Planning a charity golf tournament can feel like a big undertaking, but with the right guidance and tools, it’s easier than you think. In this blog series, the PGA Professionals on staff at GolfStatus are sharing their insider knowledge and tips for success. With years of experience running tournaments of all sizes, Jason Meininger, PGA; Cash Dinkel, PGA; and Paul Murcek, PGA know exactly what it takes to organize a successful event.

In this installment of GolfStatus’ Q&A blog series, these Pros break down the basics of tournament planning—from creating a timeline and working with the golf course staff to must-have tools and advice for first-time organizers. Whether you’re new to tournament planning or looking to streamline your process, their tips will set you up for success.

The PGA Professionals on staff at GolfStatus, from left: Jason Meininger, PGA; Paul Murcek, PGA; Cash Dinkel, PGA.

Q: what’s a typical schedule for a charity golf tournament?

Jason Meininger: Start with your tee off time and build the schedule around that. Here’s an example for a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start:

• 11:00 a.m.: Check-in and registration, driving range open

• 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch served

• 12:45 p.m.: Call to carts, welcome, and instructions

• 1:00 p.m.: Shotgun start

• 6:00 p.m.: Dinner and awards

Cash Dinkel: In my experience, morning starts are most common and a great option for charity tournaments. For example, open registration at 8:00 a.m. for a 10:00 am shotgun start, with a meal and awards following golf (if applicable). I usually recommend advertising to golfers that announcements will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the tournament so people aren’t getting there late.

Q: What does the golf staff typically take care of on tournament day?

Paul Murcek: Usually they’ll take care of getting the golf carts set up and ready to go before kickoff and help you with any format or scoring announcements. They’ll also help with scoring and finalizing the results for awards.

Cash Dinkel: Golf staff will take care of printing materials like cart signs, scorecards, rules sheets, and live scoring instructions and getting them placed on golf carts. They often help with contest set up, scoring the event, and determining the winners. Depending on the facility, they may also make sure any necessary tables, chairs, tents, hole signs, pin flags, etc. are set up and ready to go.

Jason Meininger: It really varies from course to course. At a municipal, public course, they likely aren’t able to help as much as at a high end private golf club. Private facilities will do pretty much anything you need—set up carts and the driving range; produce scorecards, cart signs and rules sheets; make announcements; figure out winners; and hand out prizes after the round, if needed.

Q: in your experience, what tools are the most useful for planning a successful golf tournament?

Jason Meininger: Number one is an event website. It makes it so much easier to track payments, registrations, sponsorships etc. Number two is having a realistic budget and fundraising goal. This helps you set your pricing and get an idea of all of your tournament’s costs so you can see if it will be profitable.

Cash Dinkel: Online registration is a must-have, both for the time-savings involved for the organizer and to make it easy on the golfer or sponsor to register. I’d also say planning guides and resources from golf fundraising experts, plus live scoring to improve the overall player experience.

Paul Murcek: I’d say learning from others that have had tournaments is a great help in being successful. Lean on your Golfstatus client success rep and register for a couple of GolfStatus’ monthly webinars to hear from golf and fundraising experts.

Q: What are some things you wish organizers knew when planning a golf tournament for the first time?

Cash Dinkel:

1. It takes a team. Organize a committee to help shoulder the load, and don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities.

2. Use your networks! Ask anyone and everyone you, your committee, staff, board, and volunteers know to play in the tournament, become a sponsor, volunteer to help, or just spread the word about the event.

3. Don’t set expectations too high for the first year of a tournament. You can absolutely make money in year one, but be realistic in your goals.

Jason Meininger:

1. Start planning early, at least six months before the tournament date.

2. Have a committee to help with promoting and running the event, especially on tournament day.

3. Recruit volunteers to help.

4. Golf tournaments can be a lot of work—remember you’ll get out of it what you put into it.

5. Marketing your tournament is essential. Use free channels like social media and email campaigns.

Paul Murcek:

1. Start early—procrastination is your worst enemy!

2. Create a sponsorship for every expense you have.

3. The more sponsorship options you have available, the better chances you have to appeal to potential sponsors.

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Ask the Pros!

If you have a golf tournament or fundraising question for our PGA Professionals, email it to [email protected] with “PGA Pro Question” in the subject line! It just might make a future blog post or be answered on an upcoming GolfStatus webinar.

GolfStatus makes charity golf tournaments easier and more lucrative than ever. Whether you’re planning an event for the first time or looking to upgrade an existing tournament, GolfStatus’ tech and golf fundraising experts are here to help. Best of all, nonprofits can qualify to use GolfStatus’ tournament management software at no upfront cost through our Golf for Good program. Click the button to get started!

Get Started With GolfStatus!

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As golf continues to grow in popularity, it’s becoming an essential fundraising tool for nonprofits of all sizes. Technology has made planning and managing golf events more approachable and efficient, even for those who might not be familiar with the sport. As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking ahead at the trends and predictions for golf fundraising in 2025. Here are eight trends to watch for your 2025 golf event.

1. Partnering with sponsors will be standard

Sponsors increasingly want to be more than just logos on banners; they want meaningful engagement with your golf tournament’s participants. When pitching sponsorships to businesses, work with them to identify their goals for supporting the event and find opportunities for them to achieve the highest return on investment (ROI). That might look like branded booths and activities on tee boxes, special speaking appearances, sharing the tournament’s registration lists, or other opportunities for organic engagement. It will be important for tournament organizers to effectively collaborate with sponsors to ensure both parties meet their goals.

2. professionalism will be essential

Event attendees will expect a polished, professional experience in 2025. From your tournament website to signage, every touchpoint will matter more than ever before. High-quality, consistent event branding from the moment golfers hear about your event and register on your event site to when they receive their post-tournament thank you signal to them that the event is well-run. This professionalism can go a long way in attracting new supporters, retaining donors, impressing sponsors, and encouraging all participants to return in future years.

According to the National Golf Foundation, the female golfer population today is not only growing, it’s more diverse than ever.

3. expect more women to play in your golf event

Females now represent 26% of the golf market—a jump from 19% just a few years ago. This increase in female participation means it’s time to consider how your tournament might better appeal to women. A women’s-only flight or other women-focused offerings can help your tournament stand out, attract more lady golfers, and foster inclusivity in your event’s culture.

4. non-traditional golf events will become more popular

Another significant trend for 2025 is the increased popularity of non-traditional golf events, like mini golf tournaments, TopGolf, or indoor golf experiences. These events are especially appealing for organizations looking to add a second golf event that attracts new audiences, who want to experiment with golf fundraising on a smaller scale, or want a fundraising event with a shorter time frame than a traditional 18-hole tournament. Non-traditional events can also be more budget-friendly, making them an excellent option for organizations looking to diversify their fundraising. What’s more, indoor golf events let nonprofits connect with supporters during the cooler winter months when golf isn’t feasible.

A TopGolf golf fundraiser is an event option that can help nonprofits reach and involve new audiences.

5. golfers will want more than a round of golf

In 2025, expect golfers to crave unique, memorable experiences beyond a round of golf. Including tournament components like flights, cash prizes, on-course games or contests, raffles, or auctions make tournaments more exciting and memorable for participants. Elevated player gifts and prizes, on-course demonstrations, and live-scoring add to the overall experience that set your event apart and create lasting memories for participants.

6. hole-in-one insurance will be a must-have

A hole-in-one contest adds excitement and helps draw players to your event, but having the right insurance in place is essential so your nonprofit isn’t exposed to financial risk. Yes, the odds of a golfer getting a hole-in-one at your tournament remain low (about 12,000 to 1), but holes-in-one do happen and it’s not worth the risk to your organization. Hole-in-one insurance covers the cost of a big prize, like thousands of dollars in cash or high-end golf experience, in the rare instance that a golfer gets an ace. Offering fantastic prizes with the reassurance of insurance protection can help you confidently advertise this fun tournament add-on.

the ultimate guide to hole-in-one contests

Get the ins and outs of a successful hole in one tournament in this free guide! Download now to get comprehensive insights and actionable advice for nonprofits looking to incorporate a hole-in-one contest into their charity golf tournament.

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7. sponsors will want to show off their support

Sponsors in 2025 will look for opportunities to showcase their involvement with your cause, not just at the golf tournament, but also online and across their networks. Think through how you’ll work with sponsors to facilitate this—consider co-branding social media posts or creating shareable content for sponsors to post on their channels. These partnerships can increase visibility for both the sponsor and your event while aligning with each other’s goals to give back to the community.

8. team planning will drive success

Gone are the days of a one-person show organizing a golf fundraiser. The most successful events will be those organized by a team with a clear division of responsibilities. By involving multiple planning team members, you’ll ensure that all details are well-managed, from sponsorship outreach to volunteer coordination. Team planning can lead to a smoother experience for everyone involved and help create a stronger, more collaborative event environment. Plus, no one gets burnt out handling every task.

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final thoughts

By keeping these 2025 golf fundraising trends in mind, next year’s golf event will better resonate with participants, deliver value to sponsors, and boost your nonprofit’s fundraising potential. Using golf event management technology can make it even easier to achieve these goals, saving you time on administrative tasks, simplifying registration and payments, and providing tools to engage sponsors and participants. With streamlined technology and a focus on unique experiences, your nonprofit can host a golf fundraiser that raises more money and leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Make Your 2025 Golf Event the Best One Yet!

Get Started with GolfStatus at No Cost

GolfStatus meets tournament planners where they are, both in terms of planning status and their desired level of interaction with our team. To that end, we’re excited to roll out a new function that gives users who don’t want to wait for a product demo the ability to get started in the software right away.

Tournament organizers simply fill out the demo request form and follow the instructions provided via email on how to create a GolfStatus account, explore the software, and create a tournament on their own.

This option is great for folks who might be in a time crunch to launch their tournament’s registration, those who are happier exploring a platform independently instead of listening to a demo, or individuals who just can’t wait to get started. The platform will use the information provided in the demo form to create an organization and auto-populate basic tournament information. Once you create an account, you’re free to explore the platform and its capabilities!

It’s important to note a few necessary steps you’ll need to take after the tournament is created in GolfStatus to get it live and ready to accept golfer and sponsor registrations:

1. Create or add a round

At this point, you’ll enter your tournament’s format, date and time of the tournament, type of start (shotgun or tee time) and golf facility information to further flesh out the tournament’s details.

2. Set Your Tournament Status to Active

Now you’re cooking! Setting your tournament to active means it will appear in GolfStatus’ tournament listings and you’ll be able to sell packages once they’re created.

3. Update the Event Site Homepage

The event website is where you tell your story, so customize it with content, imagery, and media. Share what your tournament is raising money for, share photos or videos of your nonprofit’s impact, and explain to prospective participants what they can expect from the event.

4. Create Custom Team & Sponsorship Packages

Develop packages based on your event’s unique needs and goals! Common package types include team or individual golfer registrations, various sponsorship packages, and add-ons such as mulligans, dinner tickets, on-course challenge entry, or raffle tickets.

5. Explore Tools to Raise More Money

Maximize your tournament’s fundraising potential by learning more about GolfStatus’ revenue-driving opportunities, such as the Technology Sponsorship, Pin Flags, and Hole-In-One Contests. Browse the GolfStatus Marketplace for add-ons from trusted vendors and partners or purchase add-ons from the Revenue Enhancements tab in the software.

6. Connect with GolfStatus’ Team

It’s time to make sure all your i’s are dotted and all your t’s are crossed before you go live! Email the support team, use the chat bubble at the bottom right in the software, or book a meeting with an account manager to connect. Check in with them as much or as little as you like!

prefer to get a demo?

Of course, our team is happy to provide a demo that highlights how GolfStatus can help you hold your best golf event yet. You can book a quick 15-minute call or a full demo with one of our knowledgeable account managers, then work directly with a dedicated client success rep who can walk you through the software’s backend and provide coaching for a successful tournament.

You can choose your own path in how you work with GolfStatus. Click the button below to get started!

Technology has transformed the way nonprofits and other organizations plan and execute charity golf events, by streamlining processes, increasing participant engagement, and raising more money for important causes. But for many nonprofit organizers, implementing new technology for your golf tournament may require approval from superiors or a board of directors. If you’re in this boat and ready to jump on board with time-saving tech, here’s how to successfully get buy-in from decision-makers.

1. Identify the problems technology will solve

Before getting into the weeds of the features and benefits of the tech platform, start by framing the conversation around the problems it will solve for your tournament and the planning team. Are you spending a ton of time manually processing registrations and payments? Are you bouncing between siloed tools and platforms that create cumbersome processes? Are you spending more time sending payment receipts than promoting your tournament or connecting with sponsors? Is it difficult to communicate with and engage participants?

Example:

“We’re currently manually processing tournament registrations and payments, which takes significant time and leaves room for error. Using a golf-specific event management software would automate this process, giving staff more time to focus on selling teams and sponsorships.”

2. highlight how technology boosts efficiency & revenue

A solution that increases efficiency and revenue from your golf tournament is sure to get the attention of decision-makers! Explain how a tool that’s built just for golf events can help increase the overall impact of your charity golf tournament by:

• Saving time. Automate repetitive tasks like registration, payment processing, donation receipts, registration closing dates, and more.

• Increasing engagement. Tech that includes communication tools and solutions like live leaderboards offer increased engagement with golfers and sponsors, which creates a stronger connection to your nonprofit’s cause.

• Raising more money. The right tech platform brings opportunities to drive revenue, like online donations, a round up feature at checkout, exclusive sponsorships, premium digital exposure, and add-ons.

Example:

“Golf event management software can save our planning team 40 hours or more and help bring in an extra $4,000 or more in additional revenue.”

3. share real-world examples from other nonprofits

Nothing drives home how well a tool works than showing how your peers have benefited from it. Show decision-makers how other nonprofits and events have successfully adopted tech for their golf events and the positive ROI they experienced. Seek out case studies, talk to other golf tournament organizers, or look at online reviews (such as Google or Capterra) to help make your case.

Example:

“The Golf Fore Kids Classic cut their administrative time in half by using golf event management software and sold out their sponsorships thanks to the extra digital exposure provided by the platform.”

4. provide a cost-benefit analysis

Many boards or leadership teams will likely have concerns about the cost of implementing a new technology—both in terms of the cost to use the software as well as staff time spent learning to use it. Prepare a cost-benefit analysis that outlines upfront costs, any additional fees or estimated costs, and the projected benefits to help alleviate financial concerns. Compare all costs to the potential revenue increase and savings on time and effort.

Example:

“The golf event software I’m exploring comes with no upfront cost and minimal processing fees, which we can pass along to golfers and sponsors. There’s no risk to us to try it.”

5. demonstrate how tech enhances the tournament experience

Your organization’s decision-makers will likely be interested in how any technology will impact tournament participants and the overall experience. Demonstrating how it will improve the experience for golfers, donors, sponsors, and volunteers is a key part of getting their approval. For instance, golfers and sponsors expect online registration with secure payment processing and a simple checkout process. Other experience-enhancing features might include live scoring and leaderboards, online donations, and a donation tracker.

Example:

“Golfers and sponsors will have a better experience with online registration, live scoring, online donations, and digital sponsor exposure, which increases the likelihood that they’ll come back year after year.”

6. Get them to see a demo or explore the software

The best way to convince your team? Let them see it in action! Book a quick demo so they can ask questions firsthand or share access to the software so they can explore it on their own terms. Either way, they’ll see the platform’s benefits and capabilities to ease their concerns about making the jump to a new tool.

Example:

“We can schedule a quick 15-minute call with an account rep to go over the highlights of the software and you can ask questions and have your concerns addressed.”

7. overcome red tape & bureaucratic hurdles

In many organizations, even the most beneficial changes can face obstacles due to red tape or bureaucratic processes. While it can be frustrating, you can take steps to navigate these challenges:

• Anticipate blockers. Understanding the processes will help you prepare for approval, particularly if multiple departments are involved. By identifying delays ahead of time, you can proactively account for them. These might include legal compliance checks, approval from finance or accounting, and a sign off from IT.

• Get the buy-in of key stakeholders. Decisions can be delayed when certain leaders aren’t fully on board. Talk with the necessary individuals or departments ahead of time to explain the benefits and address any concerns at the outset.

• Create a clear implementation plan. Provide a step-by-step plan with timelines and how the tech will be integrated with minimal disruption in the day-to-day operations and the overall tournament flow.

• Address concerns head on. Change can be scary, so think through potential objections and offer clear solutions that address concerns about switching to a new tech tool for your golf event.

• Be patient—but persistent. Overcoming red tape is an exercise in patience, but also in following through. Find a balance between keeping the tech proposal top-of-mind while allowing it to work through the system.

Example:

“I’ll work with finance and IT to get their blessing first, then create an implementation plan that includes ample time for staff training ahead of the golf tournament, and follow up regularly with department heads to keep this request moving forward.”

Other things to mention

• Support. They’ll want to know if there is a team of knowledgeable, responsive folks available to help troubleshoot, provide coaching, and assist you and your golfers—and if there’s any cost to access the support team.

• Security. You might discuss the tech provider’s security standard, such as PCI-compliance (for credit card transaction) and data privacy.

• Long-term benefits. Share how easy it is to copy an event each year so there’s no need to start from scratch. This takes advantage of processes and event infrastructure that have already been built, ultimately saving your team time.

Next Steps

Getting approval to implement new technology for your charity golf event comes down to clearly communicating its benefits, addressing concerns, and showing how it can lead to greater success for both the event and your nonprofit as a whole.

A platform like GolfStatus, which is built specifically for golf events, is a great option to streamline your tournament from top to bottom. It starts with an event website with integrated online registration and payment processing, built-in time-saving automations, and opportunities to raise thousands more dollars. Nonprofits and third parties planning charity golf events can qualify to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program.

Book a Demo to Get Started With GolfStatus!

When it comes to running a successful golf tournament, choosing a host golf facility is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Having the right expertise can make all the difference—PGA Professionals are experts in every aspect of the game, including event management, facility operations, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

This blog series will continue to tap into the collective knowledge of the PGA Professionals at GolfStatus—Cash Dinkel, PGA; Jason Meininger, PGA; and Paul Murcek, PGA—to explore how to choose and work with the host golf course.

The PGA Professionals on staff at GolfStatus, from left: Paul Murcek, PGA; Cash Dinkel, PGA; Jason Meininger, PGA

Q: My organization has decided to move forward with a golf fundraiser. How do I pick a golf facility?

Jason Meininger: There are really three main factors in choosing a golf course: location, cost of the course, and the demographics of your target market.

Cash Dinkel: Most often, the biggest factors are pricing per player and the demographics of your potential sponsors and players. A private, high-end country club is going to charge a much higher price, but hosting at that type of facility lets you charge more for registrations and sponsorships and may attract higher net-worth individuals to participate. It’s important to keep your expenses in mind with this type of facility—your overall fundraising goal needs to be higher to ensure expenses are covered. Location is another important factor. You want to make sure players and sponsors are located close to the facility to drive maximum participation. When looking at courses, I would recommend reaching out to two or three options and ask staff for contacts of previous event organizers to see if they enjoyed hosting their event at that facility.

Paul Murcek: This can be a tough decision. It comes down to a combination of affordability and golf course name recognition. Having your tournament at a course or a club that most people can't typically play at can equal more golfers, but if the cost is too high, it can also price out potential golfers. So it’s definitely about finding the right balance.

Several factors play into choosing a golf course for your golf tournament, including cost per golfer, location of the facility, and the demographics of your tournament's target market.

Q: What questions should I ask golf staff when looking at potential host facilities?

Paul Murcek: What is included in the fee per golfer (greens fee, cart, range balls)? Is there a minimum number of golfers or teams required? Can they provide pro shop credit? How does the facility typically handle scoring the event?

Cash Dinkel: The best advice I can give tournament organizers is that if you don’t know, don’t be afraid to ask. Golf staff are experts in hosting great events and they are willing to answer any questions you may have. Some important things to ask them about include:

• Pricing

• Set up on the day of the event

• What the course provides (things like tables, chairs, meals, scoring, contest setup)

• Schedule for the day,

• If range balls are provided

Jason Meininger: Beyond general pricing, I recommend asking what’s the normal golfer rate at the course at the time of your tournament. If the price is higher, be sure that it includes things like drink tickets or gift cards for prizes. You should also ask about food and beverage options—do you have to purchase from the course or can I bring in my own? Are beverage carts available? Other big topics are the course’s rainout or cancellation policy, required deposit to hold the date, and when final payment is due.

It's a good idea to review the contract's list of charges with golf course staff prior to signing and checking on details like adding an automatic gratuity to food and beverage.

Q: What are some fees or costs I should be aware of or watch out for before signing a contract with the golf facility?

Jason Meininger: Check to see if there’s a fee or penalty for not meeting the minimum number of golfers, if there are costs for extra cart rentals, and if they add an automatic gratuity to food and beverage.

Cash Dinkel: Read the contract closely for price per player, if there’s a minimum number of players required, if there are any fees for using the course’s software or scoring (be sure to mention you’re using GolfStatus to avoid any such fees), or fees for using the facility’s equipment (tables, tvs, chairs, tents, etc.). I recommend going through the list of charges in detail with the golf course to fully understand what you're going to be charged for the day of the event.

Q: What’s typically included in the price to hold a tournament at a golf course?

Cash Dinkel: The main things are green fees and cart fees. Some courses might also include food and beverage or credit to the golf shop to give as player prizes.

Jason Meininger: Most courses I’ve worked at and with include green fees, cart fees, range balls, shop credit, and food and beverage.

Check with the golf facility on what the price per golfer includes, such as greens fees and cart fees.

Q: A lot of tournament organizers are concerned about inclement weather on the day of their event. How do you suggest planning for the weather?

Cash Dinkel: Plan for the worst and hope for the best! Always have a backup plan just in case. If it looks like the weather will affect your event, start communicating with golfers and sponsors earlier rather than later. Check in with the golf course to see what their policy is and start thinking about possible dates to reschedule (this is also something to check on before you sign a contract with the golf course). Communicate with your players and sponsors that inclement weather may be present on the day of the event and more communication will come the morning of the event either way.

Jason Meininger: This is a difficult one, but I usually tell organizers to look for a makeup date and reschedule the event if at all possible. As long as there is no lightning, I would move forward and play the tournament. I’ve worked with several events that were shortened to nine holes (instead of the full 18) holes based or canceled due to the weather.

Paul Murcek: Definitely check with the course to see if they allow a makeup date for the tournament. I worked with the Parkinson Association of Central Florida who had to reschedule their tournament in 2022 when Hurricane Ian hit Florida. They communicated with their field and everything worked out well.

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Ask the Pros!

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

GolfStatus’ team is ready to help you make your next golf event the best one yet. Nonprofits can qualify to use GolfStatus’ tournament management software at no upfront cost through our Golf for Good program. You’ll get an event website, online registration, communication tools, exclusive sponsorships and add-ons, and much more—plus access to our knowledgeable client success team. Click the button to get started!

It happens to the best of us—you’re sure all your i’s are dotted and all your t’s are crossed for your golf tournament, but as the day draws closer, unexpected issues and tasks may pop up and must be handled. Here are 10 commonly overlooked tournament details you might not be thinking of (but definitely should be!):

1. Event Website Updates

Your event website is the hub for your tournament. It can be tempting to set it and forget it, but it’s necessary to keep it up to date. As the tournament gets closer, ensure the sponsor and team package quantities remaining are correct, that expiration dates are applicable, and a registration close date is clearly stated and communicated to prospective sponsors and golfers.

2. Weather Plans

Weather is one of the few factors for your golf tournament that you have no control over. That being said, you can be prepared. Think through an inclement weather plan for all scenarios and work with the golf facility to determine a backup tournament date, if applicable. If the forecast calls for hot weather, ensure you have plenty of water on hand for staff, volunteers, and participants. If it will be uncomfortably cold, think about providing hot coffee or cocoa to keep participants warm. Above all, you’ll want to constantly monitor the weather leading up to the tournament and fine-tune your contingency plans and how you’ll communicate those to participants.

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Pro Tip:

GolfStatus’ tournament management platform includes a messaging feature that makes it simple to send emails or push notifications to registered golfers and sponsors with just a few clicks.

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3. Volunteer Management

Volunteers are a crucial part of your event. Make sure you’ve assigned and communicated clear roles and expectations to all volunteers and have a point person to manage volunteers throughout the tournament. Be sure to take care of them, providing food and beverage, chairs, a shade tent, or other items to keep them comfortable and feeling appreciated.

4. Golfer/Team Waitlist

If you have a cap on the number of individual golfers or teams that can play in your event, game plan how you’ll handle a waitlist. Many tournaments offer a waitlist so teams or individuals can fill a spot left by a cancellation or other circumstances. If your teams are getting close to sold out, determine if you’ll offer a wait list, how you’ll handle registration and payment with folks on the waitlist, or whether or not you’re able to accommodate additional teams by doubling up on holes (if allowed by the golf facility and keeping pace of play in mind).

5. Printing & Order Deadlines

Give yourself enough lead time to order any signage, banners, apparel, player gifts, branded merchandise, or other items to arrive in plenty of time for your tournament. Check with your vendors on production/turnaround times to ensure you’ll have everything you need for tournament day.

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Pro Tip:

Check out the GolfStatus Marketplace for trusted third party vendors on everything you need to make your tournament unforgettable, like signage, pin flags, auction software, hole-in-one contest insurance, and much more.

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6. A/V Equipment

Coordinate with the host golf facility to determine what A/V equipment they have available and what you’ll need to bring on your own. Equipment needs might include a microphone and portable speaker for the welcome; televisions to display live leaderboards (either inside or outside the clubhouse); laptop, screen, and projector for the awards ceremony or banquet; and any necessary cords for power or connections.

7. Day-of Supplies

Tournament day can be hectic, so plan ahead and make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need for a smooth event. These include items for registration, on-course games, signage, raffle prizes, auction items, and A/V items.

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The Complete Event Day Guide for charity golf tournaments

This free guide includes a tournament day checklist of everything you need for a smooth-running event, plus tips on live scoring, using your website to communicate with participants, and suggested reports and documents.

Download now!

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8. Food & Beverage

This deadline often sneaks up on tournament organizers. Whether the golf facility is providing all food and beverage or an outside vendor or caterer is supplying them, be sure to touch base with them to set a deadline to provide final numbers, confirm menus, and talk through the details of when and how food will be distributed. If you’re providing food and beverage for golfers and sponsors, it’s a good idea to ask for any dietary restrictions at registration.

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Pro Tip:

Food and beverage are prime opportunities for sponsorships. Consider a Lunch Sponsor, Beverage Cart Sponsor, Bar Sponsor, Drink Ticket Sponsor, Snack Sponsor, or other sponsor that helps cover the hard costs associated with food and drink.

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9. Parking

Most golf facilities have ample parking available, but you might want to verify plans for overflow parking if you’re expecting a sold out field of golfers along with sponsors, volunteers, staff members, and guests. The last thing folks want to deal with as they arrive for a fun day on the golf course is a full parking lot and no other options for their vehicle. Consider assigning a volunteer to direct traffic to maximize parking lot use, having a spot for golfers to drop their golf bags before they park, and ensuring there is accessible parking available.

10. Prizes & Giveaways

Don’t wait until the last minute to determine the prizes you’ll provide to the tournament’s champions, winners of on-course games, and contests, as well as golfer gifts. Give yourself plenty of production time for trophies or plaques, and seek donations for auction items, raffle prizes, pin prizes, golfer gifts, and other giveaways to save money on costs.

Stay Organized With Golf Tournament Tech from GolfStatus

Golf tournaments come with enough details to handle—the last thing you need is a clunky event management platform that requires workarounds to function for a golf event. GolfStatus is built for golf and makes it easy for tournament organizers to stay organized, save a ton of time, and easily collaborate with planning teams and the golf facility.

Nonprofits, charities, and third parties holding a golf fundraiser can qualify to use GolfStatus—with a free event website, online registration, client-only sponsorships, an A+ support team, and much more—at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program. Click below to get qualified and create a tournament in minutes!

No one knows the ins and outs of a golf tournament like a PGA Professional. These individuals bring a high level of expertise to all aspects of golf, including facility operations and management, customer service, finances, event management, and, of course, the game itself.

This Q&A blog series will share the collective wisdom and experience of the PGA Professionals on staff at GolfStatus—Cash Dinkel, PGA; Jason Meininger, PGA; and Paul Murcek, PGA—about topics relevant to charity golf tournaments. This installment will take a closer look at contests and how to work with the PGA Pro on staff at your event’s host golf facility to make them a success.

The PGA Professionals on staff at GolfStatus, from left: Paul Murcek, PGA; Cash Dinkel, PGA; Jason Meininger, PGA

Q: My planning team made the decision to have a hole-in-one contest at our upcoming tournament. What’s next?

Cash Dinkel, PGA: To start, list a Hole-In-One Contest Sponsorship. This covers the cost of the insurance and offers a unique sponsorship. I always recommend allowing the sponsor to set up a tent or table on the contest hole. Sponsors are looking for ways to interact with golfers and there’s no better way to do that than being on the course on the most exciting hole of the day. Once you list the sponsorship, work with your contest/insurance provider to get all the rules and details around the contest.

Q: How can the golf pro help us with the hole-in-one contest?

Jason Meininger, PGA: You’ll want to get in touch with the golf professional so they can help you determine which hole or holes you should use for the hole-in-one contest. This makes sure you have the proper distance requirements for the hole-in-one insurance.

Cash Dinkel, PGA: You should definitely loop the golf professional in so they know exactly what’s going to be happening the day of the event and help you choose the contest hole. You should go over the contest rules with them so they can help ensure the hole is set up within the insurance company’s guidelines (hole yardage, number of players, etc.). In the final days leading up to the event, the pro can help you double-check that the hole-in-one contest is set up correctly and ready to go.

Q: I’m interested in GolfStatus’ Bundle Hole-In-One Package. What are some ways you’ve seen tournaments effectively split up the contest holes?

Paul Murcek, PGA: The most common way I’ve seen it done is to split the contest into two holes, one on the front nine and one on the back nine, with $10,000 cash and a Dormie Network Stay and Play package as prizes.

Jason Meininger, PGA: I’ve worked with a few 27-hole events and facilities. They typically split it up over three holes, one on each of the three nines, with a $7,000 prize on each. That way no matter what nine holes are being played, every golfer has a chance at a hole-in-one contest.

Cash Dinkel, PGA: I see a lot of events that run two contest holes, with a $10,000 cash prize on each hole plus a Dormie Network membership. I’ve even seen it split over four holes, with $5,000 cash for each contest hole. That’s the cool part about that package, it gives the organizer a lot of flexibility.

Q: What does the golf pro usually take care of in terms of other contests, like longest drive or closest to the pin?

Jason Meininger, PGA: When I was the head pro at a golf course, I would primarily take care of making up and setting up the flag prizes and picking them up after the round (if the players didn’t bring them in). I would also provide the event organizer with a document listing the holes and each winner’s name.

Paul Murcek, PGA: Most golf pros will set out proxy markers or hole contest signs for the organizer. Some golf facilities that I’ve worked with build in prizes with pricing, such as prizes for flight winners of a free round at that course or a gift certificate to the pro shop. This removes the burden of finding prizes for the tournament winners from the organizers.

Cash Dinkel, PGA: Some courses will set everything up for you, provided you let them know the details about the contest, and let you know the winners’ names after the event is over. Some facilities might require you to select the holes, but they’ll still take care of putting out the proxy markers and provide you with the winner’s information. Very rarely will the organizer have to handle everything from selecting the hole, setting out proxies, and collecting them post-event.

A: What type of contest do you think has the most revenue potential and why?

Cash Dinkel, PGA: A hole-in-one contest for sure. If it’s sold as a sponsorship, the contest can generate a few thousand dollars of revenue even after the insurance premium has been paid. Most events I work with bring in around $1,500 in revenue from a hole-in-one contest sponsorship.

Jason Meininger, PGA: Other than hole-in-one, I’d say a putting contest. It’s fast, easy to run, and you can have every golfer putt at the same hole at the same time.

Paul Murcek, PGA: I think next to a hole-in-one contest, a closest to the pin contest on a par three or a hit the green on a par three. In my experience, people are generally willing to pay the money to move their ball up a few yards.

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Ask the Pros!

Have a question for our PGA Professionals? Email it to [email protected] with “PGA Pro Question” in the subject line and it might make a future blog post or be answered on an upcoming GolfStatus webinar!

Ready to get started with no-cost golf event management tech? Nonprofits can qualify to use GolfStatus—with an event website, online registration, communication tools, premium digital sponsor exposure, revenue-boosting add-ons, and more, plus access to GolfStatus’ in-house client success team (including knowledgeable PGA Professionals)—all at no upfront cost through our Golf for Good program. Click the button to find out more and get qualified!

The GolfStatus mobile app has been completely reimagined to make live scoring golf tournaments—from miniature golf events to massive, multi-day tournaments—easier and more seamless than ever before.

What’s New?

• Updated Design. The app has gotten a facelift, with a modern and updated look and feel that enhances usability.

• Simplified Navigation. The app’s menus and features have been consolidated for quicker, easier navigation.

• Enhanced Tournament Features. Easily find your upcoming tournaments and start live scoring your round with just a few taps. See starting holes and scorecards for all tournament rounds.

• Light and Dark Mode. The app automatically defaults to light or dark mode, based on the set mode for the device.

• Tournament Recommendations. GolfStatus will share tournament recommendations based on your location. You can also explore tournaments in your area and register right from the app.

• Updated Map Views. Find golf courses in your area with ease using the updated map view. 

• Additional Details & Tracking. Explore detailed scorecard breakdowns for all leaderboard types, plus the ability to edit scores and advanced stats and add notes as you play.

• Elevated GPS. Customize your map settings to show the distance to the front and back of greens, fairway runouts, and bunkers.

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Download the updated app today!

Learn how to use the app to
live score a tournament

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Powerful, user-friendly &
no upfront cost

The GolfStatus mobile app remains free to download and is incredibly easy to use, with reliable live scoring for golf tournaments of all types and sizes and tools to track statistics for every round that help you play better golf. Tournament organizers and golfers can also lean on GolfStatus’ in-house support team to answer questions and troubleshoot any issues.

The GolfStatus app is part of its robust tournament management software that helps event organizers run better tournaments that raise more money. Qualifying nonprofits (or those holding a third party event to benefit a nonprofit or charity) can use GolfStatus at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program. Learn more and get qualified!

When Dino Verelli’s father, Giovanni, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008, he found very little in terms of support or resources for pancreatic cancer families. Dino decided to take action to rewrite the story of this formidable disease. He launched Project Purple in 2010, fueled by a commitment to his father and the countless other patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer. Sadly, Giovanni passed away in 2011, but his memory is honored through Project Purple’s work to raise awareness, drive crucial research into early detection, and provide aid to patients and families battling pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer has just a 13% five-year survival rate. Its symptoms often don’t present until the disease has advanced and spread to other organs, making early detection—when the chances of successful treatment are the greatest—even more of a challenge. Vin Kampf, Program Director at Project Purple, lost an uncle to pancreatic cancer within just six months of diagnosis, inspiring him to join the Project Purple team.

“One of the most important things we do is build community,” Vin says. “It trickles down into our other areas of focus. Fostering a community of support helps patients connect with others who are in the same fight has been life-changing.”

Vin oversees the marathon program at Project Purple, which raises funds through individual runners in marathons and races across the world. The program has helped build the community that’s become so important to the organization, joining together with the pancreatic cancer patients, their families, and the institutions conducting crucial research into a cure.

Vin also loves golf. He’s played in a number of golf fundraisers and helps with a tournament organized by an aunt in memory of a cousin. He saw the fundraising potential and reach of such an event, and wanted to bring that to Project Purple. “Who doesn’t love being outside, being together with others working toward a common purpose, and connecting with them on new levels?” he says. He started to think about how a golf tournament might work for Project Purple—and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“All marathons were canceled, but we were able to move forward with a golf fundraiser,” Vin says. “It was the one fundraising event we could do safely.” They threw the first tournament together in just a few months for a fall event, then had a quick turnaround when they opted to move the tournament to June.

He used the organization’s CRM and multiple spreadsheets for the first two tournaments and ran into roadblocks. “It felt clunky and inefficient, and the registration site didn’t look good or work very well,” he says, and began looking for a better way to plan and manage the tournament that was structured to handle golf.

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“We really wanted the golf tournament to become a marquee event for us, and we needed a solution that reflected that.”

— Vin Kampf, Program Director at Project Purple

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Read the full case study to find out why Vin says GolfStatus was what was missing from the golf tournament that raised over $130,000 for pancreatic cancer.