By Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Your charity golf tournament draws some of your most affluent, influential supporters—golfers, sponsors, and their networks. Yet, this is often the exact group that slips through the cracks of even the most data-savvy nonprofit’s fundraising efforts. If that data isn’t making it into your donor database, you’re leaving valuable relationships (and future gifts) on the table. Here’s exactly how to capture it, step by step.

Data Capture Checklist

1. Choose a golf-specific event management platform, not a generic event tool

2. Launch a dedicated online registration website for your tournament

3. Centralize data management, particularly if third parties are running events on your behalf

4. Export tournament data from your event management tool and tag every golfer, sponsor, and donor by year and level

5. Add the data to your nonprofit’s CRM as part of your broader fundraising strategy

6. Put the data to work to inform hole assignments and team pairings

7. Use data to re-engage lapsed golf tournament participants

Why Golfer & Sponsor Data Matters

The basic reality is this—you can’t use information that you don’t have. If your golf event participants aren’t in your donor database, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to steward high-capacity donors over time. And the worst thing? You may not even realize it’s happening, since the gap is a blind spot, not an obvious red flag.

• When golfers or sponsors tap their personal and professional networks to fill a team, your organization gets exposed to new, high-level supporters you’d otherwise never meet.

• A golf tournament sponsorship is often a company’s first touchpoint with your mission, and sponsors are strong candidates for deeper corporate partnerships down the road.

• Golf event-specific data, like handicap, participation history, add-on purchases, auction winnings, or day-of donations, gives you conversation starters and stewardship angles that generic donor data doesn’t.

• Golfers represent an affluent demographic with strong ties to the local business community.

Step-by-Step Golf Tournament Data Collection

1. Choose a Golf-Specific Event Management Platform

General event management tools or generic ticketing platforms simply aren’t built for the level of specificity that golf tournaments require. Set yourself up for success from the get-go and look for a purpose-built solution that seamlessly handles:

• Golfer information (handicaps, GHIN, course preferences, shirt sizes)

• Custom sponsorship packages and tiers

• Digital sponsor exposure throughout the platform

• Hole assignments and team pairings

• Online donations before, during, and after the event

• Live scoring and leaderboards

The right platform should make registration frictionless. Its flow should be intuitive, so golfers and sponsors complete it without abandoning their carts partway through. Every field, click, or step that feels unnecessary is a chance to lose a registrant before they finish.

2. Launch an Online Registration Website

Your event management platform should power a sleek, professional golf tournament website. Whether your tournament is weeks or months away, this is perhaps the single most impactful thing you can do. Why? Online registration replaces emailed signups and manually processed paper forms with a system that captures clean, structured data automatically—without extra work from you or your event committee.

A well-built website should ideally collect more than just a name and payment. Capture each golfer’s contact information (or give registrants the ability to add that information later if all golfers aren’t yet determined), and potentially their employer, job title, and sponsor affiliation. Pairing that information with their purchases—mulligans, game or contest entry, raffle tickets—offers additional context that can turn your registration list into data your development team can leverage later.

An event website makes capturing data from your charity golf tournament easy and efficient.

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PRO TIP:

Keep all tournament purchases within your event management platform to ensure you capture as much useful data as possible—and you won’t be stuck reconciling cash payments or Venmos post-tournament.

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3. Centralize Data Management

Online registration keeps all your event data in one easy-to-access spot so everyone on your team is working with up-to-date information, instead of multiple spreadsheets that quickly become outdated.

If your organization benefits from events hosted by volunteers, businesses, or other third parties, data capture and management can become even more convoluted—and fast. You may have limited visibility into who’s registering, sponsoring, or donating at an event you didn’t organize yourself.

Tech that centralizes events and their data into a single platform while still letting them run independently makes it easy for others to raise funds on your behalf. Plus, you capture the event’s data for long-term stewardship. This gives you the best of both worlds: expanded reach through the third party’s networks and goodwill and the donor and sponsor relationships that come with it.

4. Export, Tag, and Track Data by Year and Level

The best event data is useless if it’s not accessible outside of the fundraiser itself. An intuitive golf event platform should offer robust reporting and make it easy to export data to include in your nonprofit’s CRM.

Once the data is exported, use source codes, tags, or other batch notations to track who played in, donated to, or sponsored your event at what level and in what year. This turns a one-time registration list into a broader piece of each contact’s multi-year donor history.

Over time, this kind of tracking lets you answer questions that matter for stewardship and solicitation for next year’s golf tournament:

• Which sponsors have upgraded their level year over year?

• Which golfers have played every year?

• Who sponsored once and never came back?

• Which golfers played in the past but missed last year?

Each of these questions gives your team the context they need for outreach messaging that resonates.

Your event management platform should make it simple to export donor and sponsor data with a few clicks.

5. Import Data to Your CRM

Once the data is in your CRM, combine it with the rest of your donor information to make timely, relevant asks—donations, support for other events, invitations to future golf tournaments—through regular donor touchpoints.

This step is what connects your charity golf tournament to the rest of your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts. A golfer who’s been quietly showing up year after year or a company that’s sponsored the same hole-in-one contest for years are potential candidates for additional support. Your development team can only spot that pattern if the data actually makes it into their systems and processes.

6. Put the Data to Work

Organized data lets you be intentional about the event itself, not just what happens after it. You wouldn’t seat a major donor in the back of a dimly lit ballroom at a gala, and the same logic applies on the golf course.

Use what you know about sponsors and top donors to make thoughtful team pairings and hole assignments, especially since many sponsors are there to talk business over 18 holes. Good data also pays off in sponsor satisfaction. A sponsor who’s paired with or near golfers or other sponsors they have a business connection to is more likely to find value in the event and renew their support for next year.

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Pro Tip:

Strategically pair your nonprofit’s executive director with a team from the title sponsor or potential major partner. The hours spent on the golf course can go a long way toward future support and gifts.

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7. Re-Engage Repeat and Lapsed Participants

Repeat attendees, sponsors, and donors are typically more engaged and more generous than new participants, so getting them back year after year should be important. Reaching out to participants who missed last year’s tournament is also one of the more effective ways to bring active supporters back into the fold.

A simple low-effort habit worth building is to flag anyone who registered or sponsored the prior year but didn’t return. Next, reach out personally well before registration opens for the next event. A short personalized note asking what changed or saying simply that you missed them does much more than a generic email blast.

Use your golf event’s data to re-engage with lapsed participants, sponsors, and donors.

Common Data Capture Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating the tournament as a standalone event rather than an ongoing donor relationship. The data only pays off if it feeds back into your broader fundraising strategy.

• Relying on manual data entry from paper forms or email signups. Not only is it slow and error-prone, but it takes an enormous amount of time that could be better spent building relationships.

• Skipping data export so golfer and sponsor data sits in the event platform and is never used.

• Missing tags or notations when your data is uploaded to your CRM. Without this critical information, your data tells an incomplete story.

• Losing visibility into third-party events run on your organization’s behalf, which can mean entirely missing some promising sponsor prospects.

Wrapping Up

Your charity golf tournament is much more than a one-day fundraiser. In fact, it’s one of the richest sources of donor and sponsor data your organization has access to all year. The difference between capturing that data and letting it slip away usually comes down to a handful of decisions: registering golfers online rather than on paper, choosing a platform built for golf rather than a generic ticketing platform, and ensuring data reaches the people who need it rather than keeping it siloed.

The best news of all is that none of this requires a bigger budget or team. It simply requires the right tools and the habit of treating every tournament as an input into your broader donor strategy. Start with the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be ahead of the game for your next tournament.

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Get a Free Event Registration Website

Worried that a dedicated event website will take a huge chunk out of your limited tournament budget? Nonprofits, charities, and third parties running golf events to benefit one can get a free event website, plus access to GolfStatus’ golf event management and fundraising platform at no upfront cost. Easily capture golfer and sponsor data, manage teams, track payments, communicate with participants, and much more—all to save you time and help raise thousands more dollars for your cause. Click below to book a meeting or get started in the software on your own!

Get Started With GolfStatus at No Upfront Cost

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Mulligans are a low-lift option to add real revenue to your charity golf tournament. They cost you nothing to offer, golfers of all skill levels love them, and they’re one of the easiest add-ons to any golf tournament.

Many golf tournament organizers leave money on the table by either not offering mulligans at all or not pricing, packaging, and selling them effectively. Learn how to leverage mulligans for your next tournament.

What is a Mulligan?

A mulligan is simply a “do-over” or a chance for a golfer to retake a shot without it counting against their score.

Mulligans aren’t allowed in professional or official competitions, but are a staple of charity tournaments. They’re less about strict rules and more about fun and raising money for your cause. Golfers who shank a tee or approach shot are usually more than happy to pay a few dollars to erase it and keep the round moving.

Golfers who hit a poor tee shot are happy for the chance for a “do-over” by using a mulligan.

How to Price Mulligans

There’s no single “right” price—it depends on your tournament, format, competitiveness, and what golfers are used to paying. Here are a few general suggestions:

• Casual charity tournaments: $5-$10 per mulligan. A reasonable price point keeps sales volume high.

• Competitive or higher-end tournaments: $15-$25 per mulligan. Golfers at higher-end events tend to have more discretionary income to spend and can justify the higher cost.

• Bundles: Selling mulligans as a set—for example, three mulligans for $20 instead of $10 each—encourages golfers to buy more than they might as a single.

Whatever price point you decide, think about it the way you think about sponsorship and registration packages. Even though most golfers at a charity event already know they’re there to support a cause, you still want to offer value, and they’re generally willing to spend accordingly.

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Pro Tip: Ask for feedback on mulligan pricing in your post-tournament communications with golfers to help you lock in options for next year.

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Building Mulligan Packages That Sell

Pricing is only half the equation. How you package mulligans can have a big impact on whether or not golfers decide to buy them. Consider these mulligan package options:

• Bundle them into team registration. Consider an upgraded registration tier that includes a set number of mulligans per golfer or team, so those who want the cushion of a mulligan don’t have to make a separate purchase decision later.

• Sell them as a standalone add-on. Not everyone wants mulligans bundled in—and some golfers may want additional mulligans than what’s included with a package. Give them the option to add mulligans à la carte during registration and at check-in.

• Fold them into VIP or premium packages. Another option is to pair mulligans with other perks, like premium parking, extra raffle tickets, or contest entries, to make an upgrade package feel like a deal rather than an upsell.

• Offer tiered mulligan bundles. Offer a “basic” bundle of two or three mulligans at a lower price, and an “upgraded” bundle of four or five at a better price per mulligan to give golfers options without overcomplicating the package.

• Pair mulligans with raffle tickets. Golfers who buy one of these are often receptive to the other, so consider offering a combo package that includes both mulligans and raffle tickets.

List a mulligan package on your event website to make it as easy as possible for golfers to buy them.

The goal with any package for mulligans is to make the decision easy. Keep your menu of options simple and clearly priced on your event website so golfers can make their selection without having to think through a ton of choices.

Where & How to Sell Mulligans

Mulligans sell best when they’re easy to buy in the moment someone’s already thinking about them, so it’s a best practice to offer them before the tournament and at the course.

• At registration. Include mulligan options in the online registration flow so golfers can add and pay for them without a separate transaction. This is the prime converting moment, since golfers already have their credit card out and are ready to buy.

• At check-in. Some golfers wait until tournament day to decide, and others may want to add additional do-overs, so make sure mulligans are just as easy to purchase when they arrive at the golf facility.

• On the course. Consider setting up a mulligan station or two near the tee box of notoriously tough holes. A well-timed mulligan offer right before a challenging hole can be one of your highest-converting moments of the day.

Across all three touchpoints, the common thread is removing as much friction as possible. If buying a mulligan means finding cash, hunting down a volunteer, or filling out a form, you’ll lose sales. A mobile-friendly event website lets golfers buy mulligans (or anything else) right from their phones, wherever they are in the course, keeping the process quick and easy and eliminating the headache of tracking and reconciling cash payments.

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Pro Tip: Post QR codes that link directly to the mulligans package on your event website at the check-in table and any mulligan stations for easy access.

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Direct golfers to your mobile-friendly event website to purchase mulligans at the event, eliminating the need to hassle with and reconcile cash payments.

Communicate Rules to Keep It Fun & Fair

Mulligans work so well because they’re lighthearted, not because they let anyone buy their way to winning a tournament. It’s crucial to set clear limits and expectations up front. A common approach is limiting mulligan purchases to two to four per golfer and specifying where they can be used, such as for tee shots only. Communicate the rules on your event website and again at check-in so there’s no confusion, frustration, or push-back mid-tournament. You might even post signage that explains mulligan usage.

Physical mulligan cards, tickets, or wristbands can help volunteers and other golfers see at a glance who has purchased them and how many they have left, which cuts down on disputes and keeps the pace of play moving.

Mulligan FAQs

Why should we offer mulligans at our tournament?

For nonprofits, golfers’ willingness to pay is a golden opportunity. Mulligans require no inventory, vendors, or setup, beyond deciding your pricing and how you’ll sell them, which means every dollar collected goes straight toward your mission.

Are mulligans allowed at all golf tournaments?

Mulligans aren’t utilized in official or professional competitive tournaments, but they’re standard practice at charity events and other casual formats where the focus is fun and fundraising. As the organizer, you get to set the rules for your own event.

How many mulligans should we let golfers buy?

Most tournaments cap purchases somewhere between two and five per player. Capping the number keeps the format fair and prevents mulligans from feeling like a way to buy a win rather than the fun add-on they’re intended to be.

Where on the course can golfers use mulligans?

Many tournaments limit mulligans to tee shots only to keep play moving and avoid disputes over lies in the fairway or on the green. That being said, you can allow them for any shot—the key is to communicate the expectations clearly before the round starts so there’s no confusion. Mulligans can’t typically be used on hole-in-one contest holes and in putting contests.

Do we need physical mulligan cards?

Physical cards or wristbands give volunteers an easy way to verify purchases and their use on the course. Selling them through your event website ahead of time (or from a phone on tournament day) cuts down on the need to handle cash and makes reporting easier post-tournament. If golfers buy them ahead of time, have them ready for pick-up at check-in.

Should mulligans be included in registration or sold separately?

Both approaches work, and offering them both ways helps you capture the most revenue possible. Bundle a set number into an upgraded registration or VIP package for golfers who want the cushion built in, and offer them as a standalone add-on for everyone else.

What’s a reasonable price to charge for mulligans?

It depends on your event, goals, and field, but $5-$10 per mulligan is typical for charity golf tournaments. Higher-end events may be able to charge $15-$25 per mulligan. Bundling mulligans together at a slight discount usually outperforms selling them individually.

Turn a Small Add-On Into Real Revenue With Mulligans

Mulligans won’t replace sponsorships or registrations in terms of revenue, but they’re an easy win to fold into your tournament. With thoughtful pricing, a simple package structure, and a frictionless way to buy, mulligans can add meaningful dollars to your tournament’s fundraising outcomes, all from something golfers already want.

Mulligans are a great way to build in easy, low-cost revenue drivers to charity golf tournaments. Make it easy to package, list, and sell with a free event website from GolfStatus. Websites are powered by GolfStatus’ golf event management platform, which streamlines and simplifies tournaments to save organizers time and help raise more money for your cause, and backed by a team of golf fundraising pros. Book a meeting to find out more and get started at no upfront cost!

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About the Author

Jen Wemhoff - Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Jen Wemhoff accidentally discovered her passion for nonprofits in college. An internship while earning a degree in Communications from Doane University led to a 20 year career in the nonprofit sector, where she found a strong desire to be part of something bigger than herself. Her vast nonprofit experience includes roles in marketing, fundraising, and direct programming. When Jen came to GolfStatus as Communications Manager in 2020, she was struck by the power of the sport to raise money to power nonprofit missions. She tells GolfStatus’s story across platforms and channels and develops educational tools and resources to help nonprofits tap into golf’s giving power. Jen, her husband, and two daughters call Lincoln, Nebraska home.

With just two months until tournament day, your planning efforts should be shifting into high gear. Many of the biggest decisions are behind you, and now it’s time to focus on execution. The more you can accomplish over the next several weeks, the less stressful the final countdown will be.

Planning should be in high gear at two months before your golf tournament.

This installment of the blog series will walk you through the key tasks to focus on two months before your charity golf tournament, working to fill the remaining team spots, secure sponsorships, outline logistics, and make sure every detail is coming together.

9 Months Post

6 Months Post

It’s important to note that while having more time to plan is usually better, it’s possible to plan a successful golf tournament in a matter of a couple of months.

Free Download:

Golf Tournament Checklist and Planning Timeline

Get a roadmap of every task so you stay on task and on target throughout your tournament planning! Find out what to do and when to do it.

Pre-Planning & Reference

Whether you need a refresher on GolfStatus features, planning best practices, or ideas to raise more money, take advantage of the educational tools and resources available to you. If you haven’t already:

• Get a GolfStatus demo. GolfStatus is the industry’s leading platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. Find out how to save 40+ hours and raise thousands more dollars!

• Get a GolfStatus Education Session. Once you’re on board with GolfStatus, our client success team will walk you through the software’s backend.

• Book a consultation with a Fundraising Specialist. Your dedicated GolfStatus Fundraising Specialist will walk you through opportunities to raise more money and qualify for GolfStatus Rewards.

• Watch a GolfStatus webinar. GolfStatus holds free monthly webinars on topics like sponsorships, planning basics, logistics, marketing, and more. Browse upcoming webinars.

Planning Team & Committee Meetings

Your committee meetings should become increasingly focused on progress and accountability. Review outstanding tasks, celebrate accomplishments, and make sure every committee member knows exactly what’s expected of them between now and tournament day.

• Hold monthly committee meetings. Continue to talk through the budget, sponsorship prospects and outreach, logistics, on-course contests or games, and promotion.

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Date & Golf Facility

Clear communication with the golf facility becomes more important as your field starts to take shape. Keeping staff informed and asking questions helps prevent surprises and ensures everyone is on the same page.

• Share access to GolfStatus’ backend. If you haven’t already, share access with the golf facility so there are no surprises in the weeks leading up to tournament day. There’s no cost to grant staff at the golf facility access to your GolfStatus tournament management platform’s backend.

• Touch base with facility staff with questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out to golf facility staff with any questions or concerns.

Event Website

Your golf tournament website should serve as the central hub for golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. Keep it current with the latest information so participants can find everything they need to know—without having to contact your team.

• Make event website updates as needed. Continue to add and update information as needed. Common updates include new raffle prizes or auction items, contest or challenge announcements, special guests, and the event’s schedule.

Include the link to your event website in every outreach—texts, emails, social media, flyers, and more.

Team & Sponsor Packages

Now is the time to fill any remaining sponsorships and encourage golfers to register before spots disappear. Consistent follow-up, flexible sponsorship options, and clear deadlines can help create urgency and keep registrations moving.

• Follow up with prospects for each sponsorship. Follow up with prospective sponsors to see if they have questions on next steps or would like to talk about a custom sponsorship opportunity.

• Add custom packages as needed. As you reach out to sponsors, ask them what their goals are for sponsoring your event, and don’t be afraid to create custom packages or modify existing packages as needed to help them get the most out of their investment in your tournament.

• Determine a registration closed date. Decide when you’ll close registration, both for teams and sponsorships. Having a deadline can create urgency for prospective sponsors and teams, and you can always extend the deadline if necessary.

• Order items as necessary. If a sponsorship is tied to any materials, such as golf balls, golf towels, bags, or other items, order them as soon as the sponsorship is sold and payment is received. This gives you plenty of time to deal with any ordering or shipping issues or misprints.

Marketing & Promotion

With registration open and in full swing, your marketing efforts should become more frequent and targeted. Use a mix of email, social media, local outreach, and personal invitations to encourage people to register as soon as possible.

• Send targeted promotional emails. Segment your list and target messaging to past participants (if applicable), donors, and supporters. Send a series of emails leading up to the registration closed date.

• Promote on social media. A combination of organic posts and a modest paid campaign targeted to people in the area can help drive registrations.

• Distribute your tournament flyer. Print copies for every committee member and send them loose, asking them to post them in libraries, coffee shops, gyms, community centers, grocery stores, or any other visible place.

• Send a press release to local media. Send a release to local television and radio stations with information about the event, what it’s raising money for, any notable tournament components, and your organization.

• Submit the event to community calendars. Community calendars are a cheap and easy way to spread the word to potential golfers. You can even use AI to help you identify local calendars and submission instructions.

• Reach out to friends and family. Ask committee members to call, text, or chat with five people and invite them to play in the event. There’s no substitute for personal outreach!

• Refine your promotional strategy as needed. Update and further refine your promo plan as details come into focus and advertising budgets are set, if applicable.

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Helpful Golf Tournament Promotional Resources

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Details & Logistics

The behind-the-scenes work starts to take center stage over the next two months. Staying on top of logistics now gives you time to solve problems before they become last-minute emergencies.

• Determine food and beverage. Connect with the golf facility, a caterer, or an in-kind donor to determine food and beverage needs. Be mindful of allergies or special dietary needs.

• Determine player gifts. Whether you’re selling a sponsorship for player gifts or purchasing them outright, now’s the time to move forward, especially if anything needs to be produced.

• Outline a schedule. Add this information to your event website. Include times for registration, warm-up, shotgun start, and estimates for any post-golf celebrations.

• Determine contests. A hole-in-one contest is an easy and popular addition to a golf tournament. Research and purchase hole-in-one insurance to protect yourself from financial risk. Putting contests, longest drive, and closest to the pin are other popular contest options.

• Determine on-course games or challenges. On-course games have the potential to drive additional dollars for your cause. Keep them simple, easy to understand, and quick to play to keep the tournament’s pace of play moving smoothly.

• Determine raffle details (if applicable). Add a raffle ticket package to your event website, and start procuring donations for prizes.

• Determine auction details (if applicable). Add a link to your online auction listing (if applicable) from your event website, and start procuring donations for items.

Now’s the time to move forward with player gifts, like those from the Max Well For Life Charity Golf Tournament.

What’s Next?

You’re entering the home stretch. By the end of the next two months, most registration should be complete, sponsorships sold, and logistics largely finalized. The more proactive you are now, the more confident you’ll feel when tournament week arrives.

The next installment of the series will cover everything you should focus on during crunch time—the month before your tournament—to make sure event day runs as smoothly as possible. After months of planning, it will finally be time to bring it all together and deliver an unforgettable experience.

Time-Saving Tech & The Support You Need

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Most people register for a charity golf tournament because someone invited them to play. They may know someone who has a connection to your organization, but don’t know a thing about your mission or work.

Tournament day is the first meaningful interaction many participants have with your organization, presenting a huge opportunity for nonprofits to raise awareness and connect with potential donors. Thoughtfully planned mission moments help transform a fun day on the course into an experience with purpose.

Mission moments don’t have to be lengthy presentations or emotional speeches. They can be small, intentional touchpoints that remind golfers why they’re there and how they’re making a difference. While they’ll certainly remember the golf, food, contests, and prizes, they’ll also remember how the day made them feel. Mission moments create stronger emotional connections, inspire generosity, and even help turn first-time participants into long-term supporters.

Here are 10 mission moments to incorporate into your next charity golf tournament.

1. Let Your Mission Shine on Your Event Website

Your golf tournament’s website often serves as a golfer’s first introduction to your organization, so don’t make it all about registration. Instead of just listing the event’s details, answer the question every participant is asking: What difference will my registration make?

Use the site to introduce your mission with compelling photos, videos, impact statistics, and beneficiary stories. Help visitors understand what you do, who you serve, why your work matters, and what tournament proceeds will do. Even a short impact video or photo gallery can create an emotional connection before golfers ever arrive at the golf course.

Your event website is often the first interaction a new supporter has with your organization, so help them understand what your tournament is raising money for.

2. Open the Tournament with an Impact Story

Few mission moments are as memorable as hearing directly from someone whose life has been changed by your organization. Invite a beneficiary, volunteer, family member, client, or community partner to share a brief story during the welcome remarks. Alternatively, or in addition, invite a speaker to share their story at the luncheon, awards ceremony, or banquet.

For example, Riverside Ranch, a therapeutic horse riding program, invites parents of riders to speak at their golf tournament’s luncheon and share what the Ranch meant to their family.

Personal stories like this help golfers connect faces to fundraising dollars, and remind participants that the event is about much more than birdies and mulligans. Keep it conversational and authentic rather than overly scripted, and aim for five minutes or less—long enough to inspire, but short enough to keep the energy high.

3. Put Your Mission on Display on the Course

The golf course itself offers dozens of opportunities to reinforce your mission. Place mission-focused signage in high-traffic areas like registration, driving range, putting green, and inside the clubhouse (near the bar or front door are good choices). Share:

• Impact statistics

• Success stories

• Photos of the people or communities you serve

• Quotes or testimonials from beneficiaries

• Milestones your organization has achieved

Rather than using every sign for sponsorship recognition, dedicate a few to reminding golfers what they’re helping make possible. Add QR codes that link to your event website’s donation page, volunteer opportunities, or a short impact video as a call to action.

Putt Putt Fore Puppies adds information about adoptable pets to its hole signs to add a connection to the event’s mission and beneficiary.

4. Include a Mission-Focused Gift Bag Item

Player gift bags don’t have to be filled exclusively with sponsor swag. Include one meaningful piece in swag bags or on golf carts that tells your organization’s story. This could be anything from a one-page flyer or brochure with photos and outcomes to an annual report summary or beneficiary success story. If your golf facility has carts with video capabilities, inquire about showing a video or photo slideshow on the screens.

The goal isn’t to overwhelm golfers with information, but to provide a memorable takeaway they can read during downtime or take home after the event. Be sure to include a QR code on any printed materials with a direct link to the donation page of your event website, where golfers can donate right from their phones.

5. Introduce Golfers to the People Behind the Mission

Whenever possible and appropriate, invite the people connected to your mission to participate in the event. Personal connections are incredibly powerful, so provide opportunities for them to engage with golfers and sponsors throughout the day.

For example, if your golf tournament benefits a school, teachers, or administrators could greet golfers as they arrive or even be added to teams. A pet rescue organization could have adoptable pets at the golf course and hold an accompanying adoption drive. Or, your nonprofit’s staff members could run an on-course game or contest to interact with golfers throughout the round.

These types of simple interactions often leave lasting impressions and create authentic conversations that no brochure can replicate.

6. Make Downtime Meaningful

Every golf tournament includes natural pauses and waiting—to check in, on the tee box, for a turn on the driving range, for meals, or for final results to be announced. Rather than viewing these as empty moments, use them to deepen engagement with a captive audience.

• Ask your organization’s staff, board members, beneficiaries, or volunteers to mingle with golfers and chat about your mission while they wait.

• Strategically station people on various tee boxes throughout the golf course (perhaps on a par five that typically gets backed up) to talk with golfers and answer questions.

• Display a looping impact video in the clubhouse that golfers can watch while they wait for a drink or dinner.

• Intersperse photo displays that showcase your programs throughout the year among silent auction items or raffle prizes.

These quieter moments during the golf event can lead to meaningful conversations that build new and lasting donor relationships.

Ask staff, board members, beneficiaries, or volunteers to interact with golfers during the golf tournament’s downtime. Chat about your mission, invite them to ask questions, and share stories while they wait.

7. Create an Interactive Mission Experience

Whenever possible and practical, give golfers the chance to experience or see your mission in action instead of simply hearing about it. Interactive experiences create memorable moments that drive home what your organization does and why you do it. These experiences are also good opportunities to involve non-golfers in the event.

Some examples:

• An animal rescue hosts an adoption event alongside the golf tournament.

• A food bank organizes a mini-meal packing activity before play.

• A nonprofit arts organization showcases artwork created by local artists or teaches a painting class.

• A corporate tournament hosts a blanket-tying activity for non-golfers and guests during the round.

8. Share Digital Mission Moments Throughout the Day

If your golf tournament management platform includes a mobile app, use push notifications to share timely mission moments throughout the event. These notifications should be brief, positive, action-oriented, and strategically timed not to interrupt the golfer’s experience. For instance:

• “So far, we’ve raised enough money to provide 500 meals to local families.”

• “Meet today’s featured beneficiary, Name, during lunch!”

• “Help us get to our goal to raise $25,000—we only need $5,000 more! Donate here.”

• “Adoptable pets are in the clubhouse! Meet your new family member after your round.”

Include a link back to your event website, particularly if the message includes a call to action to donate.

9. Honor the People Behind the Cause

Many charity golf tournaments exist because someone wanted to honor a loved one, celebrate survivors, or remember an individual whose story inspired the event. Connect golfers to your mission by creating a dedicated space that recognizes those people.

Display photos, handwritten notes, memorial boards, or tribute signs that explain why the tournament matters. Invite participants to write messages of encouragement or remembrance. These types of displays become natural gathering places and often spark meaningful conversations among golfers who may have personal connections to your cause.

For instance, the Pat Neal Memorial Golf Tournament raises money for brain cancer research in honor of the tournament’s namesake, Pat Neal. A photo of Pat was placed on the course, and golfers were encouraged to sign the photo as a keepsake for Pat’s family. Another example is Project Purple, which includes a hall of fame induction at the tournament’s post-round dinner as a special moment of honor and recognition for individuals who have battled pancreatic cancer. Inductees or their families receive a purple jacket, and their picture hangs in the organization’s offices as a reminder of their fight against the disease.

Project Purple includes a hall of fame induction its golf fundraiser’s banquet to honor individuals who have battled pancreatic cancer.

10. End with a Clear Call to Continue the Mission

The end of the tournament is just the beginning of your relationship with participants. Before they leave, provide them with easy next steps to stay involved and support your mission:

• Set up a donation station where golfers can make a gift before they walk out the door

• Offer the chance to volunteer at an upcoming event or other opportunity

• Have a pop-up shop that sells branded merchandise or products

• Share links to sign up for your newsletter and follow you on social media

• Offer an early-bird rate for golfers to register for next year’s golf tournament

Missions moments are the most effective when they don’t simply inspire people, but encourage action while enthusiasm is still high.

Final Thoughts

Creating memorable mission moments doesn’t make your tournament longer or more complicated. Effective moments intentionally weave your organization’s impact throughout the participant experience.

Technology makes this easier than ever. Your event website, mobile app, signage, online donation tools, email communications, and fundraising platform all work together to help tell your story before, during, and after tournament day.

Golfers that understand the impact of the tournament are more likely to become repeat players, loyal donors, enthusiastic volunteers, and passionate advocates for your organization. The golf tournament may only last a day, but the relationships it creates can help support your mission for years to come.

Your Best Golf Event Starts With the Best Tech—at No Upfront Cost!

Book a Meeting with GolfStatus to Get Started

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Why the Class 2 Gathering Starts With a Charity Golf Tournament that Raises $100k to Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

partner snapshot

After nearly three decades with Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Mayetta, Kansas, Ashley Bergquist knows charity golf tournaments inside and out. As Promotions, Events, and Entertainment Manager, she’s managed countless golf events at the casino’s golf facility, Firekeeper Golf Course, from VIP outings to charity tournaments.

Today, Ashley also serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, giving her a unique perspective on both the operational and charitable sides of golf fundraising events. And that experience has helped shape one of the most unique tournaments in the tribal gaming industry.

The Class 2 Gathering raises funds to support the Boys and Girls Club of the Potawatomi Nation.

Class 2 Gathering

The standalone Boys and Girls Club event became part of the Class 2 Gathering (C2G), a nationwide gaming conference, held at Prairie Band Casino & Resort. The result is a golf tournament that brings together casino operators, vendors, exhibitors, and sponsors from the community and across the country—all while raising funds for local Boys and Girls Club programs.

The strategy has proven to be a win for everyone involved. The tournament serves as the kickoff to the conference, giving attendees the chance to network on the course before moving into educational conference sessions. The tournament concludes with a combined launch party and awards celebration featuring raffles, a silent auction, food trucks, sponsor recognition, and additional fundraising.

“It’s really a two-for-one opportunity,” Ashley says. “By combining the conference and the tournament, we’re able to bring people together who might not have attended the golf event otherwise.”

the challenge

Before combining with C2G, the Boys and Girls Club held its own charity golf outing. And like many nonprofit golf fundraisers, much of the administrative work was done manually.

Registrations came in through phone calls and invoices, and credit card payments had to be processed individually. Team rosters lived in static spreadsheets, and any changes required updating multiple documents. Tournament materials, like scorecards, signage, and player lists, had to be recreated with every last-minute change.

Ashley says that because of these manual processes, the tournament could really only be managed by one person. “Otherwise, there were too many chances for things to get mixed up.” When the event was paired with the national C2G conference, those manual processes became even more of a challenge.

The tournament’s audience was different than a traditional community fundraiser. Instead of recruiting local golfers, Ashley needed to coordinate:

• Casino operators from across the country

• Tribal gaming vendors and suppliers

• Conference exhibitors

• National sponsors

• Local business partners

Many participants had to travel to attend, so final player names weren’t confirmed until the week of or even the day before the tournament. That meant materials needed to stay flexible.

What’s more, Ashley wanted the event to deliver an experience worthy of the investment people were making to attend. Every detail matters, from the registration experience and pace of play to sponsor recognition and the post-round celebration. “We’re not trying to be the biggest tournament out there,” Ashley says. “We’re trying to be the tournament that people want to come back to.”

the solution

When C2G assumed responsibility for the annual tournament, Ashley was introduced to GolfStatus by the Firekeeper Golf Course’s general manager. The timing couldn’t have been better.

Instead of juggling spreadsheets and manually collecting payments, the tournament could move to one centralized platform where registration, player management, sponsorships, scoring, and administration all worked together.

An event website eliminated manual registration processes and made it easy to manage teams and sponsors.

The results

Fundraising Outcomes

The combination of thoughtful planning, a built-in conference audience, and streamlined tournament management has helped the event build momentum each year. The fundraiser generated more than $129,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, which helps fund:

• Educational opportunities

• Youth trips and enrichment activities

• Scholarships and tuition assistance

• Facility improvements

• Updated equipment and resources

• General operating support that helps local children thrive

Immediate Value

Ashley immediately saw the value in GolfStatus. “Why wouldn’t I use this?” she says. Golfers register and pay online, and update teammates as plans change. “The platform is easy to use. I send the website to people, and they take it from there. I don’t have to take time to enter information.”

For Ashley, one of the biggest advantages isn’t just online registration—it’s flexibility. “If something changes the day of the tournament, it’s easy to reprint signs, alpha lists, scorecards, everything.” Instead of needing to recreate tournament materials manually, the information already exists inside the platform. “It saves so much time, I can literally just click print,” Ashley says.

Each GolfStatus client works directly with a dedicated Client Success Representative and has access to a Fundraising Specialist and live support seven days a week.

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“It’s just so easy. The people are great to work with, they understand golf tournaments, and they can give advice because they’ve actually done it.”

— Ashley Bergquist, Promotions, Events, and Entertainment Manager at Prairie Band Casino & Resort

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Sponsor Opportunities & Management

Thoughtful sponsor recruitment has helped the tournament continue to grow. Rather than cold-calling prospective sponsors, Ashley begins with businesses already participating in the conference. Exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and longtime business partners become natural prospects because they’re already planning to attend.

Timing also matters. Ashley intentionally releases the event’s sponsorship offerings before companies finalize annual budgets. “By getting sponsorship information to businesses early, they can plan and budget for the tournament ahead of time, giving them a much better chance of securing approval and participating,” Ashley says. This strategy has helped secure significant sponsor commitments, including a five-year title sponsorship from a local Pepsi distributor.

Releasing sponsorship offerings as early as possible has helped the tournament secure sponsor commitments.

GolfStatus simplified sponsor management and elevated the sponsorship offerings with its exclusive Technology Sponsorship, plus a pin flag sponsorship and hole-in-one contest sponsorship.

Custom pin flags are not only used on the course, but also as sponsor recognition pieces. The tournament presents each hole sponsor with a pin flag following the event. Sponsors attending the awards celebration receive theirs in person, while those unable to attend receive their flag in the mail. “Pin flags are a great keepsake!” Ashley says. “I have one hanging on my office wall.”

A Memorable Experience

While many fundraising tournaments focus on maximizing the number of golfers, C2G intentionally limits the field to 144 golfers to create a premium experience. “We could probably squeeze in more golfers, but we’d rather have a great pace of play and have people leave saying it was the most fun tournament they played all year.”

This philosophy has helped the tournament become a highlight of the annual C2G conference. Every player receives high-end gifts, including items like premium sunglasses, Bluetooth speakers, and other golf accessories, plus casino free play and gift cards. Ashley says that in her experience, practical gifts outperform novelty items. “When people actually use your player gifts during other tournaments, it’s free advertising for your event.”

Custom pin flags help elevate the tournament experience for golfers and sponsors.

Fundraising & Engagement

One of the biggest successes has been expanding fundraising opportunities beyond the golf course itself. Because the tournament flows directly into the conference kickoff celebration, participants who only attend the conference still become part of the fundraising experience.

Throughout the evening, attendees purchase raffle tickets, participate in the silent auction, and celebrate tournament winners together. That broader audience of conference attendees creates new fundraising streams and supporters that simply didn’t exist when the tournament stood on its own.

On the course, Ashley looks for engaging activities that everyone can enjoy, including:

• Four hole-in-one contest holes

• A golf ball cannon, which is included in registration

• Closest to the pin competition

• A second-shot hole-in-one challenge hosted by a Charity Golf International professional long-driver (which generated $2,500 for the Boys and Girls Club)

One of Ashley’s goals is to keep golfers there for the post-round celebration. Many tournaments lose attendees immediately after golf ends, but Ashley has built an experience worth sticking around for, with food, drinks, entertainment, and fundraising.

The result? An event that feels less like waiting for scores and more like the official kickoff to the conference and celebration of the golf tournament.

The post-golf celebration and Class 2 Gathering kickoff features performances from members of the Potawatomi Nation.

Advice to Other Casino Operators

For casinos considering launching their own charitable golf tournament or adding one to an existing conference or other event, Ashley offers one simple piece of advice: Play in other tournaments first.

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“Go experience them as a golfer. Figure out what you like and don’t like, then build the tournament you’d want to play.”

— Ashley Bergquist, Promotions, Events, and Entertainment Manager at Prairie Band Casino & Resort

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She also encourages casinos to recognize the unique inherent advantages they have, which naturally support a successful fundraising event:

• Championship golf courses

• Experienced hospitality teams

• Food and beverage options

• Entertainment

• Established vendor relationships

Beyond raising money, a charity golf tournament showcases the property’s amenities, strengthens relationships with vendors and partners, and creates meaningful support for important community organizations. For C2G, that means investing in the next generation through the Boys and Girls Club.

With GolfStatus helping simplify tournament operations, Ashley can spend less time managing spreadsheets and more time creating the experience golfers look forward to every year.

As C2G and the tournament continue to grow, the focus remains the same: offer an exceptional experience, foster relationships across the gaming industry, and generate meaningful support for local youth—one great round of golf at a time.

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Boost Golf Tournament Results With GolfStatus

GolfStatus works with golf tournaments of all types and sizes, from small nonprofit events to massive charity fundraisers. Its tech streamlines and simplifies registration, payment processing, player management, sponsor onboarding, scoring, and much more. The software is backed by an in-house team of golf fundraising professionals, and all tournaments have access to exclusive Fundraising Enhancers and Rewards, as well as consultations with Fundraising Specialists. Get started at no upfront cost by booking a meeting with our team.

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Keeping your annual golf tournament fresh and exciting can be a challenge for longstanding events. Returning golfers always look forward to seeing familiar faces and supporting your mission, but offering them a new experience helps keep them engaged year after year.

Trying different golf tournament formats is an easy way to shake things up without completely reinventing the event. A new format can help differentiate your tournament from others in your community and encourage past participants to return. Different formats can also help you attract beginners, who might be playing in an organized event for the first time. The National Golf Foundation reports that more than three million beginners take up golf every year, so choosing the right format ensures they have a great experience.

The right golf tournament format keeps golfers engaged from start to finish. The key is understanding your audience.

Organizers have plenty of golf tournament format ideas to choose from. Some emphasize teamwork, others create more competition, and several invite golfers of all skills.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular alternative golf tournament formats, explain the benefits of each one, answer common questions, and share tips for using tech to make implementation and scoring simple.

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Top Golf Tournament Formats

Every golf tournament format creates a different player experience and comes with its own strengths. As you explore the different options for your next golf outing, consider which format best fits your audience, fundraising goals, and golfer mix.

1. Scramble

The scramble is by far the most popular format for charity golf tournaments. It encourages teamwork, keeps play moving, and makes the event accessible for golfers of all abilities.

• How it works: Every golfer hits a tee shot, the group selects the best one, and all players hit their next shot from that location. The process continues until the ball is holed, with the team recording a single score for each hole.

• Benefits: A scramble is one of the most beginner-friendly tournament formats because higher-handicap players don’t have to worry about a single bad shot hurting the team’s overall score. It creates a fun, low-pressure atmosphere that keeps the round moving.

• Best practice: Consider setting a minimum number of shots used for every player, helping everyone contribute more equally to the team.

2. Shamble

The shamble format offers a great combination of team and individual play, and is a strong choice for charity tournaments,

• How it works: Every golfer tees off, and the group selects the best shot—just like in a scramble. But from that point on, each golfer plays their own ball through the hole. Team scores are typically calculated by combining one or more of the lowest individual scores on each hole.

• Benefits: A shamble gives golfers the advantage of starting each hole from a favorable position, while still allowing them to play their own game. Beginners benefit from the team’s best drive, while stronger golfers have opportunities to showcase their abilities. Shambles move at a good pace and create a balance between teamwork and competition.

• Best practice: Before the round begins, clearly explain how team scores will be calculated—whether you’re counting the lowest score, combining the two lowest scores, or another variation.

3. Match Play

If you’re looking to bring a little friendly rivalry to your event, match play is a great way to create head-to-head competition and engagement.

• How it works: Golfers compete hole by hole rather than counting total strokes for the entire round. The player or team that has the lowest score on a hole earns a point, and the player or team with the most points at the end of the round is the winner.

• Benefits: Because the score is based on holes won instead of cumulative strokes, one bad hole won’t ruin an otherwise great round. That keeps players in the moment and focused on the next shot, maintaining enthusiasm on each hole.

• Best practice: Consider organizing your event with a bracket-style draw. Head-to-head matchups and advancing rounds can build anticipation and heighten the excitement and competitiveness of the event.

4. Best Ball

The best ball format is a nice middle ground between individual competition and team play, making it a popular choice for events with a mix of skill levels.

• How it works: Every golfer plays their own ball on each hole, and the team records the lowest individual score as the team’s score.

• Benefits: This format lets strong golfers excel while still allowing every participant to play their own game. It strikes a nice balance between personal performance and teamwork.

• Best practice: When assigning groups for a best ball tournament, aim for a mix of skill levels to create a more balanced, inclusive competition.

5. Alternate Shot

Alternate shot is all about collaboration. It challenges pairs to work together and make strategic decisions throughout the round.

• How it works: Teams of two play a single ball, alternating shots until the ball is holed. One golfer tees off on odd-numbered holes, the other on even-numbered holes.

• Benefits: Since every shot affects your partner, the alternate shot format naturally builds trust and stresses communication. It’s a great fit for corporate golf outings or sponsor-driven team-building events that want to emphasize collaboration.

• Best practice: Pair golfers with complementary strengths to create a more competitive and enjoyable round. For instance, match a great long driver with someone who excels at the short game.

Organizers can choose from a number of golf tournament format ideas to keep the event fun and competitive.

6. Stableford

Stableford encourages bold play while also keeping golfers from getting discouraged after a bad hole, making it an attractive alternative to traditional scoring.

• How it works: Rather than counting the fewest strokes, Stableford awards points based on a golfer’s score relative to par. A common scoring system gives players no points for a double bogey or worse, one point for a bogey, two points for par, three points for a birdie, four points for an eagle, and five points for a double eagle.

• Benefits: Stableford shifts a golfer’s mindset from avoiding mistakes to chasing opportunities. Golfers are often more willing to take risks to hit birdies and eagles to maximize their scores.

• Best practice: Make the scoring system easy to reference by printing a simple point chart on score cards, displaying it on golf carts, or including it in your golf tournament management app.

7. Bingo Bango Bongo

If you’re looking to surprise returning golfers with something completely different, Bingo Bango Bongo is one of the most entertaining golf tournament format ideas out there.

• How it works: Players have three opportunities to earn points on every hole. One point goes to the first golfer to hit the green (bingo), another goes to the player closest to the pin once everyone is on the green (bango), and the final point goes to the first golfer to hole (bongo).

• Benefits: This format rewards several aspects of the game, giving golfers of varying skill levels a chance to succeed. Skilled drivers, precise iron players, and strong putters all have opportunities to contribute, and it works well for both team and individual events.

• Best practice: If you’re running a team Bingo Bango Bongo event, designate one golfer in each group as the official scorekeeper.

8. Chapman (Pinehurst)

The Chapman, or Pinehurst, format combines elements of scramble and alternate shot to create a unique tournament experience that rewards strategy and teamwork.

• How it works: Both partners tee off and then select the best drive. From that point forward, they alternate shots using a single ball until the hole is completed.

• Benefits: Chapman offers more variety without being overly complicated. It’s a fun option for intermediate and experienced golfers who want something a little different from a traditional charity outing.

• Best practice: Walk through the rules before the tournament begins to prevent confusion, and have volunteers available on tee boxes to answer questions once play gets underway.

9. Skins

A skins game introduces a little extra drama by turning every hole into its own competition and creating memorable moments throughout the round.

• How it works: Each hole is assigned a “skin,” and the player or team with the lowest score wins the skin. If two or more golfers tie, the skin carries over to the next hole and increases the value of the next opportunity to win.

• Benefits: The carryover element keeps golfers engaged, even if they have a slow start. A string of tied holes can build anticipation and create high-stakes moments when golfers compete for multiple skins at once.

• Best practice: Keep participants updated by announcing or displaying carryover skins throughout the event to add another layer of excitement.

10. Money Ball (Lone Ranger)

Money ball, sometimes called lone ranger, is a creative team format that gives every golfer the chance to make a meaningful contribution.

• How it works: One player on each team is designated as the “money ball” golfer for a hole, and that player’s score counts as the team’s score for that hole. The money ball rotates from player to player throughout the round.

• Benefits: Because every golfer takes a turn carrying the team score, stronger players don’t dominate the competition, and higher-handicap players still have the chance to shine.

• Best practice: Determine the money ball rotation before the tournament begins and print the order on scorecards or include it in the event website, helping to avoid confusion and keep play moving smoothly.

Make sure every player understands the golf tournament format by reviewing the rules during opening announcements.

Golf Tournament Format FAQs

What should I consider when choosing a golf tournament format?

The best format for your specific tournament depends on key factors like:

• The skill level of your audience

• The size of your field

• The overall goals of your event

For example, a scramble works well for a broad audience because it’s accessible and collaborative. On the other hand, skins and match play can be better suited for experienced golfers who are looking for a more competitive atmosphere.

What’s the most popular alternative tournament type?

For charity events, scramble remains the clear favorite. It accommodates golfers of all skill levels, keeps pace of play moving along, and encourages teamwork.

That said, if you host an annual fundraiser with many returning participants, experimenting with other golf tournament formats can help keep the event fresh. You might even try rotating formats from year to year to create a new experience without changing the overall structure of your event. A good practice is to survey participants to gather valuable feedback about what formats they’d like to see incorporated.

Can you mix different formats within a single tournament?

Absolutely! In fact, some of the most memorable professional events do exactly that. The Ryder Cup is a well-known example, using multiple formats throughout the event. If you’re holding a multi-day or multi-round event, you can borrow from that concept by combining formats like match play and best ball or creating separate challenges that use different scoring systems.

The key here is communication. Provide participants with written rules before the event and review the format during opening announcements to keep everyone on the same page.

Do different formats affect the rate of play?

Yes. Team-focused formats like scramble often move more quickly, while those that involve more individual scoring or point calculations (like Stableford) may require more time.

As you plan your event schedule, don’t forget to factor in the pace of play associated with your chosen format and communicate expectations to players in advance.

Your event website should clearly state the golf tournament format.

Pro Tips for Managing Different Golf Tournament Formats

Once you’ve chosen your format, the next step is making sure everything runs smoothly. Preparation and the right tech can eliminate confusion, reduce your team’s administrative workload, and improve the golfer experience.

#1 Tip: Use Golf Tournament Management Software

Alternative formats can create a lot of manual scoring complexity. Keeping track of points and carryovers and calculating scores with paper scorecards can quickly become a headache.

Purpose-built golf tournament management software like GolfStatus helps simplify this process by handling scores and tracking calculations automatically, while updating results in real time. These features are especially valuable when using alternative formats:

• Live leaderboards: Digital leaderboards let golfers check standings throughout the round from their phones, keeping everyone up-to-date from the first drive to the last putt.

• Handicap integration: Formats like best ball and match play often work best when teams and pairings include players with varying abilities. Software that automatically collects and applies handicaps saves time and eliminates disputes.

• Sponsor visibility: Leaderboards, event websites, and mobile apps create additional opportunities for sponsor recognition across multiple digital touchpoints.

Other Best Practices

No matter which format you choose, a little preparation goes a long way. Helping participants understand the rules before the tournament and gathering feedback after the event will make it easier to offer an even better experience next year. Keep these best practices in mind:

• Communicate the format in advance: Include an overview of the rules in registration confirmation emails and pre-event communications so golfers can familiarize themselves with the format’s rules before tournament day. Consider posting hole signage across the course that clearly outlines the rules.

• Run a practice hole: If you’re using a less familiar format, consider running a practice hole or demonstration before play officially begins. A quick trial run will help golfers feel more confident when their score counts.

• Collect feedback after the event: Send a post-tournament survey to golfers asking what they enjoyed and whether they’d like to see the same format or something different in the future. Their feedback can help guide future decisions and reassure them that their experience matters to your organization.

Try a New Format for Your Next Tournament

The format you choose shapes nearly every aspect of the golfer experience, from competitive and pace of play to teamwork and fun. While the traditional scramble remains a proven, popular option for charity events, exploring new golf tournament format ideas can help your fundraiser stand out, bring new golfers to the table, and keep longtime supporters coming back.

The right choice ultimately depends on your audience. A beginner-friendly scramble may be perfect for introducing golfers to your mission, while Stableford or match play could appeal to a more experienced crowd. You may find that mixing formats or rotating them each year keeps your event feeling fresh.

Whatever you choose, don’t be afraid to experiment. A creative format can be a memorable part of your fundraiser, and with the right planning tools and technology, implementing something new is easier than ever.

Work With the Golf Fundraising Pros

Book a Meeting to Get Started

About the Author

Jen Wemhoff accidentally discovered her passion for nonprofits in college. An internship while earning a degree in Communications from Doane University led to a 20 year career in the nonprofit sector, where she found a strong desire to be part of something bigger than herself. Her vast nonprofit experience includes roles in marketing, fundraising, and direct programming. When Jen came to GolfStatus as Communications Manager in 2020, she was struck by the power of the sport to raise money to power nonprofit missions. She tells GolfStatus’s story across platforms and channels and develops educational tools and resources to help nonprofits tap into golf’s giving power. Jen, her husband, and two daughters call Lincoln, Nebraska home.

Communicating with golfers, sponsors, and other tournament participants is one of the most important parts of running a successful golf event. That’s why we’re excited to share a major update to GolfStatus’ golf tournament management software: a brand new messaging tool.

The messaging feature now gives organizers a more streamlined way to create, schedule, send, and track communications from within the tournament’s dashboard.

GolfStatus’ new messaging tool comes with new capabilities and features to give tournament organizers more flexibility with communication.

Easy Message Management

Messaging is now fully integrated into the platform and is no longer a separate application. Organizers can access everything from the dedicated “Messages” tab inside their tournament in the software, without toggling between screens or systems, where they can:

• Quickly create new messages

• View sent, scheduled, and draft messages

• Search past communications

• Monitor delivery results

Message Types

When creating messages, organizers can choose between:

• Emails, which are delivered to individual golfers, donors, and sponsors' inboxes. Emails are great for pre-tournament updates, announcements, player instructions, or post-event stewardship.

• App notifications, which appear in the GolfStatus live scoring mobile app. These messages are intentionally streamlined for quick updates and reminders, with a simple subject line.

The message types are now managed independently, giving organizers much more flexibility and removing limitations that existed in the previous version.

Choose desired message recipients with just a few clicks.

Reach the Right Audience

Recipients are automatically organized into predefined groups based on your tournament. Available groups may include:

• Sponsors

• Players

• Teams

• Waitlist contacts

• Customers

• Donors

Because every tournament is different, the messaging tool dynamically displays the groups that exist within each event.

Organizers can send messages across multiple tournaments (including past years’ tournaments), to entire recipient groups, or manually select specific individuals. When scheduling future sends, recipient groups remain dynamic, meaning newly registered participants will automatically be included. Current tournament participants can also be excluded from promotional sends.

Another helpful improvement is deduplication. If an individual belongs to multiple recipient groups, they will only receive one copy of the message.

Better Emails With More Flexibility

The updated email experience gives organizers significantly more control over message content and formatting, with these new capabilities:

• Subject lines and rich email content

• A full WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor

• Expanded formatting options

• Attachments up to 25 MB

• No character limits

Tournament organizers now have more control over message content, format, and send date.

Message Creation

Creating a message follows a simple, intuitive workflow that’s designed to help organizers quickly communicate with their audience:

1. Open the “Messages” tab.

2. Click “New Message”

3. Choose “Email” or “App Notification”

4. Select recipients

5. Compose your message

6. Choose “Send Now” to send immediately or “Send Later” to schedule delivery

Schedule Ahead and Stay Organized

Tournament organizers often plan their communications weeks or even months in advance. With the new messaging tool, every message begins as a draft until it’s sent or scheduled. Once your message is ready to go, you can send it immediately or schedule it for a future date and time.

Drafts and scheduled messages can be edited or deleted as needed. Sent messages remain permanent, showing who sent the message and when, providing transparency and accountability for teams collaborating on communications.

See who opened your message, who clicked it, and if any messages bounced or were reported as spam.

Know Whether Your Messages Are Working

One of the most requested messaging improvements was greater visibility into delivery and engagement. Now, after a message is sent, organizers can see the following by clicking into each audience group:

• Who received it

• Who opened it

• Who clicked it

• Bounce activity

• Spam reports

These insights provide much-needed confidence that tournament communications are reaching the right people and generating engagement. Use this data to make data-driven decisions about participant communication and follow-up.

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Easy Communication & Much More With GolfStatus

From registration reminders and sponsorship updates to fundraising campaigns and day-of logistics, communication plays a critical role in every successful golf tournament. The improved messaging tool is another way GolfStatus brings flexibility and efficiency to golf tournament planning, management, and execution.

Learn more about the messaging feature—as well as GolfStatus’ entire suite of tournament management solutions—and how you can get started with GolfStatus at no upfront cost by booking a meeting with our team.

already a golfstatus client?

Get in touch with your Client Success representative to learn more about using the new messaging tool for your next golf tournament.

By Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager

If your charity golf tournament is right around the corner but your golfer numbers aren’t where you need them to be, don’t panic. With the right outreach strategy (and a little hustle), you can still drive golfer registrations to fill your field.

Here are seven last-minute marketing tips to attract golfers to your tournament.

1. Segment Your List, Then Target Messaging

Blasting the same generic email to your entire contact list is a fast way to get ignored. Instead, break your audience into segments and tailor your messaging to the interests and needs of each group.

Think about your list in groups like:

• Past golfers. These are people who played in your tournament but haven’t yet signed up. A “We miss you!” note with a specific call to action (maybe a deadline-driven discount code or special rate) can nudge them off the fence.

• Other event participants. They’ve already had a great event experience with your organization, so a “We’d love to have you at the tournament” message with a link to your golf tournament website can go a long way.

• Sponsors and partners. These folks are already invested in your mission, so ask if they have employees or clients who love golf and would benefit from a day on the golf course.

• General supporters. Your broader donor or email list may include golfers who have never played in your tournament. Remind them what they’re missing!

Segmentation takes a little extra effort upfront, but it produces significantly better results than a one-size-fits-all approach. Your messages will feel personal and relevant.

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PRO TIP:

Use your golf tournament management platform to access past years’ participant data.

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2. Send a Text

Email is a great tool to market your golf tournament, but text messages are another opportunity to reach golfers where they already look multiple times a day—their phones. If you have an opt-in SMS list, now is the perfect time to use it.

Keep texts short and direct, and link to your registration website. For example: “Spots are filling up for [Tournament Name] on [Date], and we’d love to have you there. Register today at [website link]. Questions? Reply to this text!”

You can also use SMS for countdown reminders and to create urgency that prompts action:

• “Only 5 teams remain!”

• “Registration closes Friday!”

• “Don’t miss the hole-in-one contest!”

If you don’t have an SMS list yet, start building one now for future events. Add an opt-in checkbox to your registration form, donor forms, mention it at events, and promote it on social media. The investment will pay off every time you need to drum up last-minute interest.

3. Go All-In on Social Media

Between now and tournament day, leverage your social channels to bring in golfers. A mix of organic content and paid campaigns can quickly generate real momentum.

Free, Organic Tactics That Work:

• Create a Facebook event. Invite your committee, board, members, and volunteers to 1. Mark themselves as “Going” and 2. Invite their networks. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s underused by nonprofit event teams. Facebook Events show up in local search results and the feeds of attendees’ networks, giving you broad, free organic visibility.

• Post daily (or close to it). Share photos from past tournaments, sponsor spotlights, highlights from past tournaments, tournament prizes, raffle prize previews, tease the theme, or even give away a free team to someone who likes and shares the post. Use language that conveys urgency.

• Join relevant groups. Search Facebook and LinkedIn for local groups—golf, nonprofit networking, community events, etc. Post your tournament details (be sure to follow each group’s rules about self-promotion) and let members spread the word.

• Don’t overlook stories or LinkedIn. A well-timed Facebook or Instagram story with a link or a LinkedIn post from your organization’s page can reach people that other channels can miss, especially corporate golfers and potential foursomes from local businesses.

Paid Tactics Worth the Investment

Even a modest Facebook or Instagram ad budget ($100 - $300) can deliver strong results:

• Target ads by zip code so you’re reaching people who are local to your tournament

• Narrow ads to specific interests, like golf, charity, fundraisers, outdoors, and your specific cause (pets, environment, literacy, youth, etc.)

• Boost your highest-performing organic post

• Run a dedicated registration ad with a clear call to action (Register Now!)

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Free Social Media Resources

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4. Pick Up the Phone!

There’s no more powerful outreach tool than a real human asking another real human to show up. In the age of automated emails, social ads, and AI, a personal call or text from someone they know stands out and makes them feel valued.

Here’s how to mobilize your committee for personal outreach:

• Five and Five. Challenge every committee member, board member, staff member, and volunteer to send five texts and make five phone calls asking people to register. Provide a simple script so it’s as easy as possible to execute: “Hey [Name], I’m helping organize [Tournament Name] on [Date], and we’d love to have you join us. It’s a great day of golf for a great cause. Can I send you the link to register?”

• Leverage your past participants. Pull a list of past golf tournament (or other event) participants and prioritize reaching out to people who attended one or two years ago, but haven’t yet registered this time. These are essentially warm leads, since they already know your organization and event, since they liked it enough to come once.

• Make it a group effort. If you’re really close to a target number, consider a focused phone-a-thon day where your team spends a few hours making calls together. Friendly competition (“who can get the most registrations today?”) makes it more fun. People tend to respond to urgency when it feels genuine, so don’t be afraid to use language like “We need six more foursomes to have a full field, and I thought of you.”

5. Use AI to Find Community and Event Calendars

Local event calendars are an underutilized free marketing channel. Local news outlets, community organizations, chambers of commerce, visitors bureaus, and city websites often maintain community calendars that are actively browsed by people looking for things to do. Getting your tournament listed on as many of these as possible is a no-cost way to expand reach.

The challenge can be in finding them all. That’s where AI can help. Use tools like ChatGPT or Claude with this prompt: “Give me a list of community and event calendars in [City, State] and how to submit an event listing for each one.”

You’ll get a solid starting list of calendars where you can post your tournament details. Most of these submissions take just a few minutes to complete and can put your event in front of audiences you’d never reach otherwise. Once you have your list and links, divide them up among committee members and knock submissions out in an afternoon.

6. Offer a Last-Minute Incentive

Sometimes people just need a little push or a carrot to spur them to action. A time-sensitive incentive can convert fence-sitters into registered golfers. Consider offers like:

• A deadline discount. “Register by [Date] to save $25 per foursome”

• A bonus. “Register this week and get five free raffle tickets” or “Register by tomorrow and get an extra entry in the putting contest”

• A complete team freebie. “Include all team members’ contact information to receive a complimentary mulligans package”

It’s a good idea to pair any incentive with a hard deadline, and promote it everywhere—email, social, text, and personal outreach. The combination of value and urgency can be a powerful motivator.

7. Rally Your Sponsors

Your sponsors benefit from a full tournament field as much as you do, so reach out to your top sponsors to ask if they would help you spread the word. Provide quick and easy suggestions to help, like:

• Sharing the event website link on their company social channels or in an internal email to employees.

• Purchase additional teams as an incentive for employees or to entertain clients and prospects.

• Promote the event to their networks of customers, clients, and vendors. Since many businesses see golf tournaments as an opportunity to build relationships, having the sponsor reach out to ask might be the nudge they need to register a team.

Send a quick email or give them a call with the ask, framing it as a mutual win. Use this free Golf Tournament Sponsor Asset Kit, with ready-to-use messaging, graphics, and more, to help turn sponsors into event promoters.

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Final Thoughts

Last-minute marketing pushes work best when they’re focused, personal, and multi-channel. You don’t need to do everything in this list. Choose two or three tactics that best fit your organization’s strengths and capacity, and execute on them consistently and with urgency.

Be sure you have a dedicated golf event website to use in these marketing campaigns. GolfStatus offers a free, professional event website with online registration, secure payment processing, digital sponsor exposure, and more, plus access to its golf tournament management software at no upfront cost. Book a quick meeting with a golf fundraising professional to learn more and get started!

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As golf season moves into high gear, tournament organizers are exploring avenues to boost revenue from their golf fundraisers. A popular and lucrative complementary activity to your tournament is an auction. With the right strategy, auctions deliver strong ROI and can generate significant additional revenue for your organization. This guide will explore how to seamlessly add an auction to your golf event and maximize income.

• Frequently Asked Questions about Charity Golf Auctions

• The Benefits of Running a Charity Golf Auction

• How to Add an Auction to a Golf Event

• Best Practices for Running a Charity Golf Auction

• The Best Golf Charity Auction Items

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Frequently Asked Questions about Charity Golf Auctions

Why should my nonprofit run a golf charity auction?

Auctions and golf tournaments go hand-in-hand. Both combine high-net-worth networking with a popular, engaging activity that, when done well, can result in meaningful revenue for organizations of all types and sizes.

What types of auctions complement golf tournaments?

• Silent auction. 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, submit their bids using an online bidding platform. 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.

• 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.

• Online auction. An online auction extends the auction beyond the golf tournament itself, reaching a larger audience and broader participation.

When is the best time to hold the auction during a tournament?

An online auction or silent auction that utilizes bidding software can be launched before the start of the tournament to maximize reach and bids. In fact, golfers can bid from their phones during the round! Bidding usually concludes following the awards ceremony or banquet, and golfers or guests take their winning items home with them. Live auctions are often held during the post-round cocktail hour or dinner, and often coincide with the announcement of the tournament’s winners.

How do we handle bidding while golfers are out on the course?

Paper bid sheets are outdated and create more work for you and your team. Instead, use an auction platform that offers a mobile-friendly interface to:

• Keep the auction running smoothly and professionally

• Allow golfers to browse auction items and place bids during the round

• Automate finalizing bids

• Quickly collect payments and send receipts

How many items should we have for our charity golf auction?

The number of items you offer in your auction is dependent on the number of participants and guests at your tournament. You want to ensure every item is sold, while also creating scarcity that drives higher bids. A good rule of thumb for silent auctions is to have one silent auction item for every five to 10 guests.

Are charity golf auction purchases tax-deductible?

Yes. According to the IRS, “Donors who purchase items at a charity auction may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the excess of the purchase price paid for an item over its fair market value.” Read more.

How do we prevent “auction fatigue” at the end of a long day?

Keep the energy high for your golf event’s auction by:

• Limiting the live auction to just a handful of big-ticket items to keep golfers engaged, and using an experienced, entertaining auctioneer.

• Opening bidding for a silent auction a day or two prior to the tournament, so golfers (and guests!) can browse items before they tee off.

• Ensuring there is plenty of time and there are plenty of volunteers to facilitate item pickup and payment when the auction closes.

How much revenue can your tournament raise?

Use this auction ROI calculator to help determine your charity golf auction’s potential net revenue!

Auction ROI Calculator

Estimate your charity auction's return on investment and maximize fundraising impact.

Number of Auction Items

Total items in your silent & live auction combined.

Avg. Item Fair Market Value ($)

Average fair market value of each donated item.

Expected Sell-Through Rate (%)

Percentage of items that sell. Golf auctions typically see 60–80%.

Avg. Winning Bid (% of Value)

Winning bids as a % of fair market value. Charity auctions often see 50–100%+.

Total Procurement Costs ($)

All costs: purchased items, display, software, printing, shipping, etc.

Calculate ROI

Gross Revenue

$0

Net Profit

$0

ROI

0%

Items Sold

0

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Revenue Breakdown

Total Inventory Value $0

Auction Revenue $0

Costs $0

The Benefits of Running a Golf Charity Auction

An auction can significantly increase your golf event’s overall revenue and further your nonprofit’s impact. Here’s why you should add an auction:

• Drive significant revenue from your event. An auction adds another income stream to your tournament, in addition to team registrations, sponsorships, contests, mulligan sales, raffles, on-course games, and other add-ons. Competitive bidding, especially in a live auction, can drive up the final sale price of items, leading to better 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, like spouses or guests of golfers and sponsors. High-end items can also 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 fun and excitement to your tournament, encouraging golfers, sponsors, and guests to stay longer—and spend more.

• Low-cost, high ROI. Keep your auction’s overhead costs low by securing 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.

• 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.

How to Add an Auction to a Golf Event

An auction can easily be added to your tournament at any time, but planning early can help ensure a smooth experience that encourages higher bids. Here’s how to add an auction to your golf tournament:

• Determine the type of auction that best suits your tournament, either live, silent, or online.

• Procure auction items. Work with sponsors, local businesses, your planning team, board members, and corporate partners to secure donated goods, services, and experiences that appeal to your audience.

• Choose an auction platform. Much like your golf tournament, using tech will help it run smoothly and save you time and hassle. 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.

• Promote the auction on all your communication channels and as part of your tournament’s marketing campaigns. Use your GolfStatus event website to promote your golf tournament’s auction—highlight top-tier items, recognize donors, and share the link to browse items.

• Establish bidding processes. Determine the starting bid for each item and the bidding increments. If you’re planning a live auction, secure a high-energy auctioneer experienced in engaging guests.

• Secure volunteers to help with setting up the auction, answering questions, and finalizing payment and item pickup at the end.

• Finalize the details. Add items to your auction platform (making sure to include who donated each item), create baskets or groupings, and touch base with volunteers and the auctioneer.

ADD AN AUCTION TO YOUR GOLFSTATUS EVENT WEBSITE

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Best Practices for Running a Charity Golf Auction

To ensure your auction is a success, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

• Plan early. Start organizing your auction well in advance of the tournament so you have ample time to secure high-quality items and experiences that appeal to your audience.

• Set clear guidelines. Clearly outline the rules and communicate these before bidding begins, including bidding increments, payment methods, and pick-up procedures, to avoid confusion and ensure a seamless process.

• Utilize technology. Online bidding platforms for silent or virtual auctions streamline the process and help reach a broader audience. Include a link to the auction on your golf tournament’s website.

GolfStatus’ event website include an auction integration to easily link to your online auction.

• Secure donated items. Partner with local businesses for donated items or experiences, reducing costs, fostering community involvement, and improving fundraising outcomes.

• Engage attendees. Provide frequent updates and reminders about the auction during the tournament, highlighting selected items to keep attendees engaged.

• Follow up with bidders. Promptly reach out to winning bidders to confirm payment and item delivery, and thank them for their support. Include them in the invite list for next year’s golf tournament.

Your auction strategy shouldn’t be set in stone. It should evolve based on the feedback you get from your supporters and golf event participants.

The Best Golf Charity Auction Items

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

• Ask your supporters ahead of time what type of auction items they would like to see.

• It’s a good idea to have three to five “big” items in the mix that guests would splurge on, plus small to mid-sized items to round out the slate and attract more bidders.

• Include golf-related items to appeal to golfers, and consider items that match the tournament's theme.

• Invite sponsors to contribute in-kind gifts for auction items. If a prospective sponsor says no to a monetary sponsorship, ask for an in-kind donation.

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.

Hope Strengthens Foundation partners with NHL Hall-of-Famer Ray Bourque as the auctioneer at their golf charity auction.

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.

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