Golf Tournament Ideas That Raise More Money: Auctions
As golf season moves into high gear, tournament organizers like you are likely exploring avenues to boost revenue from your golf fundraiser. This blog series continues to outline various tournament components, add-ons, and strategies to raise as much money as possible from your golf tournament. Check out the other posts in this series:
This installment will explore a popular addition to golf tournaments: auctions. Auctions are a common—and lucrative—complementary activity that can have great ROI for your nonprofit.
Why is an Auction a Good Choice for My Golf Tournament?
Auctions and golf tournaments go hand-in-hand. Not only does an auction add an exciting, interactive experience to your golf tournament, but it encourages attendees to participate and contribute generously. An auction is another opportunity to engage with area companies and businesses when you solicit auction item donations. And, of course, auctions have the potential to generate significant revenue for your tournament and organization.
What Types of Auctions Work Well at a Charity Golf Tournament?
The vast majority of golf tournaments incorporate a silent auction. In a silent auction, participants write their bids on a piece of paper, or, more commonly, using an online bidding platform to submit their bid. Silent auctions work well with golf tournaments because of their flexibility, and thanks to mobile bidding platforms, golfers can place bids from anywhere on the course.
Another option is a live auction. Live auctions utilize a professional auctioneer who leads the bidding process, encouraging competition amongst attendees. One item is auctioned off at a time, in front of the entire group. Live auctions are particularly effective for high-value items or experiences, but can be time-consuming at the end of a long day on the golf course.
Finally, you can choose an online auction. An online auction extends the auction beyond the golf tournament itself, reaching a larger audience and broader participation.
Link out to your auction right from your golf tournament website.
How do i add an auction to my golf event?
An auction can easily be added to your tournament at any time. Of course, the earlier you plan for an auction, the more time you’ll have to procure items, promote the auction, establish bidding processes, and finalize the details. What’s more, a well-organized auction ensures a positive overall experience and can even encourage higher bids.
Much like your golf tournament, using technology will help it run smoothly and save you time and hassle, so start by choosing an auction platform. The most important feature is a mobile-friendly interface so golfers can browse auction items during the round and place bids right from their phones. It’s also a good idea to enlist volunteers to help with auction setup, answer questions and assist folks with bids, and finalizing payment and item pickup at the auction’s conclusion.
Pro Tip:
Use your GolfStatus event website to promote your golf tournament’s auction, highlighting top-tier items and recognizing donors.
How can an auction boost my tournament’s revenue?
A combination of desirable items, low overhead costs, and a smooth experience can significantly increase your golf event’s overall revenue and further your nonprofit’s impact. Here’s what an auction can do:
Attract New Participants. An auction can draw a wider audience to your tournament, including those who may not be interested in golfing but want to support your cause another way. Spouses or guests of golfers or sponsors may be eager to attend an auction, but not the rest of the tournament.
High-End Items Encourage Higher Bids. Competitive bidding, especially in a live auction, can drive up the final sale price of items, leading to increased fundraising.
Donated Items Drive Costs Down. Seek as many donated items as possible to keep overhead costs low. Items purchased outright or on consignment come with a cost that eat away at your overall take from the auction. Engage your donor base, partners, vendors, and sponsors to solicit auction item donations.
Offers Multiple Income Streams. In addition to team registrations, sponsorships, contests, mulligan sales, and other add-ons, an auction provides yet another source of income for your tournament, diversifying your fundraising efforts.
Adds Excitement and Engagement. Auctions add more fun and excitement to your tournament, encouraging golfers, sponsors, and guests to stay longer—and spend more.
What Items Should I Offer in my Auction?
One key to a successful auction is offering items that are appealing, attractive, and valuable to your audience. Some popular auction items generally include:
Experiences. VIP tickets to sporting events, concert passes, exclusive golf packages, vacations or travel packages, dining experiences.
Memorabilia. Autographed sports gear, collectibles, pieces of art, branded merchandise, golf equipment.
Luxury Items. Designer goods, handmade jewelry, high-end electronics, gourmet food baskets, high-end spirits or wine baskets.
Local Business Services. Spa packages, local dining experiences, home improvement services, golf lessons, local boutique packages.
Hole #18 at Victoria National, part of the Dormie Network.
Pro Tip:
GolfStatus’ giving partners at Dormie Network Foundation offer in-kind donations that level up nonprofits’ fundraising efforts. Learn more and request consideration at dormienetworkfoundation.org.
What are some best practices for my golf event’s auction?
Start Planning Early. Begin organizing your auction well in advance of the event. Secure high-quality items and experiences that will appeal to your audience.
Set Clear Guidelines. Clearly outline the auction rules, including bidding increments, payment methods, and pick-up procedures, to avoid confusion and ensure a seamless process. Be sure to communicate these to your bidders before the auction begins.
Utilize Technology. Consider using online bidding platforms for silent or virtual auctions to streamline the process and reach a broader audience.
Leverage Sponsorships and Donated Items. Partner with local businesses for donated items or experiences, reducing costs and fostering community involvement. You’ll improve fundraising outcomes as a result!
Engage Attendees. Provide frequent updates and reminders about the auction during the tournament, highlighting selected items to keep attendees engaged.
Recruit Volunteers. Recruit the help of volunteers to assist with auction setup, bid tracking, and attendee support during the event.
Follow Up with Bidders. After the auction, promptly reach out to winning bidders to confirm payment and item delivery, and thank them for their support. Be sure to add them to the invite list for next year’s golf tournament.
Auctions by golfstatus
In addition to industry-leading software for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, GolfStatus offers an auction add-on. The GolfStatus in-house team will work closely with you to set the auction up on the platform and activate the “Auction” tab on your golf tournament website so you can start collecting bids alongside golfer and sponsor registrations. Curious about how GolfStatus can help save time, raise more money, and streamline your auction? Click below to get in touch with our team.