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

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

Positioning the value of your tournament’s title sponsorship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GolfStatus’ Technology Sponsorship provides broad exposure across the platform.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sample title + tech sponsorship package

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

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

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

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

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

• Two complementary foursomes to play in the tournament.

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

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Taking care of your title sponsor

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

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

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

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

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

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free template

Sponsor Fulfillment Report Template

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

Download

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maximize your title sponsorship’s value with tech

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

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

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

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

1. Event promotion is as simple as sharing a link

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

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Pro tip:

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

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2. Your tournament gets more credibility & professionalism

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

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Pro tip:

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

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Free guide:

the essential guide to golf tournament event websites

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

Download the Guide

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3. Online registration streamlines everything

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

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pro tip:

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

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4. sponsors get maximum visibility & exposure

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

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Pro Tip:

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

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

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

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

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Pro tip:

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

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

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

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Pro Tip:

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

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get a free event website

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

Launch An Event Website In Minutes

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

Cash Dinkel, PGA

Jason Meininger, PGA

Paul Murcek, PGA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jason Meininger: Some fun ones I’ve seen:

• Bloody Mary bar on the range for morning events

• Mobile food truck with drinks and light food

• Kegs of beer on designated holes

• Margarita machines on designated holes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ask the Pros!

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

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

GolfStatus’ golf tournament websites have been completely revamped, with new enhancements that give nonprofits advanced tools to streamline golf event management, engage participants, and boost fundraising efforts.

The updated site design reflects feedback and input directly from our clients and our commitment to continued innovation and improvement to help nonprofits raise mission-critical funds through golf. The new look was rolled out to all event websites powered by GolfStatus on January 20, 2025, and includes:

• A clean, inviting interface. GolfStatus’ mobile-friendly websites engage site visitors and prompt action, whether it’s to register a team, purchase a sponsorship, or make a donation. A continued focus on mobile ensures organizations have the ability to collect funds from anyone, anywhere, anytime.

• User-friendly navigation. The new look provides visitors with a more organized and consistent layout, clearly labeled buttons, and easy exploration throughout the site.

• More opportunities to tell your story. The updated design gives tournament organizers even more space and options to share your cause through imagery, text, and video. Site updates can be made quickly and easily in the software’s back end.

• Additional sponsor exposure. Sponsors enjoy increased visibility on the site’s home page that adds value to sponsorship packages.

• Improved checkout experience. Registrants, sponsors, and donors will enjoy a more streamlined and intuitive checkout experience. A new page footer helps guide users through the registration process, showing them what information they need to complete before they can move forward in the process.

• More visible donation calls-to-action. Organizations can take advantage of additional donation calls-to-action, specifically once registration for the event has closed, to further boost tournament revenue.

These updates complement the core functionality of GolfStatus’ event websites, designed with fundraisers in mind, that save time and offer revenue-boosting opportunities:

• Online registration and donations with secure payment processing

• Easy tournament marketing and promotion

• Simple sponsor onboarding and premium digital exposure

• Professional live leaderboards

• The ability to quickly share tournament information and updates

As usual, GolfStatus’ in-house, responsive support team is available to help tournament organizers navigate the site’s updates and answer any questions with live support seven days a week.

get a free event website

Nonprofits can qualify for a free event website and no-cost access to GolfStatus’ suite of tournament management solutions through the Golf for Good program, a give-back initiative that supports organizations using golf to do good. Tournament organizers can book a demo with GolfStatus’ team to learn more and get qualified for Golf for Good or to get started in the software on their own.

Sponsor support is more important than ever for charity golf tournaments. As events evolve to meet participant and sponsor expectations and address logistical challenges, traditional sponsorships may no longer be enough.

Enter digital sponsorships—they’re adaptable, professional, low-risk, flexible, high-value, and easier to implement than you might think. Here’s how you can use digital sponsorships to elevate your charity golf tournament and deliver maximum value to your sponsors.

THE VALUE OF DIGITAL EXPOSURE

Digital exposure offers your tournament’s sponsors an innovative way to engage with your audience that boosts each sponsorship's ROI. They also offer a great deal of convenience and flexibility for event organizers.

• No overhead costs. Digital sponsorships don’t require the production of any physical materials, making them incredibly cost-effective and environmentally friendly. You won’t have to worry about meeting production deadlines or the extra stress of ensuring on-time delivery.

• Adaptability. If your tournament date, format, or location change, the digital exposure built into your sponsorships can easily pivot to fit the updated plan.

• Extended visibility. Digital assets like event websites, live leaderboards, and mobile apps ensure sponsors remain front and center for the duration of your event and beyond, guaranteeing additional impressions for the sponsor’s brand.

• Added value. Digital sponsor exposure can—and should—be built into every sponsorship package, adding additional value for sponsors and improved fundraising outcomes for your nonprofit.

• Plug and play. With the right event management software, when sponsors purchase a package via your online registration site, the sponsor’s logo should automatically populate into the appropriate locations in the platform, saving organizers time and effort.

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PRO TIP:

When making your sponsorship pitch, highlight the value and reach of digital exposure. The additional value and impressions they’ll get as a sponsor of your tournament helps make it an easy sell.

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digital sponsorship options

To take advantage of digital sponsorship exposure, you’ll need an event management tool that has such capabilities baked in. Look for an option that provides multiple touchpoints across the platform, giving sponsors broad visibility to your tournament’s field, including:

1. Event Registration Website Exposure

A robust event registration website is the main hub for marketing your tournament. When you share the site’s link across your digital channels—email, social media, direct outreach—and print channels (using a QR code to link directly to the site), sponsors get exposure with every click. The registration interface should include the ability for sponsors to upload their logo and messaging, giving them instant visibility on the site and eliminating the need for tournament organizers to spend time procuring assets from sponsors.

GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship offers premium visibility across the platform, including on the home page of each tournament’s event website.

2. Digital hole sponsorships

Your event management platform should include a complementary mobile app for live scoring. Not only does live scoring keep golfers engaged throughout the tournament, but it opens the door to sell digital hole sponsorships. Each time a player logs their score, sponsor logos or messages can be displayed, creating frequent, high-impact touchpoints. You have the option to sell digital hole sponsorships as a standalone option, or combine digital hole sponsor exposure with your existing hole sponsorships. Either way, sponsors benefit from added value and engagement.

3. live leaderboard sponsorships

Live leaderboards, much like a mobile scoring app, keep participants and any online spectators engaged while offering premium exposure for sponsors. These leaderboards can and should be shared via email, social media, and newsletters, driving additional visibility for the sponsor and your tournament. The leaderboard sponsorship offers ideal exposure and should be sold at a premium. Once the round concludes, you might use the final leaderboards as an opportunity to make a donation ask—invite them to make a donation that matches their final score (if their team recorded an 84, they would donate $84). Make sure live leaderboards include a donation option to make it easy for folks to make a gift, amplifying the tournament’s fundraising outcomes.

Live leaderboards and mobile scoring apps offer additional digital sponsor exposure and boost the value of sponsorship packages.

4. Mobile engagement

The mobile channel offers the chance for sponsors to reach players with yet another touchpoint. Look for a golf event software that lets you offer sponsors the opportunity to send timely, personalized messages or to offer giveaways through the live scoring app. These targeted interactions can significantly boost sponsor satisfaction and engagement—and the likelihood they’ll return in subsequent years.

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PRO TIP:

When reporting to your sponsors after the golf event, include links and screenshots of the digital exposure your tournament provided.

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WHY SPONSORS LOVE DIGITAL EXPOSURE

While signage, banners, and other sponsor recognition mediums certainly have their place, digital sponsorships provide unparalleled benefits, including:

• Enhanced brand visibility. Through mobile apps, websites, and leaderboards, sponsor logos and messages reach broader audiences over a longer time period. As soon as a sponsor commits and their logo appears on your event website, the sponsor starts earning impressions with every site visit.

• Targeted engagement. Sponsors have the ability to interact with participants at key moments throughout the round. Whether it’s through push notifications from high-dollar sponsorships or hole sponsor logos when a team enters their score in the live-scoring app, sponsors get engagement that’s second to none.

• Shareable support. Sponsors can share the link to your event site through their outreach channels, demonstrating to their audiences how they’re supporting the community by being involved with your tournament.

• Onboarding is simple. The actual process of becoming a sponsor is easy—sponsors browse your available packages, see examples of exposure, and purchase their package right on the site. There’s no need for time-consuming back and forth, removing barriers and making it simple for sponsors to commit and focus on maximizing their investment.

• Enhanced professionalism. Above all, you want to make your sponsors look good. Digital exposure provides a level of professionalism that other forms of exposure simply can’t match.

Live leaderboards not only give your tournament a professional look and feel, but they offer a top-tier digital sponsorship opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Supporters want to know their contributions are going toward meaningful impact. Leveraging digital sponsorships ensures more dollars go directly to your cause, boost the value of sponsorship packages, and unlock new opportunities for your tournament’s success. Start by exploring golf event-specific event management options that offer digital sponsor exposure, attractive event websites, live scoring and leaderboards, and other tools to help you raise the most money possible for your mission.

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hit the easy button with Golfstatus

GolfStatus’ full-service golf event management platform simplifies the implementation of digital sponsorships. It’s designed to help organizations of all sizes save time and resources while delivering premium sponsorship opportunities and a great overall experience. Plus, through the Golf for Good programs, nonprofit organizations can access this technology at no upfront cost.

Hit the Easy Button With GolfStatus

Book a Demo Today

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When it comes to player gifts at charity golf tournaments, getting it right can significantly enhance the participant experience and leave a lasting positive impression of your nonprofit. Giving golf tournament gifts should make golfers feel valued, connect them to your organization and mission, and encourage them to play in the event in the future.

But what makes a great gift? And what should you avoid? Drawing on feedback from GolfStatus app users—golfers who regularly play in charity golf tournaments—and industry insights, here’s a deep dive into best practices, gifts that are hits and misses, and gift ideas to ensure your event is up to par.

Learn how to supercharge your golf tournament's fundraising with our free guide

Best Practices for Choosing Winning Golf Tournament Gifts

• Stay on budget. Great gifts don’t have to break the bank. Thoughtful, practical items often cost less than flashy or trendy products. Keep your gifts commensurate with your registration prices. Bake gift costs into your registration prices or make sure they’re covered by a sponsorship.

• Prioritize practicality and quality. Golfers appreciate items they can use during play or in daily life. These items not only serve a practical purpose but also remind participants of your event each time they use them.

• Incorporate customization. Adding your nonprofit's logo or the event name to gifts transforms standard items into memorable keepsakes that offer lasting reminders of the tournament and your cause.

• Offer a variety of items. Providing a selection of gifts caters to diverse preferences and enhances the overall experience to ensure that each participant finds something they value.

• Leverage sponsorships. Partnering with sponsors to provide player gifts can elevate the quality of items without increasing costs, adding value for participants and strengthening sponsor relationships.

• Consider unique and memorable items. Distinctive gifts can make your tournament more memorable, but ensure these gifts align with your budget and the interests of your participants.

• Plan for raffle and contest prizes. In addition to player gifts, offer attractive raffle and contest prizes to boost engagement and add excitement to the event.

• Gather feedback. After the tournament, ask for feedback from participants regarding the gifts and overall experience to better meet their preferences. Keep track of what gifts are especially popular for future tournaments. 

Custom or branded headcovers make a great golf tournament gift!

Our Favorite Golf Tournament Gift Ideas

These are the gifts that golfers rave about, cherish, and actually use. They strike the perfect balance of quality, practicality, and relevance to the sport.

• High-quality golf balls. Golfers always appreciate receiving premium golf balls, especially if they’re from trusted brands like Titleist, Callaway, or TaylorMade. Personalized balls with the event logo are even better, serving as both a functional item and a keepsake.

• Branded golf apparel. Apparel such as moisture-wicking polos, performance hats, or lightweight jackets are consistently popular. Golfers value apparel they can wear both on and off the course, particularly if it’s quality and well-made.

• Technology or gadgets. Golf tech like rangefinders, GPS devices, or even a gift card toward such items are unique and highly valued gifts. For lower-cost options, consider phone mounts for golf carts or clip-on speakers.

• Practical accessories. Items like insulated tumblers, golf towels, divot repair tools, and high-quality umbrellas rank highly. These are useful both on the course and in daily life.

• Gift cards. While not flashy, gift cards to the host golf course’s pro shop, local restaurants, or sporting goods stores are almost universally appreciated, giving golfers the freedom to choose something they truly want or need.

• Unique keepsakes. Custom-engraved glassware or framed pin flags or scorecards can serve as a meaningful reminder of the event, particularly for milestone tournaments or events honoring a special cause.

41 more golf tournament gift ideas

Practical golf tournament gift ideas:

1. Golf balls from top brands

2. Golf ball markers

3. Quality tees

4. Branded golf apparel

5. Golf club cleaner brush

6. Headcover

7. Golf shoe bag

8. Tumbler

9. Golf towel

10. Divot repair tool

11. Commemorative ball marker

12. Indoor mini putting green

13. Personalized bag tag

14. Free rounds of golf at the host golf facility

15. Golf glove

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Pro Tip:

Give sponsors the opportunity to include items in the player gift bags.

Find out more in this free downloadable guide: Sample Golf Fundraiser Sponsorship Packages

Get the Guide

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Premium golf tournament gift ideas

16. Custom golf travel bag

17. Golf cart rain cover

18. Guest passes to a high-end golf club

19. Luxury golf apparel (shirt, pants, socks, glasses, etc.)

20. New set of high-end clubs

21. Personalized headcover

22. Hotel stay

23. Tickets to a local sporting event

24. Putter

25. Driver

high-tech golf tournament gift ideas

26. Rangefinder

27. GPS device

28. Golf cart phone mount

29. Clip-on speakers

30. Fitness watch/tracker

31. Smart golf ball

32. Golf simulator pass

33. Bluetooth speaker

34. Portable power bank

creative golf tournament ideas

35. Commemorative ball marker

36. Framed photo or pin flag from the event

37. Golf ball retriever

38. Membership to golf-themed app or service

39. Complimentary golf lessons

40. Gift card or gift card pack

41. Hand warmers

Golfers wear hats and quarters zips bearing the Brantley’s Buddies logo.

golf tournament gift bundle ideas

• Golf combo: A sleeve of high-quality branded golf balls, a moisture-wicking polo, and an insulated tumbler that are co-branded with your nonprofit’s and sponsor’s logos.

• Tech bundle: A clip to hold a GSP unit or rangefinder, a phone mount for golf carts that makes live-scoring easier, and a high-quality microfiber towel.

• Golf basics package: Golf tees, a divot repair tool, a ball marker, and a nice branded golf hat.

• Gift card bonanza: Gift cards to the host golf facility’s pro shop, a local coffee shop, and golf or sporting goods store.

• Cause connection keepsakes: A custom-engraved glass, beer stein, or mug paired with a gift card to a local restaurant and a thank-you note explaining how their participation supports your mission.

golf tournament gifts to avoid

While the intention behind every gift is good, some items just plain miss the mark. Avoid these gifts that golfers told us make them groan:

• Low-quality items. Cheap golf balls, flimsy tees, or poorly made apparel diminish your tournament’s reputation and their value as a gift—and usually end up in the trash.

• Overly generic merchandise. Generic water bottles or pens with no event branding or connection to golf can often be viewed as uninspired. While functional, they don’t resonate with golfers or evoke memories of the tournament.

• Over-sized or bulky items. Large, heavy items like oversized coolers or clunky golf bags can be a hassle for participants to carry around. Unless you’re offering a larger raffle or contest prize that justifies the bulk, stick to smaller, more manageable gifts.

• Non-golf-related items. While creativity is good, veering too far from the event’s golf focus can backfire. For example, unrelated gadgets or trinkets may leave golfers scratching their heads.

• Items with no usefulness. Decorative items with no practical use or special connection to your tournament, such as purely ornamental keychains or low-quality paperweights, get a thumbs-down from golfers.

• Incorrect sizing. If gifting apparel, ensure it fits and the style appeals to your audience. Collect sizing when golfers register to ensure you have the proper inventory available.

getting started with golf tournament gifts

By focusing on quality, relevance, and practicality, your nonprofit can ensure the player gifts at your next charity golf tournament are not just appreciated but celebrated. Thoughtfully selected gifts enhance the golfer’s experience to keep them coming back year after year, elevate your event’s reputation, and remind participants of your organization’s mission every time they use them.

The right event management platform is key to a professional, successful event. Click below to connect with GolfStatus and find out how you can use its tournament management software at no upfront cost!

Make Your Golf Event a Swinging Success

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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!

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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!