launches May 27 and nominations will be accepted through July 4. Winners will be announced via press release and on GolfStatus’ and Dormie Network’s social media channels by August 31.

Nominate a Golf Tournament!
 
 
Why GolfJennifer Wemhoffplay it forward, Dormie Network, Dormie Network Foundation, nonprofits, golf courses, social media
Plan a Golf Tournament With Us!
Plan a Golf Tournament With Us!
 

GolfStatus’ golf event management platform powers golf tournaments and events of all types and sizes—even mini golf tournaments.

Leaning on the tournament planning resources available in its online resources library and working closely with the in-house Client Success team, the GolfStatus marketing team planned a brand new mini golf tournament, using the tasks outlined in the golf tournament fundraiser timeline and checklist, to give back to our community and raise money for a local charity. The tournament raised over $9,200 for the Capital Humane Society in our hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska.

A big THANK YOU to our tournament sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Sponsors

Golf Ball Sponsor

Certified Piedmontese Logo

Dinner Sponsor

Vanity Fur Logo

Koozie Sponsor

Ross Eickhoff - StateFarm agent

Pin Flag Sponsor

402 Creamery Website Link

Batting Cage Sponsor

Allo Fiber Website Link

19th Hole Sponsor

Raising Canes Website Link

Swag Sponsor

Armature Website Link

Game Sponsor

 

hole sponsors

Post-event update

Lessons learned: The to-do list doesn’t stop once the tournament is done! Post-event follow up and engagement with attendees is super important for ensuring a great experience and building momentum for the next year’s event. Using GolfStatus’ messaging app was a simple way to reach out to everyone in one fell swoop to say thank you, provide a final update, and announce that Putt Putt Fore Puppies will be back again in 2024! Once all of the tournament accounting was reconciled, we were able to present Capital Humane Society with a check for $9,208.15 (which was THREE TIMES what we set for an initial fundraising goal).

We worked on these post-tournament tasks in the last month or so:
  • ✓  Sent a thank you to all attendees via GolfStatus’ platform
  • ✓  Sent handwritten thank you notes to sponsors
  • ✓  Provided hole signs to sponsors
  • ✓  Updated the event website
  • ✓  Reconciled final expenses and income and presented a check to Capital Humane Society
  • ✓  Debriefed with the planning committee
  • ✓  Renewed with GolfStatus for 2024!

OCTOBEr Update

We did it! And it was an amazing day. We hit the jackpot in terms of weather—low 80s, plentiful sunshine, and a slight breeze. Set up and check in both went smoothly. People were eager to buy the games package and raffle tickets through the event website, and we raised $1100 the day of the event just in add-on purchases! Best of all, we were able to make a big check presentation to Capital Humane Society for over $8000! We heard from so many golfers and sponsors about how much fun they had and how they hoped we would do it again.

Lessons learned:

  • As much as we tried to plan ahead so the week of the event wouldn’t be hectic, there were just some tasks that had to wait until close to the event, such as printing alpha lists and making hole assignments.

  • It’s a good idea to avoid mentioning a specific time for post-golf happenings, since the round might take longer than anticipated. We planned an hour for golf, but the round on the Backwoods course (which is significantly more difficult than the Blue course) took close to an hour and half. Those on the Blue course finished in just over an hour, and thankfully were content to mingle, enjoy dinner or a drink, hit the batting cages, and soak in the beautiful weather while waiting for the raffle drawing and awards presentation.

  • Having QR codes for folks to buy raffle tickets and the all-in games package made it super easy to do. We also had QR codes to download the GolfStatus app for live-scoring, since we didn’t use paper scorecards. Live-scoring was a big hit, and sponsors loved seeing their logo in the app.

  • Giving ourselves plenty of time for setup was helpful—we arrived at Adventure Golf about 12:30 so we weren’t pushed to get everything ready before registration opened at 3:30.

  • Running everything through the GolfStatus event website was so helpful in reconciling expenses. Some golfers preferred to pay via cash, but that added a level of complexity for accounting purposes.

  • Getting proofs for printed items is imperative to ensure there are no errors and all items are up to our high standards and make sponsors look good. We had some difficulties getting accurate proofs from a vendor, but our persistence paid off and everything turned out fine (though it did add some unnecessary stress).

  • We truly couldn’t have done without GolfStatus. From easy registration, instant sponsor exposure, premium sponsorships, and the hands-on help from the client success team, GolfStatus was a key part of our success.

We crossed these last-minute to-dos off of the list in the weeks and days leading up to the event:
  • ✓  Held bi-weekly meetings with the planning committee to discuss logistics
  • ✓  Re-opened registration for waitlisted teams
  • ✓  Created QR codes for golfers to purchase raffle tickets and all-in games and to download the GolfStatus app
  • ✓  Created a rules sheet outlining the format and rules for each of the on-course games
  • ✓  Assembled pin flags, hole signs, and golfer swag bags
  • ✓  Worked with our GolfStatus client success rep to make hole assignments
  • ✓  Confirmed and communicated volunteer assignments and committee roles
  • ✓  Finalized the event day schedule
  • ✓  Wrote talking points for the welcome
  • ✓  Pulled together registration table supplies and odds and ends
  • ✓  Communicated with sponsors and registrants to remind them of all-in games packages and raffle tickets

September Update

Lessons learned: Our tournament date is rapidly approaching and we’re in final prep mode. Our promotional push paid off, as we officially sold out the event! It was super exciting to see every sponsorship and team slot sold. As our GolfStatus client success rep had explained to us a few months ago, the majority of teams tend to register in the month or so leading up to the event, and that was the case here. We had a few additional teams inquire about registering after all the slots were filled, so we opened a waitlist. There are currently nine teams on our waitlist, so we’re figuring out a plan for potentially doubling up teams on some holes or even opening the third course at Adventure Golf. As we plan for all the final details and logistics, some of our sponsors have stepped up to provide things like tote bags and swag for player gift bags.

Here are the tasks we accomplished in September:
  • ✓  Sold out our teams!!!
  • ✓  Opened a waitlist for additional teams
  • ✓  Held our monthly tournament planning meeting and set bi-weekly meetings through the tournament date
  • ✓  Worked on recruiting volunteers to run games
  • ✓  Designed and ordered a bunch of items: sponsor banners, hole signs, pin flags, koozies, and golf balls
  • ✓  Checked with Adventure Golf on logistics like A/V equipment and tables
  • ✓  Tracked donated game and raffle prizes

AUGUST Update

Lessons learned: Our summer focus on sponsorships has paid off, as we are officially sold out of sponsor packages! We worked with a couple businesses who were interested in participating in the event to create custom sponsorships, based on their goals and capacities for being part of the tournament. We’re super excited about selling our presenting sponsorship to Sinclair Hille Architects! The presenting sponsorship included GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship. With less than two months to go until event day, we’re working on determining details for on-course games, soliciting in-kind donations for prizes, and most importantly, pushing team registrations. Our team has been posting flyers around Lincoln, reaching out to friends and family who have expressed interest, pushing out email promotions, and utilizing targeted ads and organic social media to get the word out. 

Here are the tasks we accomplished in August:

July Update

Lessons learned: The team focused on securing sponsorships over the past month, relying on personal and professional connections to reach out to businesses. We’ve heard from a couple of potential sponsors that their charitable or sponsorship dollars have already been allocated for the year, which has reinforced the advice to start sponsor outreach early! We’ve been using our new budget spreadsheet template to track revenue and expenses, which has been helpful to reference, and started outlining volunteer needs and the details of the extra games we’ll have on the course.

Here are the tasks we accomplished in July:

June Update

Lessons learned: While we were initially discouraged about the lack of team registrations thus far, we’ve discovered that folks are interested in playing in the event—they just don’t want to commit this far out from the tournament date. Our Client Success team assures us that most team registrations occur within 30 days of the event, and since our tournament isn’t until October 20, we’re still in good shape. That being said, we’re continuing promotion to keep the event on people’s radars and hopefully drive some early registrations and sell additional sponsorships.

Here are the tasks we accomplished in June:
  • ✓  Finalized a promotional flyer
  • ✓  Held a monthly committee meeting
  • ✓  Sold an additional sponsorship (thanks Vanity Fur)!
  • ✓  Determined on-course games
  • ✓  Added a registration package for on-course games to the event website
  • ✓  Continued to reach out to potential sponsors
  • ✓  Continued promotion on social media

May Update

Lessons learned: It was exciting to put on the finishing touches and launch our event website! GolfStatus’ platform made it easy to add graphics, customize verbiage, and set a donation goal. We also worked with Cash, our Client Success rep, to add watch emails so members of our planning team are notified whenever someone registers a team, makes a donation, or purchases a sponsorship. A custom form was added to each registration package to collect preferences on which golf course folks want to play (Adventure Golf has three courses, one of which is definitely more challenging!). We knew that the software was easy to navigate, but have now experienced it firsthand! Now we shift our focus to promoting the tournament and approaching potential sponsors.

Here's what we did in May:
  • ✓  Held our monthly planning committee meeting
  • ✓  Finalized and launched our event website.
  • ✓  Sold our first two sponsorships. (shoutout to 402 Title Services and Certified Piedmontese!)
  • ✓  Had our first team register.
  • ✓  Finalized team registration costs.
  • ✓  Sent our first promotional email.
  • ✓  Started working on a tournament flyer.

April Update

Lessons learned: Divvying up the labor has helped keep planning moving forward at a brisk pace. Monthly committee meetings have been a great checkpoint and opportunity to brainstorm and bounce ideas off of each other. Each planning committee member took ownership of a sponsorship package and determined costs, pricing, and benefits, and will also take point in selling the sponsorship.

At this point, we have two of the three courses booked at Adventure Golf, but are working to price sponsorships so they’re still profitable if we need to scale up to include all three courses (which would be a great problem to have!).

We crossed these items off the to-do list in April:
  • ✓  Field trip to Adventure Golf to scope out the courses’ layout and where we can place signage, registration, tables, etc.
  • ✓  Added imagery and custom text to the event website.
  • ✓  Finalized the tournament logo (and it’s super cute!).
  • ✓  Finalized sponsorship packages.
  • ✓  Finalized team registration costs.
  • ✓  Added details to the budget worksheet to track income and expenses.
  • ✓  Started fleshing out a promotion schedule to implement once the event website is launched.

March Update

Lessons learned: As a first-year event, we’re creating and documenting processes as we go. Without past years’ experiences to draw from, it’s necessary to make educated guesses on a number of components, like fixed costs, expected revenue, sponsor packages, or the number of participants. We also don’t know what we don’t know, but have found that GolfStatus’ online resources and our Client Success team are filling in the gaps. Cash, our dedicated rep, is essentially an extra planning committee member, sharing his experience and expertise.

The good news is that we’re ahead of the game with planning. Cash shared that most tournaments open up registration 60-90 days out from the event date, and we’re on track to open registration sooner than that timeframe, once we determine some details about format and further flesh out sponsorship packages. Our committee members, like most golf event organizers, are trying to balance planning tasks with our full-time jobs and lives.

Here are the tasks we tackled in March:
  • ✓  Finalized a date and locked it in with Adventure Golf (October 20!)
  • ✓  Divided up sponsorships among committee members
  • ✓  Received an education session from our GolfStatus Customer Success rep
  • ✓  Worked on a draft of our event website
  • ✓  Submitted fundraiser information to name Capital Humane Society as a beneficiary
  • ✓  Started working on the tournament logo
  • ✓  Started brainstorming promotion ideas
  • ✓  Created a budget tracking spreadsheet
  • ✓  Started creating a budget
  • ✓  Practiced our putting skills (we do this a lot)

February Update

Lessons learned: Even with a mini golf tournament, there are a lot of moving parts and important things to consider, but the checklist has kept us on task. We’re finding a lot of fun possibilities for a mini golf tournament in terms of add-ons, sponsorship options, and games. After discussions with the planning committee, the original tentative event date needed to be reconsidered due to a conflicting event—which is why it was important to loop the entire team in to help consider decisions from all angles.

Here’s what we accomplished in February:
  • ✓  Finalized the planning committee
  • ✓  Set dates for all remaining committee meetings
  • ✓  Reviewed pricing options for facility rental
  • ✓  Revisited potential event date options
  • ✓  Brainstormed sponsorship and package ideas
  • ✓  Determined a tournament name (Putt Putt for Puppies)
  • ✓  Narrowed down a list of local animal-related beneficiaries
  • ✓  Reviewed several GolfStatus client mini golf events and websites
  • ✓  Started creating a budget
  • ✓  Practiced our putting skills (again)

January Update

Here’s what we did in January:
  • ✓  Set a tentative event date in October 2023
  • ✓  Checked local event calendars for conflicts
  • ✓  Met with the golf facility (Adventure Golf Center in Lincoln, Nebraska)
  • ✓  Received a GolfStatus demo
  • ✓  Brainstormed event ideas with the planning team and our GolfStatus Account Manager
  • ✓  Practiced our putting skills
 
Why GolfJennifer Wemhoffputt putt tournaments, mini golf, software, resources, sponsorships, sponsors, event website, raffles, add-ons, games, live scoring, online registration, hole assignments, waitlists, technology sponsorship, promotion, budgets, teams, planning committees
GolfStatus’ Veterans Are Making a Difference Through Golf
GolfStatus’ Veterans Are Making a Difference Through Golf
 
A collage of military service photos and the American flag

GolfStatus is incredibly proud to work with golf tournaments and organizations that serve our country’s veterans. These extraordinary men and women have served with honor, bravery, and resilience. On this Veterans Day, GolfStatus thanks all those who have worn the uniform of our armed forces for their heroic sacrifices, and recognizes the service of two of our own, Account Manager Ken Boatman and Client Success Director Cash Dinkel.

Ken Boatman joined the U.S. Army in November of 1985, looking for a sense of purpose and structure in his life and seeking to take advantage of the Army’s educational benefits. He was commissioned as an officer in 1988 and was hired full-time with the Nebraska Army National Guard in 2000.

He vividly remembers the events of September 11, 2001. After watching in horror on television as the planes hit the Twin Towers, Ken recalls everyone at the Nebraska Army National Guard headquarters springing into action—locking down buildings, closing the gates, and checking in with armories around the state that were in their command. “We knew our lives in the military were going to change after that, and it most certainly did.” Less than a month later, Ken says his team was prepping units from the Nebraska Army National Guard to deploy.

Two men in military uniforms pose next to a building in Afghanistan

Ken Boatman during his tour in Afghanistan

 

Ken served one tour in Afghanistan for 10 months, with two months of pre-deployment training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He recalls being part of a four-vehicle convoy traveling from Kabul through the dangerous town of Pole-e Alam his second week in country, when the convoy came under gunfire. “That was the scariest time in my military service,” he says. “Luckily no one on our team was hit, but I thought to myself, ‘this is going to be a long nine months.’” He later served a nine-month deployment at Guantanamo Bay in 2017.

Throughout his military service, Ken was an Infantry, Armor, and Logistics officer, achieving the rank of Major. He retired in June 2018 with over 32 years of service, with 23 years of full-time service. He came to GolfStatus in 2021.

Cash Dinkel served in the Nebraska Army National Guard from 2012 through 2020. With a young daughter and family to provide for, the value of military service and its educational and long-term veterans benefits were appealing to Cash, so he enlisted. After basic training, Cash was able to go to school full-time while serving in the National Guard.

Cash Dinkel, Nebraska Army National Guard

 

Cash was an 88M - Motor Transport Operator as part of the Army’s transportation logistics team, where he helped safely transport cargo, troops, and provide advanced mobility. Over his eight years in the Guard, he earned a Sharpshooter Badge along with the Army Badge for Physical Fitness. Cash was also awarded an Army Service Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal.

Though he was never deployed, Cash was part of preparing teams for deployment and trained for a variety of possible missions. “Getting trained on how to shoot the MK 19 grenade launcher was really cool,” Cash says. “It’s a piece of equipment that supports troops in a variety of ways, so we were ready to go if ever called into action.”

During his time in the National Guard, Cash earned a PGA Golf Management degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and worked at several golf courses before coming to GolfStatus after he was discharged in 2020.

veterans’ organizations

GolfStatus is proud to work with these, and many other organizations, as they help veterans and their families in a variety of ways, including taking care of their mental and physical health, building bonds with other veterans with shared experiences, and navigating the complexities of post-military life. Learn more about how these organizations are serving those who served our country:

You can find a charity golf tournament powered by GolfStatus in your area that benefits veterans' causes. Browse events by date, location, and register today!

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Why GolfJennifer Wemhoffveterans, charity golf tournaments
GolfStatus Announces Avery’s Hope As 2023 Play It Forward Winner
GolfStatus Announces Avery’s Hope As 2023 Play It Forward Winner
 

Avery’s Hope, an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that provides financial assistance to rare, ultra rare, and undiagnosed pediatric GI patient families, has been selected as the winner of the 2023 Play It Forward giveaway.

The Play It Forward campaign was held in collaboration with GolfStatus’ giving partners at Dormie Network and Dormie Network Foundation and celebrates organizations using golf to do good. Entrants were asked to nominate a golf tournament fundraiser to receive a $10,000 donation and were entered to win a one-year Dormie Network membership plus $10,000 to spend at the Network’s exclusive golf clubs.

Avery’s Hope’s inaugural TopGolf fundraiser was held June 25, and highlights the inclusive approach of the organization’s support of families with pediatric GI illnesses. Co-founder and executive director, Caryl Harris, says, “This year we hosted at TopGolf to be more inclusive for patient families, children, and those who don’t golf. By doing so, this event attracted a number of families who wouldn’t be able to afford or otherwise support a traditional golf outing.”

A young boy wearing a red sweatshirt named Avery, who is the namesake of Avery's Hope.

Avery’s Hope is named in honor and celebration of the founders’ grandson, Avery Harris, who was born with microvillus inclusion disease. The rare, genetically-inherited disease is characterized by an inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients. Avery’s grandparents realized how many other kids and their families were suffering, not only with their child’s illness but with the financial burdens, and wanted to make a difference.

Avery’s Hope has formed partnerships with major national institutions specializing in rare pediatric GI care, including five major children’s hospitals, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, and Patients Rising Now Helpline. The group focuses on alleviating the financial burdens of out-of-pocket and insurance-denied expenses faced by families, which often delay treatment and diminish quality of life.

The $10,000 donation will immediately be put towards supporting families. “Patient assistance organizations don’t always receive the same amount of financial support as those who raise money for research. Avery’s Hope has chosen to help with the immediate needs of families,” says Caryl.

Almost 600 organizations and golf fundraisers were nominated for this year’s giveaway, and two other finalists also received a donated Dormie Network membership to be used for fundraising opportunities: Coventry Reserve and Hope Strengthens Foundation.

Ready to golf for good?

GolfStatus helps streamline and simplify golf tournaments to help organizations save time and raise more money. Through the Golf for Good program, 501(c) organizations and those holding golf events to benefit a charity can qualify for no-cost access to GolfStatus—including an event website, online registration, live scoring, and much more. Click the button below to find out more and get qualified!

 
Get qualified
 
 
Why GolfGuest Userplay it forward, Dormie Network Foundation, Dormie Network, golf simulators, inclusivity