Maybe you recently decided a charity golf tournament would be a great option to raise money for your organization or a nonprofit you love. Or perhaps your nonprofit held a spring golf event that was rained out or was so successful you want to add a second event this fall.

Either way, you may be asking yourself: Is it too late in the year to plan a golf event? Absolutely not! With the right tools in place, a successful, lucrative golf fundraiser can be planned in just a few months. Here’s why now is a great time to plan a fall golf event and how to get started.

Fall is a fantastic time to hold a golf fundraiser for your organization or a cause you care about!

Tech Makes Prep & Planning Simple & Efficient

The right tech is key to quick-paced planning. An event management platform built just for golf lets you automate planning tasks and keeps everything organized so you can successfully plan a golf event with less lead time. Opt for a web-based software solution that keeps everything in one accessible place, making it easy to collaborate with your team and the golf facility staff. You’ll also want baked-in tools to handle golf-specific details, like hole assignments, scoring, handicaps, team pairings, and more.

With tech built specifically for golf events, you’ll avoid clunky workarounds for your CRM or standard ticketing software and the need to track down and manage siloed information so you can focus on attracting players and selling sponsorships.

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PRO TIP:

Share access to your event management tech with your planning team and the golf facility so everyone is working with the same up-to-date information.

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You Can Start Promoting THE Event Right Away

An event website is the promotional hub for your golf tournament. And since a website for your golf fundraiser can be built and launched in a matter of days, you can start promoting it right away!

An event website makes tournament promotion as simple as sharing a direct link to the site where golfers can register a team, buy add-ons, or make a donation, and sponsors can commit to your event as soon as they hear about it. Plus, moving promotion online means you can skip the time-consuming process of creating registration materials and processes, collecting addresses, mailing flyers, and waiting for people to call, email, or mail in their information. So not only does a website save you time, but you’ll also save hundreds of dollars in printing and postage costs.

With an event website, you can start promoting your fall golf tournament right away by sharing the link with potential golfers and sponsor.

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PRO TIP:

Share the link on all your organization’s digital channels and ask your planning team, board members, volunteers, and supporters to do the same.

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SAVE TONS OF TIME WITH AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS 

Your event website should have online registration and secure payment processing built in. Online registration is truly a game-changer for busy event organizers, automating manual processes to save a ton of time. It eliminates the need for multiple platforms and spreadsheets, processing paper forms, manually sending receipts, cashing checks, and chasing down payments on the day of the tournament.

Instead, when someone registers or purchases a sponsorship, all pertinent information is collected and accessible in the software’s backend, and they automatically receive a payment receipt and registration confirmation. When it comes time to manage hole assignments, team pairings, handicaps, and other unique details of a golf event, each golfer’s information is right in the software, so there’s no need to bounce between platforms or worry about working with out-of-date information.

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PRO TIP:

Offer a variety of price points for sponsor packages to attract the support of businesses of all sizes and budgets.

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Fall is Great for Golf

Fall is an excellent time for golf events, with favorable weather, appealing course conditions, and lower, off-peak season facility costs. It’s a good idea to keep the shorter days that fall brings in mind when setting the tournament’s schedule, but that can easily be addressed by a shotgun start, a shorter nine-hole event, or even a putt putt tournament to maximize playable hours. If you’re located in a warm-weather location, you have even more of the year to work with and can even get a tournament on the books for November or December.

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Pro Tip:

The staff at the host golf facility can help you determine the optimal start time for your fall golf event.

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Fall can bring great course conditions, nice weather, and lower facility costs for a charity golf tournament.

a fast start is possible

Since you have a condensed planning timeline, you’ll want to get off to a fast start with planning to pick up some momentum. Here’s how and when to start:

in the next week:

• Connect with GolfStatus

• Form a planning team

• Look at potential tournament dates

in the next two weeks:

• Set a fundraising goal

• Reach out to potential host golf facilities

• Get a handle on revenue and expenses

in the next three weeks:

• Finalize a date and sign a contract with the golf facility

• Set team pricing

• Build sponsorship packages and determine pricing

• Launch your event website

in the next few months:

• Market the tournament

• Reach out to potential sponsors

• Build in revenue enhancers

• Stay organized

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

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Free Golf Tournament Fundraiser Checklist & Planning Timeline

Get a comprehensive checklist and detailed tournament planning timeline to keep you on task and on target.

Get the Guide

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resources are available to help

Don’t worry—tournament planning resources are available to get you off on the right foot and stay on track, even if you don’t know a thing about golf. Sample timelines, planning checklists, sponsorship packages, templates, and more can help take the guesswork out of planning, especially on a shorter timeline. When choosing an event management platform, be sure it’s supported by a knowledgeable, responsive client success team that knows the ins and outs of golf events and can respond to questions and resolve issues seven days a week.

The right tech—at no upfront cost!

GolfStatus’ golf event management tech is specifically designed to make golf tournament fundraisers easier than ever to plan, market, and execute. Our in-house client success team is made up of golf fundraising experts, Fundraising Specialists, and PGA Professionals, there to guide you every step of the way, from building your event website and creating sponsor packages to helping you select a tournament format and working with the golf facility. Nonprofits can qualify to use GofStatus’ tech—including a free event website and online registration—at no upfront cost. Click below to book a meeting to get started!

Use GolfStatus at No Upfront Cost

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by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Volunteers are a critical part of a successful charity golf tournament. Whether they’re helping with check-in, running contests, or handing out swag bags, volunteers keep things moving and help make it all possible. The must-dos to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved? Planning ahead, staying organized, and showing your appreciation.

Here are seven tips to keep your volunteers happy, engaged, and ready to go on tournament day.

Effectively managing your golf tournament’s volunteers is key to its success.

1. START WITH A SOLID PLAN

The more prepared you are leading up to your golf tournament, the better your volunteer team will perform. Make sure you address these key areas:

• Define roles and responsibilities. Outline every volunteer role in detail, including specific duties, time commitments, and any skills required (like comfort with a tablet or event management software). Clear instructions and checklists help prevent confusion and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Determine how volunteers will sign up. Linking out to your chosen sign-up on your event website is an easy way for volunteers to get involved with your event.

• Create a schedule with shifts. Charity tournaments can last four to six hours, not counting setup and teardown. Offering shorter shifts makes it easier for volunteers to commit and ensures you have coverage from start to finish.

• Assign lead volunteers. Designate a point person for critical areas like registration, food and beverage, or on-course games. These leads can help answer questions and solve small issues, so you’re free to focus on the big picture.

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Pro tip:

Ask volunteers to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of their shift start time to get settled and receive any last-minute instructions.

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2. MAKE VOLUNTEER ONBOARDING A PRIORITY

A smooth onboarding experience builds confidence and helps volunteers feel connected to your mission. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming—just thoughtful.

Here’s how to do it:

• Collect information up front. When volunteers sign up, ask for contact info, availability, preferences, and any relevant skills. Let them pick roles or shifts that work for them.

• Host a kickoff meeting. Use this time to:

  • Share your organization’s mission and how volunteers are making a difference

  • Walk through the tournament schedule

  • Answer questions and build excitement

• Provide training materials. This could include:

  • Written step-by-step guides

  • Live or recorded demos for tasks like using software or managing contests

  • A quick overview of golf basics and etiquette

• Set expectations. Be clear about shift times, dress code, responsibilities, and who to contact with questions.

• Create a communication plan. Use email, group text, or a volunteer app to share reminders, updates, and check-ins before and during the event.

• Make it fun. Share wins from previous tournaments, encourage camaraderie, and build a sense of community. People are more likely to come back next year if they have a great time.
  

Provide volunteers with the training they need to take on their assignments with confidence.

3. Delegate with confidence

Trying to do it all yourself? That’s a fast track to burnout. Instead, strategically delegate tasks among your volunteers who are willing and able to help. When someone inevitably asks, “How can I help?” have a task or two ready to assign. Trust your volunteers to step up—remember, they signed on to help, so have the confidence that they’ll follow through on what needs to be done.

4. Keep systems organized

Whether you’re using a spreadsheet, Google Form, or a dedicated volunteer management tool, keep your systems tidy and accessible. Share access with your planning team and make sure everyone’s on the same page about who’s doing what, and when. You should also share access to your golf event management tool with key volunteers so they have access to up-to-date golfer, team, and sponsor information.

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free guide

This a-to-z guide outlines effective volunteer strategies for nonprofit golf fundraisers. Get ideas and tools to help leverage volunteer time, energy, and enthusiasm to execute a flawless golf event.

Get the Guide

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5. Communicate early & often

Once a volunteer signs up, send a confirmation email so they know what to expect. Then, provide all the details they’ll need ahead of the tournament:

• What to wear (and when/where to pick up any branded gear)

• When to arrive and where to park

• Where to check in and who to check in with

• What their assignment is, where they’ll be stationed, and what materials they’ll need

• Where and when they can grab food or drinks

• Shift start and end times

• Who to contact if they have questions or issues

Holding a volunteer meeting? In-person is great for camaraderie, but virtual briefings or even recorded videos are good alternatives for busy schedules.

6. Build in flexibility

Even the best-laid plans can go sideways. You might want to have a few “floater” volunteers on standby to fill in if someone cancels last-minute or if another area needs some extra help. Think through your backup plan in advance so you’re not scrambling on tournament day to cover assignments.

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Pro Tip:

Make sure your lead volunteers have been connected with the golf facility staff so they know who to go to if there are issues or questions on event day.

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Having a lead volunteer for things like golfer check-in frees tournament organizers up to engage with and thank golfers and sponsors.

7. Show appreciation

Remember, volunteers are giving their time and energy to support your cause, so show them some love.

• Provide meals, snacks, drinks, and a thank-you gift or token of appreciation.

• Recognize them during your awards or welcome remarks.

• Assign a planning team member to check in with volunteers throughout the day to see how they’re doing and offer support.

• Personally thank them during the tournament and send a handwritten thank you after the event.
  

Volunteers = A better tournament experience

Your volunteers, and how you manage them, can make or break your tournament day. Investing time in planning, onboarding, and communication will pay off in a smoother event and a group of happy volunteers who are excited to support your cause again.

Keep Your Tournament Running Smoothly With the Right Tech

The right event management tech can help your tournament run smoothly from planning, execution, and follow-up. GolfStatus’ golf tournament software is built to save organizers a ton of time and help raise even more money to support your mission. With time-saving automations, revenue-boosting sponsorships and add-ons, and access to a responsive support team seven days a week, GolfStatus helps you hold your best golf tournament yet. Best of all—nonprofits can get started at no upfront cost. Click below to book a meeting with one of our golf fundraising specialists to get started.

Book a Meeting With GolfStatus to Start Planning!

GolfStatus’ on-staff PGA Professionals—Cash Dinkel, PGA; Jason Meininger, PGA; and Paul Murcek, PGA—have years of experience running golf tournaments from the facility point of view, in addition to working with nonprofits to plan and execute golf fundraisers. Their insights have been shared in our PGA Q&A blog series. This installment touches on how to narrow down and choose a tournament date and how to integrate live scoring into your event.

Cash Dinkel, PGA

Jason Meininger, PGA

Paul Murcek, PGA

Q: What’s the best way to negotiate a good price with the golf facility?

Paul Murcek: In my experience, most facilities don’t do any kind of negotiating on price. If you are able to get them to negotiate at all, that’s a win for your nonprofit, in my opinion.

Cash Dinkel: Since the pandemic, golf has exploded in popularity, with the number of rounds played annually setting records. Because golf facilities can fill their tee sheets with normal play, they may be less likely to give discounted prices to events. That being said, look at ways to bundle offerings from the facility to get a better price. For example, if you're getting food and beverage, player gifts, or anything else extra from the facility, it’s worth asking if you can bundle that into player pricing to see if you can get a better rate.

Jason Meininger: This can be difficult, as most courses have a set price they charge for outside outings like charity golf tournaments. And with the popularity of golf right now, it’s unlikely they will be willing to come down on price. My best advice would be to see if the course has a slow day during the week that’s typically not filled with an event, and see if they are willing to negotiate on price just to fill the tee sheet for that day.

If you’re using the golf facility for food and beverage, player gifts, or any other extras, you might be able to negotiate a better rate.

Q: What are some factors I should consider when choosing a date for my golf fundraiser?

Jason Meininger: First, check with the course on their availability. Spring and fall event dates may be more readily available—and can be the best options weather-wise to have a tournament.

Paul Murcek: Reach out to the golf facilities at least six or so months before your event date to get the best availability. Keep weather in mind—the best weather months for a majority of the country are June and September. Another thing to keep in mind is that these months generally have the most tournaments, so there could be added competition for golfers and sponsors.

Cash Dinkel: I’d say these are the biggest aspects to consider when picking a tournament date:

• Other local events: Check local event calendars to make sure you aren’t hosting your tournament on the same day as other large community events.

• Pricing: Pricing will be higher in the summer months and on weekends.

• Weather: Shoulder season (spring and fall) may be less expensive, but the weather can be unpredictable.

• Other organization events: If your organization hosts other fundraising events, make sure there’s adequate time between them to avoid donor fatigue.
  

Q: In your experience and opinion, what’s the best day of the week for a charity golf tournament?

Cash Dinkel: Friday. You may or may not get charged weekend pricing, but a lot of golfers are willing to take a Friday off and make it a three-day weekend, and you’re likely going to see higher participation. Monday is also a great day, but without the chance of weekend pricing and the same benefits as a Friday tournament for a three-day weekend.

Jason Meininger: If you can find a course with availability, I’d say a Friday afternoon or Saturday.

Paul Murcek: I agree with Cash on Mondays or Fridays and giving your golfers the opportunity to have a three-day weekend. That being said, Friday can be considered a weekend day and will cost more. If you are booking a tournament at a private golf facility, likely the only day available is a Monday.

Shoulder season—spring and fall—can be a great option for your charity golf tournament.

Q: How do I determine the tournament’s schedule?

Cash Dinkel: The golf facility can help you pick the ideal starting time and slot out the schedule. In the hot summer months, morning starts are ideal. During shoulder season (spring and fall), later starts help ensure the warmest temps for play. Once you have determined a starting time, you can build out the schedule for the day. I recommend allowing two hours for check-in, registration, and warm-up. Most facilities will allow volunteers to arrive two hours early to set up. Some golfers like to arrive early to give themselves extra time to warm up, mingle, or check out auction items or raffle prizes. It’s a good idea to schedule announcements for 15-20 minutes before the start time. Post-event timing depends on when the round finishes—most likely four-and-a-half to five hours to play the round. Any meal and awards can take place after golf concludes.

Jason Meininger: Definitely speak to the golf staff to see what the options are. Most likely, they will offer an early morning or early afternoon shotgun start. You can guesstimate that the round will take around 5 hours, so plan your meals and post-golf festivities accordingly.

Use your event website to share the tournament’s schedule with participants, as well as information about live scoring.

Q: I want to live score my tournament. How do I make sure my golfers participate in live scoring?

Jason Meininger: One way is to tell golfers that their team’s score will not count unless they use live scoring, or you could offer a separate, valuable prize to one of the teams that live scores.

Cash Dinkel: Overcommunicate to the field leading up to the event about scoring. Send multiple emails to registrants giving them instructions on what app to download and how to use the app to score. It’s a good idea to encourage them to download the app ahead of time, if possible. Also, make sure information about live scoring is communicated to players as they check in for the tournament and during announcements right before the start.

Paul Murcek: I say make it mandatory! Tell golfers that you won’t be accepting paper scorecards, and if they don’t live score with the mobile scoring app you choose, they aren’t eligible for prizes.

Communicate information about live scoring to golfers ahead of the tournament, including where to download the app, how to use it to submit scores, and where to find a team’s live scoring code.

Q: My host golf facility has its own live scoring software, but we’ve sold a leaderboard sponsorship, so I want to use GolfStatus’ mobile scoring. What should I do?

Jason Meininger: Simply have a discussion with the golf course and explain the situation. More than likely they’ll be willing to work with you in one way or another, either using your chosen platform or finding a way to add the promised logo placement to their system’s leaderboard.

Paul Murcek: Remember, you are the customer at the golf facility, so they should be willing to do what they can to accommodate. As long as it is not in the contract that you must use the facility’s software, then it shouldn’t be an issue. In the rare instance that you’re forced to use the golf course’s software, make sure they are aware of what you need to have done to meet what has been promised to your sponsors.

Cash Dinkel: This is something that should be communicated to the golf staff right away. As soon as you decide to live score your tournament, connect the golf course staff with the app and platform’s staff to ensure golf staff understands the tools they have at their disposal on event day. Stress to golf staff that you’ve sold sponsorship recognition through live scoring. If the facility is truly interested in helping you put on the best possible event, they will accommodate. If they aren’t willing to use the live scoring system, make sure they know they MUST add logos to the materials that you’ve promised your sponsor.

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Ask the Pros!

If you have a question for GolfStatus’ PGA Professionals, email it to [email protected] with “PGA Pro Question” in the subject line!

GolfStatus’ in-house golf fundraising experts, including Fundraising Specialists and PGA Professionals, are here to help your tournament raise as much money as possible for your cause. They’ll help you use GolfStatus’ software to drive revenue and save you and your team time, and offer suggestions and best practices to make your tournament a success. Get started with GolfStatus—with a free event website, revenue enhancers, golf event-specific tools, and much more—all at no upfront cost. Click below to book a meeting with our team to get started!

The Arizona Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention uses a glow golf theme to offer an immersive experience for participants.

Planning a charity golf tournament for your nonprofit? Adding a fun, creative theme to the event could be the key to drawing a bigger field, impressing your sponsors, and leaving attendees eager to return year after year. Themed golf tournaments are a unique way to tell your nonprofit’s story that engages your audience—and can even boost fundraising efforts. This guide will explore why and how to add a tournament theme, plus more than 30 theme ideas for your next golf event.

Benefits of a Themed Charity Golf Tournament

A theme adds color, creativity, and connection to your golf event. What’s more, it can help your tournament stand out in a crowded fundraising calendar and keep your mission at the forefront of everyone's mind. Here are just a few benefits:

• Increased buzz around the event. A theme can grab people’s attention and interest and drive more people to participate in the event or make a donation to it.

• Appealing to sponsors. Themed tournaments can make sponsorship and branding opportunities even more visible and engaging to golfers and more appealing to sponsors.

• Stronger marketing. A theme helps you focus your messaging and unify the tournament’s marketing materials and campaigns.

• Memorable experiences. A unique theme keeps people talking about the tournament long after it is over—and coming back in future years.

• Attract new participants. Themes may draw in participants who wouldn’t otherwise think to participate in a golf tournament.

• Mission alignment. A theme can creatively highlight your organization’s cause and present it in a new light that draws in new supporters.
  

Tips for Integrating a Golf Tournament Theme

Adding a theme to your golf tournament fundraiser doesn’t have to be complicated. With some thoughtful planning, a theme can enhance every aspect of your tournament experience. Here’s how to incorporate a theme:

• Choose a relevant theme. Pick a theme concept that connects your mission and audience. For example, if your nonprofit supports school reading programs, your theme could focus on well-known children’s books or authors. Fold the theme into the tournament’s name if possible and appropriate.

• Highlight the theme in your marketing. Use the theme to guide your marketing messaging, visuals, and promotional materials. This is an opportunity to have a lot of fun with tournament logos and graphics, flyers, email campaigns, and social media content that reflects your chosen theme.

• Infuse the theme into the tournament. From decor to on-course games to attire, look for ways to bring the theme to life throughout the tournament. Choose a beach theme? Equip staff and volunteers with leis and floral shirts and run an on-course game that incorporates beach balls. Go with a glow golf tournament? Include glow necklaces and bracelets in player gift bags.

• Use digital tools. Digital event management tools help make the branding more immersive. Customize your tournament’s event website to match your theme, boosting excitement and helping your branding shine.

Leverage your golf event website to promote the tournament theme and help golfers understand what to expect.

30+ Charity Golf Tournament Themes

Themed Golf Tournament Success Stories

Going all-in on a tournament’s theme creates an unforgettable experience for golfers, sponsors, and guests. These tournaments, powered by GolfStatus, saw success by leaning into their tournament’s theming:

• Glow Golf Tournament: The Arizona Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosted a nighttime event that incorporated glow-in-the-dark balls, a cart decorating contest, illuminated pin flags and sponsor signs, and more glowing fun for a unique experience.

• Project Purple Charity Golf Classic: This inspiring tournament raises funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer, themed with purple ribbons, attire, and accents throughout the event.

• Habitat FORE! Humanity: Raising money for home-building projects in the Columbus, Nebraska area, this tournament folds building tools into the event, from a putting contest using sledgehammers and levels to teeing off wearing work gloves and more.

• Putt Putt Fore Puppies. This puppy-friendly mini golf tournament includes animal-themed branding, apparel, player gifts, sponsor signs featuring shelter pets, and visits from adoptable animals.
  

Family-Friendly Golf Tournament Themes

These theme ideas engage younger supporters and can make your event more inclusive of all ages.

• Family Golf Day. Families play together as a team.

• Superheroes Assemble. Teams come dressed as their favorite superhero and participate in superhero-themed on-course games.

• Princess and Heroes. Participants dress up like famous cartoon princesses with a her-themed hole-in-one contest.

• Scavenger Hunt. This theme combines a traditional golf tournament with a scavenger hunt, where golfers solve clues or complete challenges across the course.

• Golf and Games. Combine golf with other family-friendly activities, such as outdoor games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and more.

On-course games are a great opportunity to incorporate your golf tournament theme.

Seasonal Golf Tournament Themes

Bring a festive atmosphere to your tournament with seasonal vibes in these theme ideas:

• Summer Beach Party. Incorporate tropical items like sunglasses, beach balls, and tropical drinks.

• Autumn Harvest. Jazz up your fall golf event with pumpkin decor, apple cider stations, hayrides, etc.

• Costume Party. If your tournament falls near Halloween, set up trick or treat stations on the course and include a costume contest.

• Spring has Sprung. Perfect for a spring tournament, use flowers, pastel colors, and fresh spring decor to bring the theme to life.

• Holiday Classic. A winter-themed tournament with ugly holiday sweaters and hot cocoa.

• Christmas in July. Incorporate twinkle lights, Christmas trees, and even an on-course Santa to bring the holiday spirit to the summer months.
  

Unique Golf Tournament Themes

Give attendees a one-of-a-kind experience that they won’t soon forget!

• Flashback to the… Flash back to a past decade, like the 70s, 80s, or 90s, and invite attendees to dress in fashions and hairstyles from that decade.

• Red Carpet Golf. Add the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with a red carpet, VIP experiences, and photo ops.

• Hometown Proud. Highlight your city or area’s local culture or landmarks with favorite foods, music, and other items unique to your hometown.

• May the Fourth. Celebrate the Star Wars universe with a tournament on May 4th that includes a costume contest and themed foods.

• Franchise Fun. Focus your tournament on popular movie franchises, such as Harry Potter, Marvel, Justice League, Mario Brothers, Pokémon, Indiana Jones, or other favorites.

• Wild West. A cowboy-themed event with Western-inspired decor, contests, and food.
  

Sports-Based Golf Tournament Themes

Blend your golf tournament with the fun and thrill of other sports. These are especially applicable to groups like booster clubs, youth sports teams or associations, and sports clubs.

• Team Spirit Tournament. Golfers represent their favorite sports teams with jerseys or apparel. If you have the proper connections, bring in a local sports celebrity to drive interest and attendance.

• Golf Triathlon. Combine a golf tournament with mini versions of other sports, such as basketball, pickleball, flag football, and more.

• Super Bowl or World Series. Celebrate the teams playing in the Super Bowl or World Series by incorporating team colors, mascots, and cities.

• All-Star Tournament. Celebrate historic sports legends on any level—amateur, collegiate, or professional.

• Golf Olympics. Offer medals as prizes for first, second, and third places in the tournament, as well as for Olympic event mini-challenges on selected holes.
  

Upscale Golf Tournament Themes

• Black-Tie Golf. Pair the golf event with a formal gala and high-end live auction.

• Casino Royale. Host a casino-themed tournament with on-course casino games, plus post-golf poker or blackjack tables, raffle drawings, and exclusive prizes.

• Business Owner Invitational. A golf tournament and networking hybrid event for startups, entrepreneurs, and established business owners.

• Luxe Links. Court luxury brand sponsors and include higher-end player gifts and prizes to make the tournament feel upscale.

Networking is a big plus when it comes to corporate golf tournaments.

Corporate Golf Tournament Themes

Corporate golf events are great options for companies looking to boost morale or network with peers.

• Departmental Face-Off. Teams from different departments go head to head in a team-building event. Up the stakes by offering a donation to the charity of the winning team’s choice.

• Battle of the Businesses. Foster friendly competition between local businesses or companies.

• Executive invitational. Invite top C-suite execs to compete for the Executive Cup.
  

Women's Golf Tournament Themes

Create a supportive, fun environment that champions women in golf and beyond.

• Women’s Community Classic. Include golf with a networking event for women in the community.

• Women in Sports. Celebrate female athletes from various sports and invite them to participate.

• Mother-Daughter Tournament. Encourage teams of moms and daughters to compete in a fun bonding event across generations.

Golf tournament themes targeted at women are a great way to grow the game of golf.

Ready to Plan a Themed Golf Tournament?

Whether your tournament’s theme is silly, serious, or somewhere in between, it can help elevate your next charity golf tournament and help raise more for your cause. No matter what theme you choose, purpose-built tools can streamline the process from start to finish. GolfStatus’ golf event management platform offers time-saving tools, expert advice, and revenue-boosting extras to make your tournament a success. Click below to connect with the golf tournament experts at GolfStatus!

Connect With the Golf Tournament Experts

Book a Meeting to Get Started

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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.

This guide 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’s golf event.

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• Why Should My Nonprofit Run a Golf Charity Auction?

• What Types of Auctions Complement Golf Tournaments?

• How Do I Add an Auction to My Golf Event?

• What Are Some Best Practices for My Golf Charity Auction?

• What Are the Best Golf Charity Auction Items?

• Run a Golf Auction with GolfStatus

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Why Should My Nonprofit Run a Golf Charity Auction?

Auctions and golf tournaments go hand-in-hand. 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.

• Drive significant revenue from your event. An auction adds another source of income to your tournament, in addition to team registrations, sponsorships, contests, mulligan sales, raffles, on-course games, and other add-ons. You’ll not only diversify your event’s fundraising efforts, you’ll also drive additional revenue for your nonprofit. Competitive bidding, especially in a live auction, can drive up the final sale price of items, leading to increased fundraising outcomes. 

• Attract new participants. An auction can draw a wider audience to your tournament, including those who may not be interested in playing golf but want to support your cause in 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 also have the potential to draw additional teams to play in your tournament, so be sure to publicize the auction in your event marketing.

• Add excitement and engagement. Auctions add more fun and excitement to your tournament, encouraging golfers, sponsors, and guests to stay longer—and spend more. 

• Low-cost, high ROI. One way to keep your auction’s overhead costs low is to secure as many donated items as possible. Items purchased outright or on consignment come with a cost that eats away at your overall take from the auction, so engage your donor base, partners, vendors, and sponsors to solicit auction item donations and boost ROI.

• Adds more sponsorship opportunities to connect with local businesses. An auction is another opportunity to engage with area companies and businesses. If a business isn’t able to financially sponsor your tournament, invite them to donate an auction item as an in-kind sponsorship. This opens doors for future sponsorships and helps keep auction costs low.

What Types of Auctions Complement Golf Tournaments?

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.

GolfStatus offers an online auction platform that complements its golf tournament management software.

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

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.

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Pro Tip:

Use your GolfStatus event website to promote your golf tournament’s auction, highlighting top-tier items and recognizing donors.

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ADD AN AUCTION TO YOUR GOLFSTATUS EVENT WEBSITE

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What Are Some Best Practices for My Golf Charity 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, and be sure you include a link to your auction on your golf tournament’s website.

Link out to your auction right from your golf tournament website.

• 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.

What Are the Best Golf Charity Auction Items?

One key to a successful auction is offering items that are appealing, attractive, and valuable to your audience. 

Our Favorite Golf Charity Auction Items

• 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.

Golf-Related Auction Items

• Custom golf club set

• Golf rangefinder

• Personalized golf bag

• Exclusive lessons with a golf pro

• Golf apparel (hat, shoes, gloves, shirts, pants)

• Golf cart 

• Golf course membership package

• Golf weekend getaway 

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Pro Tip:

GolfStatus’ giving partners at Dormie Network Foundation offer in-kind donations that level up nonprofits’ fundraising efforts.

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Physical Auction Items

• Custom artwork

• Standing desk/walking pad

• Chef set (knives, kitchen supplies, etc.)

• Gourmet gift basket (luxury chocolates, wine, snacks, and other gourmet foods)

• Coffee lover gift basket (coffee mugs, french press, beans, etc.)

Experiential Auction Items

• Sporting events tickets

• Concert tickets

• Vacation/travel packages 

• “Night on the Town” (dinner and a show)

• Ultimate city experience (tickets to all the fun things to do in a certain city)

Run a Golf Auction with 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.

Work With the Golf Fundraising Pros

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Your golf tournament is a key part of your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. Ensuring your golf fundraiser’s long-term success requires more than just smooth execution on event day. Future-proofing your golf event means setting it up to thrive year after year, even if there are major changes to the planning team. By putting the right systems and processes in place, your nonprofit can protect the tournament’s success for the future while making planning easier for years to come.

Here are six best practices to help your nonprofit future-proof your charity golf tournament so it stays a lucrative fundraising event no matter what changes you face.

1. Use golf event management software

A singular platform is key for ensuring continuity. The beauty of a platform built for golf events is that tournaments can be copied year over year so new event organizers aren’t forced to start from scratch. This helps provide much-needed stability and baseline infrastructure when personnel might be in flux. The right platform should allow multiple users without any extra fees and access to a responsive support team that can walk new users through the software’s back end and provide guidance.

An event management platform built just for golf helps new tournament organizers jump right into planning.

2. document, document, document!

If your lead tournament organizer or key volunteer left tomorrow or had an emergency that took them away from planning, would anyone else know how to run the tournament? Would they know what needs to be done, who to connect with at the golf facility, or what’s been promised to sponsors? Thoroughly documenting your planning process from start to finish, as well as tracking progress during planning, ensures that institutional knowledge isn’t lost when there’s staff turnover or new volunteers come on board.

Start by creating a central event planning document or spreadsheet that outlines the entire process from start to finish, from securing the golf course to sending thank-you notes after the event.

Include key deadlines, contact information for vendors and sponsors, and details about your event management software.

• Track progress as tasks are completed, so if a change occurs mid-planning, others will be able to continue the work without interruption. 

• Make note of what worked well (and what didn’t) to refine and improve your process each year.

• Store the documentation in a shared drive so it’s easily accessible by members of your planning team.

A well-documented process reduces the risk of setbacks and gives future organizers a clear roadmap to follow.

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free planning template

Keep your golf tournament on task and on target. Download this free timeline and checklist to document tasks and ensure everyone is on the same page.

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3. Have Two Points of Contact for Everything

Relying on one person to manage all aspects of your tournament creates a single point of failure. If that person becomes unavailable, it can derail your event. To avoid this, designate at least two people from your planning team to be points of contact for each key element of your fundraiser:

• Sponsorships. Ensure both points of contact know the details of each sponsorship package, including the promised benefits, pricing, and availability. It’s a good practice to CC each contact on email communication with sponsors so everyone is in the know.

• Event management technology. Both contacts should have logins to your event management platform, been introduced to its support team, and know how to contact support so they can troubleshoot issues or get help quickly.

• Golf facility coordination. Ensure that both points of contact have contact information for the head golf pro and/or golf facility sales representative. Both should also have a basic understanding of the course’s layout and logistics.

• Budget. A common budget spreadsheet can help you track dollars in and out and see where your tournament stands. Ensure both contacts have access to the spreadsheet and can track income from registrations and payments in the event management platform.

• Vendor orders. This can be as simple as CCing each contact on communication with vendors on orders, specs, and deadlines for materials like signage, catering, pin flags, or player gifts.

You might also assign a “chair” for various components, such as a chair of sponsorships, volunteers, promotion, budget, and logistics to better share the load and tournament knowledge. While this redundancy may seem unnecessary, it prevents last-minute scrambles and ensures someone is always able to step in to handle key responsibilities.

Having two points of contact ensures planning can move forward if there are changes in your tournament’s leadership.

4. create a succession plan

Unfortunately, staff and volunteer turnover is inevitable, so a strong succession plan is critical for maintaining event continuity. Here’s how to create one:

• Identify key roles and responsibilities for your golf fundraiser, including each “chair.”

• Train backup staff or volunteers to handle each role, including how to use your event software and communicate with sponsors and vendors.

• Keep a running list of contacts and instructions for tasks like setting up the registration website, managing volunteers, handling sponsor invoicing, and running on-course games and contests.

• Hold a post-event debrief with your team and update the plan based on lessons learned.

A clear succession plan ensures that new team members can step in and continue executing a successful event without a steep learning curve.

5. manage sponsorships in your event management platform

Managing sponsorships manually—or across multiple platforms—can lead to missed opportunities and dropped details, particularly if there are any personnel changes. Instead, simplify sponsor management by using an event registration website and your golf event management platform:

• Build sponsorship packages in your software’s back end and link all sponsor outreach to the website to ensure a consistent call to action in your communication with prospective sponsors.

• List sponsorship packages on the event site so sponsors can browse options and purchase their package without needing to connect with a specific member of your planning team. Sponsors can submit their logo and assets during registration, which should automatically populate the site or mobile app and be available in the software for other branding needs.

• Track sponsor commitments, contacts, payments, and benefits in your centralized event management platform. This is particularly useful when copying tournaments in subsequent years.

• Keep a record of businesses that have been approached for sponsorships from each year to help inform future outreach and renewal strategies.

Managing your tournament’s sponsorships with a centralized system helps you better deliver on sponsor agreements, provide valuable exposure, and make it easier to manage renewals.

Sponsors get broad visibility on a tournament’s registration website.

6. connect with the head pro at the host golf facility

The golf facility wants your tournament to be a success—it reflects positively on the facility! To help ensure success, establish a good working relationship with golf facility staff, especially the head pro. This facilitates smooth communication, handling of logistics, and golfer experience. A key part of future-proofing your golf fundraiser is the relationship with the golf facility. If there are changes, golf and sales staff can often help new personnel fill in the gaps.

• Schedule a meeting with the head pro early in the planning process to discuss course regulations, tournament schedules, food and beverage offerings, contract terms, and any potential challenges.

• Confirm how contests, like closest to the pin, hole-in-one, and longest drive will be set up and handled.

• Keep the head pro updated on registration numbers and any changes to the schedule. It’s a good idea to share access to your golf event management software so they can check participation and teams in real time.

• On event day, your two points of contact should check in with the head pro to handle any last-minute adjustments.

Leveraging the expertise of the host golf facility’s head pro will help your tournament run smoothly and that golfers have a positive experience—no matter who’s in charge.

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set your event up for long-term success with golfstatus

Future-proofing your golf fundraiser isn’t just about protecting your current event—it’s about setting up a framework for long-term success. By documenting your process, building redundancy into key roles, creating a succession plan, streamlining sponsor management, and maintaining a strong relationship with the host course, you’ll create a more resilient event that raises more money year after year.

Start with an event management tool that’s built for golf events and fundraisers—GolfStatus. Manage registrations, sponsorships, and schedules right in the platform, and use the free event website to market your event. Plus, you’ll get access to exclusive sponsorships, add-ons, and Fundraising Specialists to help you raise additional funds for your cause—at no upfront cost. Book a quick 15 or 30-minute meeting with the GolfStatus team to learn more.

Future Proof Your Golf Event With GolfStatus

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Sponsorships are the backbone of any successful charity golf tournament, and none is more critical than your title or presenting sponsor. This top-dollar sponsorship opportunity provides unparalleled visibility and brand exposure for the sponsor while ensuring the event’s overall success for your nonprofit.

Many tournaments significantly underprice and undervalue their title sponsorship simply because they’re unsure of its worth. Here’s how to position and sell your title sponsorship, ensure sponsors see its full value, and use technology to add value and maximize their investment.

Positioning the value of your tournament’s title sponsorship

A title or presenting sponsorship typically offers a business the highest level of exposure and branding available for a golf tournament. Unlike other sponsorships, the title sponsor is often fully embedded in every aspect of the tournament, such as:

• Event naming rights. The sponsor’s name is folded into the event’s title, ensuring top-of-mind awareness. For example, “Putt Putt Fore Puppies Presented by Sinclair Hille Architects.”

• Exclusive branding on marketing and promotional materials. The title sponsor’s logos and messaging appear prominently on the event website, email marketing, printed flyers and invitations, signage, and social media promotions.

• On-site visibility. From tournament banners and cart signs to branded scorecards and giveaways, the title sponsor has a heavy visual presence at the event.

• Direct audience engagement. The sponsor might have the opportunity to speak at the tournament’s opening or awards ceremony, set up a display on a tee box, or perhaps host a VIP area for networking.

• Media and PR exposure. The sponsor’s brand is highlighted in press releases, media coverage, and post-event recaps, reinforcing credibility and reach.

These aren’t all the benefits you can include in your title sponsorship package. You might add value by offering the sponsor one or more teams to play in the tournament, access to the tournament’s participant list, additional logo placements, or additional engagement opportunities.

It’s important to remember that your golf tournament has a unique value proposition, particularly for the title sponsor: exposure, access, and high engagement to an audience of golfers they can’t reach anywhere else. Because golfers generally represent an affluent, influential demographic, they’re often considered ideal clients or customers for businesses. Plus, the sponsor enjoys the brand lift and positive PR of being associated with a good cause like yours.

do this instead: boost the title sponsorship’s value with a technology sponsorship

Adding a Technology Sponsorship takes a title sponsorship to the next level by integrating the sponsor’s branding into the digital and interactive elements of the tournament. This requires the right event management tech—one that’s built specifically for golf events, has baked-in sponsor touchpoints throughout the platform, and modernizes the experience for players, volunteers, and attendees.

GolfStatus’ Technology Sponsorship provides broad exposure across the platform.

Here’s where adding a Technology Sponsorship to the title sponsorship package has the biggest impact:

• Tournament registration website. The title sponsor’s logo should be prominently featured on the tournament website, reinforcing their involvement from the first player interaction and with every site visit.

• Mobile scoring app. The title sponsor’s brand is displayed across the digital scorecard, keeping their brand front and center throughout the tournament round.

• Live leaderboards. Live leaderboards offer a high level of professionalism to your tournament and your title sponsor. The title sponsor’s logo is seen every time a golfer or spectator checks the round’s standings on the event website or mobile scoring app.

• Automated receipts. Add logos to automated payment receipts to increase impressions and engagement.

• Push notifications. Offer sponsors the chance to include messaging in mobile scoring app push notifications.

• Social media and digital marketing. Combining the Technology Sponsorship into your title sponsorship ensures even greater visibility through branded content, hashtag campaigns, and boosted social media posts that link back to your event website.

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Sample title + tech sponsorship package

• Exclusive event naming rights for the tournament, including a co-branded tournament logo.

• Primary logo placement on all event promotional materials, signage, the event website, live leaderboards, cart signs, reports, trophies, and registration and donation receipts.

• Co-branded digital elements, including promotional emails, social media mentions, ad campaigns, PR campaigns, and the opportunity to send push notifications to participants.

• High-value speaking opportunities during the tournament’s kickoff and awards ceremony.

• Exclusive engagement with golfers with a booth set up on the sponsor’s tee box of choice.

• Two complementary foursomes to play in the tournament.

• Data and analytics reporting, showcasing audience reach, contact information, engagement, and digital impressions.

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Taking care of your title sponsor

Securing a title sponsor is just the first step—you need to deliver an exceptional sponsorship experience to maintain and even strengthen the relationship. Here’s how:

• Personalized communication. Keep the sponsor informed about event planning updates, branding opportunities, and impact metrics.

• Seamless integration. Ensure their branding appears flawlessly in all print and digital materials.

• VIP perks. Offer a premier experience at the tournament, such as reserved parking and a dedicated volunteer or staff member to host them during the tournament.

• Post-tournament follow-up. Provide a detailed sponsorship fulfillment report, including event analytics and ROI.

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free template

Sponsor Fulfillment Report Template

A Sponsor Fulfillment Report is a summary of every sponsor benefit you said you would provide and an itemized description of how you fulfilled each. This guide includes components to help you prove the ROI of your tournament to sponsors.

Download

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maximize your title sponsorship’s value with tech

The title sponsorship is the crown jewel of your golf tournament, and pairing it with GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship adds value and amplifies its impact. By integrating digital branding, leveraging high-engagement tech tools, and providing measurable sponsorship fulfillment, you’ll create an unbeatable sponsorship opportunity.

Click below to book a quick 15 or 30-minute call or a full demo with the GolfStatus team to learn more about how the Technology Sponsorship can boost your tournament’s revenue!

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If your organization isn’t using an event website for your charity golf tournament, you’re missing out on a powerful tool that saves busy organizers like you time, enhances the professionalism of your tournament, and attracts more players and sponsors. Here are six reasons why an event website is a must-have, how to maximize its impact, and how nonprofits can get one at no cost.

An attractive, professional event website is the hub for your charity golf tournament.

1. Event promotion is as simple as sharing a link

A dedicated event website makes promoting your tournament quick and easy. Simply include the link in all your communications—emails, social media, sponsor outreach, even printed pieces. Attendees and potential sponsors are directed to a professional, mobile-friendly event site where they can register a team, purchase a sponsorship, or make a donation with just a few clicks and on any device. Your website should be powered by an event management platform that’s built for golf events and allow you to efficiently capture golf specific details like team members, player handicaps, and more.

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Pro tip:

Add QR codes that link directly to your event website in any printed promotional materials—flyers, postcards, mailed invitations, etc.—to make it easy for golfers and sponsors to commit as soon as they hear about your tournament.

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2. Your tournament gets more credibility & professionalism

An event website presents your tournament—and your organization—in the best possible light. It keeps information organized and showcases your nonprofit’s mission and work, helping attendees and sponsors better connect with your cause. Linking your event site to your organization’s main website strengthens credibility and makes it easy for visitors to learn more and get involved. Sponsors also appreciate the added professionalism and digital exposure that a well-designed event site provides.

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Pro tip:

Choose a platform that allows you to customize your event website with images, videos, and compelling storytelling about your cause.

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Free guide:

the essential guide to golf tournament event websites

This comprehensive guide provides golf tournament organizers with strategies and best practices for using an event website to streamline planning and raise more money from your golf event.

Download the Guide

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3. Online registration streamlines everything

People expect to register and pay for events online these days. An event website makes it easy for golfers and sponsors to commit the moment they hear about your tournament—whether through word of mouth, digital channels, or a personal invitation. Plus, collecting registration and payments through the site means no more manually processing registrations and payments, keeping multiple spreadsheets up to date, or sending receipts. Secure online transactions automate data collection (i.e. donor and sponsor data) and streamlines event planning, reducing administrative work and ensuring your donor database stays up to date for post-tournament stewardship. You’ll collect funds upfront, so you’re not chasing down payments on tournament day, or worse, stuck covering the cost for someone who registered but never paid.

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pro tip:

Use a golf event management platform that includes built-in, secure payment processing and robust reporting features.

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4. sponsors get maximum visibility & exposure

A professional golf tournament website makes it easy to list and sell sponsorship packages that are custom-built to meet your event’s needs, while giving sponsors premium visibility before, during, and after the tournament. Sponsors love the impressions they earn every time someone visits the website to register, check their hole assignments, and see the day’s schedule. Look for a platform that simplifies sponsor onboarding, so logos and assets are submitted right at registration and automatically appear on the site. Sponsors also appreciate additional exposure on live leaderboards and live scoring apps.

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Pro Tip:

Send a final round of promotional emails and social media shout-outs recognizing sponsors a few weeks before the tournament. This provides extra exposure for onboarded sponsors and can even encourage other sponsors to get involved.

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An event website gives sponsors broad digital exposure with every site visit.

5. you’ll save a ton of time & stay organized

Gone are the days of manually processing paper forms, deciphering credit card numbers, cashing checks, reconciling Venmos, and juggling receipts and spreadsheets. With an event website, registrations, add-on purchases (like raffle tickets and mulligans), sponsorships, team pairings, and donations are all managed in one easily-accessible place. It also makes coordinating with your planning team and the golf facility simple and efficient. Staff at the host golf facility can access real-time event details and participant information and print pre-formatted cart signs, score cards, and alpha lists so they’re focused on serving your event and not on back office work. When everything is organized and accessible, everyone saves time (to the tune of 30-40 hours) and effort.

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Pro tip:

Share access to your event management platform with golf staff for easy handling of last-minute logistics like hole assignments, flights, and team pairings.

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6. it’s easy to communicate updates & engage participants

Need to add details or make last-minute changes? An event website makes it simple to keep attendees informed. Whether it’s updating tee times, promoting a hole-in-one contest or high-end auction item, or sharing weather-related changes, updates are made in real time. If your platform includes live scoring and digital leaderboards, you can keep golfers engaged throughout the event while providing extra visibility for sponsors. And you don’t necessarily need to have every tournament detail hammered out before you launch your site—it can be as simple as the date and location, with a note of more details to follow. This lets you get on the radars of donors and sponsors as early as possible.

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Pro Tip:

Ask each of your organization’s board, planning committee, and staff to email or text a link to the event website to at least five people who might be interested in either playing or sponsoring your golf event.

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get a free event website

Nonprofits or third parties hosting a golf fundraiser can qualify for a free event website and full access to GolfStatus’ powerful event management platform at no upfront through the Golf for Good program. Our team can work with you to build a site or guide you through the process. Click below to get started.

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This installment in our PGA Q&A blog series discusses a popular topic for charity golf tournament planners: food and beverage. Food and beverage can play a major role in elevating the tournament experience, but many tournament organizers aren’t sure how to tackle this part of planning. Get insights from GolfStatus’ on-staff PGA Professionals: Cash Dinkel, PGA; Jason Meininger, PGA; and Paul Murcek, PGA.

Cash Dinkel, PGA

Jason Meininger, PGA

Paul Murcek, PGA

Q: where do i start in choosing food and beverage for my tournament?

Cash Dinkel: First, determine whether or not you want to have any food and beverage (F&B) associated with your event. Most tournaments we work with offer F&B, and to be honest, it’s become an expectation when playing in these events. Your best bet is to start with the golf facility. Many facilities will have F&B operations on site and will bundle F&B into your tournament package, which makes coordination much easier. Next, determine your budget. You can either wrap the F&B costs into player registrations or sell a sponsorship to cover the costs. Finally, you’ll need to determine if you’ll offer a grab and go/boxed lunch or a sit down meal and if you’ll distribute F&B during play or post-round. Don’t forget to ask about food allergies during registration if you’re offering F&B.

Jason Meininger: Your host golf facility should have a banquet menu for you to choose from and they can offer suggestions on what meals are good options for golf outings. Cost will also be a factor to consider.

Paul Murcek: Start with the facility hosting the event. Some will require that you use their F&B service. Other facilities may allow you to cater a meal or have a sponsor like a local restaurant provide lunch in the cart. Be sure you ask questions when outlining your contract so you and the facility are on the same page with F&B.

Q: I’m trying to decide between a public facility and a country club. Is there a difference when it comes to food and beverage?

Jason Meininger: Yes, there will likely be a difference in both the quality, available options, and cost. I recommend getting menu options from private and public golf facilities so you can compare offerings and costs.

Paul Murcek: More than likely a private country club will have more top-tier options for F&B (but they’ll also come with a higher price tag).

Cash Dinkel: Most country clubs have high-level F&B operations in their facilities, which typically mean a higher quality of food and presentation. Because of that, costs are also typically much higher per person. You can also expect a higher level of service at a country club.

Post-golf dinner, drinks, and entertainment help enhance the overall tournament experience for golfers and sponsors.

Q: If my host facility doesn’t offer food and beverage, what recommendations do you have?

Paul Murcek: At the golf facilities where I worked that didn’t have F&B options, we had recommendations for several local catering companies to offer multiple price points and food options to meet the needs of all events. So definitely ask the golf facility for ideas and recommendations for caterers.

Jason Meininger: When I ran tournaments, we would work with a dedicated catering company to provide a meal for the outing, or give the organizer the choice to find their own provider. We would often see nonprofits work with a sponsor to donate a meal.

Cash Dinkel: Reach out to local restaurants and catering companies to see if they can provide the F&B the day of your event. They may even be willing to donate food and time for some extra exposure at your event. Be sure to check with the facility to see if they will allow you to bring items they don’t offer on property.

Food and beverage is important at all golf events—even mini golf! Participants of all ages enjoy complimentary snow cones at this putt putt event.

Q: What are some ways you’ve seen of tournaments using food and beverage to enhance the tournament experience?

Jason Meininger: Some fun ones I’ve seen:

• Bloody Mary bar on the range for morning events

• Mobile food truck with drinks and light food

• Kegs of beer on designated holes

• Margarita machines on designated holes 

Cash Dinkel: F&B can really change the tournament and make it memorable for golfers and sponsors. Here are some ideas that I’ve seen work well at charity golf tournaments:

• Coolers with water, Gatorade, and snacks on all par three holes that are free to grab.

• Very high-end sit-down plated meals either the night before the tournament or the evening of the event.

• Grab-and-go breakfast before the event starts, or lunch if it’s an afternoon start.

• On-course tasting stations of food and beverages. This is great for local restaurants and caterers, and another sponsorship option.

• Chick-fil-A delivered on the course to golfers as they were playing.
  

Q: Should we offer food and beverage to volunteers? What about golf staff?

Cash Dinkel: 100% for volunteers. They are donating their time and energy to help your event, so definitely make sure they have food and drink available to them throughout the tournament. It’s also nice to offer the golf staff food and beverage, but definitely not expected.

Jason Meininger: Yes, definitely to volunteers. If there’s enough available, I would offer it to golf staff as well.

Paul Murcek: In my experience, it’s a courtesy to provide food for the tournament’s volunteers, as well as the golf staff.

Tournament organizers can opt for a sit-down meal or grab-and-go options.

Q: What is the standard range I can expect for gratuity on food and beverage at my golf tournament?

Paul Murcek: I’d say you can expect a charge of 18% to 20% on large orders at a private golf facility.

Jason Meininger: It really does vary from facility to facility, but I’ve seen 18% to 20% as a standard.

Cash Dinkel: This is totally up to the facility. Most will have gratuity built into the pricing and should be discussed before signing a contract. While I agree with my colleagues that 18-20% is a fairly standard range, be prepared for a wider range depending on the facility.

Q: Do you recommend having drink tickets, complimentary beverages (alcoholic or nonalcoholic), or a cash bar?

Cash Dinkel: Yes to any of the above. Making sure your participants have access to beverages the entire time they are at your event is a must. Most events will have a traditional cash bar. The next most popular option is giving each player one or two drink tickets with their registration, then they can pay for anything from the cash bar after using their tickets. I would say it’s not very common to have complimentary beverages, simply because of the cost. That being said, finding a sponsor to cover the cost of drink tickets for players is a great way to get that cost covered and provide an additional sponsorship opportunity.

Jason Meininger: Most events I’ve seen provide drink tickets. If you can get a sponsor for the beverage cart or bar service, then you could provide complimentary drinks.

Paul Murcek: If you can find a sponsor or sponsors to pay for complimentary drinks, this is a great way to increase the fun of the tournament and keep golfers and sponsors coming back.

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Ask the Pros!

Do you have a question for GolfStatus’ PGA Professionals? Email it to [email protected] with “PGA Pro Question” in the subject line and it might be featured in a future blog post or an upcoming GolfStatus webinar!

Get started with GolfStatus at no upfront cost! Get an event website, online registration, communication tools, premium digital sponsor exposure, revenue-boosting add-ons, and more—plus access to GolfStatus’ in-house client success team (including knowledgeable PGA Professionals and fundraising specialists). Click the button to book a quick 15 or 30-minute meeting, a full demo, or get started in the software on your own!