Free monthly webinars have reached 9,000 nonprofit professionals with golf fundraising knowledge, CEU credits, and actionable strategies since 2022

Lincoln, NE (September 5, 2025) - GolfStatus, the leading golf event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, is proud to celebrate three years of providing free educational webinars designed to help charitable organizations plan, promote, and execute successful golf events.

Since the first webinar in September 2022, nearly 9,000 nonprofit professionals, volunteers, event planners, and industry partners have received valuable insights into golf fundraising. The monthly sessions focus on practical strategies, proven best practices, and actionable ideas that help causes of all types and sizes make the most out of their events, whether they’re hosting their first golf tournament or growing an established outing.

“We started the webinar program with the goal of making golf fundraising knowledge accessible to any nonprofit or tournament planner, regardless of size or resources,” says Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer at GolfStatus. “Three years later, it’s incredible to see the impact: thousands of nonprofits using golf to raise money, engage supporters, and expand their missions.”

Webinars offered by GolfStatus are:

• Free to attend, with no cost to register.

• Accessible to all, with every registrant receiving the full session recording.

• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) approved for continuing education units for certification or recertification.

• Available on-demand in GolfStatus’ online resource library.

The GolfStatus webinar series has featured tournament planners, fundraising and nonprofit industry experts, and golf professionals who share their experiences and advice on topics such as securing sponsorships, leveraging technology, engaging donors, boosting revenue, and creating memorable experiences for participants.

Register for upcoming sessions or watch recorded webinars at https://golfstatus.com/webinars.

For more information, contact Ashley Stahr at [email protected].

About GolfStatus

GolfStatus helps nonprofits leverage the giving power of golf to raise more dollars, engage supporters, and do more good. Its robust golf event management platform streamlines golf tournaments from start to finish to save time and enhance the overall event experience for golfers, sponsors, and golf facilities. GolfStatus combines powerful technology with practical golf fundraising resources and industry-leading support to make charity golf tournaments easy, approachable, and efficient for organizations of all types and sizes. Visit golfstatus.com.

Lincoln, NE (August 27, 2025) - GolfStatus, the leading golf event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, is excited to announce the release of a new Drive Impact video, spotlighting the success and heart behind Project Purple’s Annual Charity Golf Classic for Pancreatic Cancer. The video captures the meaningful connections, community support, and dedication to the mission that have made the event a key fundraiser in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Now available on YouTube, the two-minute video offers a look at how Project Purple uses golf to drive awareness and raise critical funds for pancreatic research and patient support. It also highlights how GolfStatus’ event management technology has helped streamline the tournament’s logistics, simplify operations, and support the event’s growth over the past few years.

“When you start an event like a golf tournament, you don’t know how successful it will become. Our golf event has grown over the years,” says Dino Verelli, Founder and CEO at Project Purple. “We started off very small and thanks to our supporters and GolfStatus, it’s become a keystone event within our community.”

The video also features a highlight of the annual Golf Classic: Project Purple’s unique Hall of Fame ceremony, which honors and celebrates those who have battled pancreatic cancer.

“Project Purple’s tournament is a powerful example of how golf fundraisers connect communities to causes that matter,” says Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer at GolfStatus. “GolfStatus is proud to be a small part of their journey and help them drive impact year after year.

For the third year, Project Purple partnered with GolfStatus to power their golf fundraiser, leveraging GolfStatus’ golf event management software to streamline planning, offer new sponsorships, and drive revenue. As a nonprofit, Project Purple qualified for no-cost access to the platform through GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program.

Learn more about Project Purple: https://www.projectpurple.org/

Learn more about GolfStatus: https://golfstatus.com/

About GolfStatus

GolfStatus helps nonprofits leverage the giving power of golf to raise more dollars, engage supporters, and do more good. Its robust golf event management platform streamlines golf tournaments from start to finish to save time and enhance the overall event experience for golfers, sponsors, and golf facilities. GolfStatus combines powerful technology with practical golf fundraising resources and industry-leading support to make charity golf tournaments easy, approachable, and efficient for organizations of all types and sizes. Visit golfstatus.com.

About Project Purple

Project Purple is a non-profit organization empowering the fight against pancreatic cancer. The organization’s unwavering commitment is fueled by the pursuit of raising awareness, driving crucial research, and providing aid for patients who are battling this disease. Since Project Purple’s founding in 2010, it’s been leading the charge, pioneering advancements, and bringing hope to those affected by pancreatic cancer. Visit projectpurple.org.

GolfStatus and Dormie Network team up for a fun-filled mini golf tournament that has raised $24,000 to help care for Lincoln’s homeless pets.

LINCOLN, NE (August 13, 2025)—GolfStatus and Dormie Network are teaming up once again for the third annual Putt Putt Fore Puppies Mini Golf Tournament on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Adventure Golf Center. The event brings together the Lincoln-area community for an afternoon of friendly competition while supporting animals in need.

Third Annual Putt Putt Fore Puppies Mini Golf Tournament Benefiting Capital Humane Society Returns to Lincoln September 12

Since its debut in 2023, Putt Putt Fore Puppies has raised an incredible $24,000 to support the Capital Humane Society in serving Lincoln’s homeless pets, assisting pet owners, and educating the public about responsible pet care. In 2024, the community fundraiser drew 250+ participants of all ages and skill levels.

The September 12 event promises even more fun, furry friends, and fundraising power, intending to raise $15,000.

“Putt Putt Fore Puppies is proof that when you combine golf, community, and a great cause, amazing things happen,” said Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer at GolfStatus and Dormie Network and tournament founder. “GolfStatus and Dormie Network are committed to giving back to our community through this fun, family-friendly event and are thrilled to continue supporting the Capital Humane Society’s important work for the third year.”

The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with the shotgun start at 4:30 p.m. Adoptable animals from Capital Humane Society will be onsite to greet players, and the event will feature:

• Mini golf with a mission: 18 holes of best-ball play across Adventure Golf’s three fun and challenging courses. The winning team members on each course will take home a custom 3D printed trophy.

• Golfer perks: Every golfer will take home a Comfort Colors t-shirt, a tennis ball dog toy, a pet bandana, and other golfer goodies.

• Delicious eats: Dinner from Certified Piedmontese, snacks, and drinks to keep participants fueled for fun are included in registration.

• Great raffle prizes. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win tickets to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Henry Doorly Zoo, or Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, plus gift cards to Scheels and New Day Coffee, merchandise packages, and more.

Teams and sponsors can register online at the event website. Team Registration is $160 per foursome, or $200 for the All-In Team Registration (which includes the Team Registration package plus All-Games Package and 12 raffle tickets). Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals and local businesses who want to show their support for the cause.

Register a team, become a sponsor, or make a donation at: https://events.golfstatus.com/event/2025-putt-putt-fore-puppies-mini-golf-tournament/

View a video about the 2024 event:

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

• Time: 3:30 - 6 p.m.

• Location: Adventure Golf Center, 5901 S 56th St, Lincoln, NE 68516

• Cost: Starting at $40 per person or $160 per team

• Registration: https://events.golfstatus.com/event/2025-putt-putt-fore-puppies-mini-golf-tournament/

About GolfStatus

GolfStatus helps nonprofits leverage the giving power of golf to raise more dollars, engage supporters, and do more good. Its robust golf event management platform streamlines golf tournaments from start to finish to save time and enhance the overall event experience for golfers, sponsors, and golf facilities. GolfStatus combines powerful technology with practical golf fundraising resources and industry-leading support to make charity golf tournaments easy, approachable, and efficient for organizations of all types and sizes. Learn more at golfstatus.com.

About Dormie Network

Dormie Network is a national network of private destination golf clubs that includes ArborLinks in Nebraska City, Nebraska; Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, Virginia; Briggs Ranch Golf Club in San Antonio, Texas; Dormie Club in West End, North Carolina; GrayBull Club in Maxwell, Nebraska; Hidden Creek Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Indiana. Each offers a premier experience where pure golf meets genuine hospitality. Learn more at dormienetwork.com.

About Capital Humane Society

Capital Humane Society serves and unites the Lincoln community by providing resources and support for pet owners, caring for displaced animals, and connecting homeless pets with families through adoption. Learn more at capitalhumanesociety.org.

For more information about Putt Putt Fore Puppies, contact Ashley Stahr at [email protected]

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Golf tournaments remain one of the most powerful tools for third parties—like corporate partners, passionate supporters, and volunteers—to raise money for nonprofits and causes they care about. Golf’s continued popularity and its capacity as a fundraising tool make it an ideal fit for folks who are passionate about golf and a good cause.

Golf is a great way to mobilize passionate supporters or corporate partners to raise money for your nonprofit.

More than most fundraising events, charity golf tournaments offer unique advantages for the benefiting nonprofit and the organizer. For nonprofits, these events create a passive income stream that doesn’t require significant internal bandwidth like a dedicated staff member or line item in the budget. What’s more, they also build awareness and expand visibility for your mission and programs. For event organizers, particularly companies and corporate entities, there’s a major brand lift from supporting a good cause and high engagement with a typically affluent and influential demographic.

By empowering third parties to run golf tournaments on your behalf and equipping them with the right tools, you can grow your nonprofit’s impact with minimal lift. Here’s how:

1. Start with your network

Your best bet is to start with what you already have: past event participants, sponsors, volunteers, donors, and board members. If your nonprofit has hosted golf tournaments before, revisit those participant lists. Consider sending a dedicated campaign inviting those who supported your organization through golf in the past to organize a tournament that benefits your organization. The campaign could include email, direct mail, individual phone calls, a survey, or a mix based on your team’s capacity. You might also:

• Use social media to ask your audience who plays golf or who simply likes organizing events.

• Include a call to action in year-end giving appeals to get in touch if they’re interested in event planning or golf.

• Create a dedicated page on your organization’s website that outlines how supporters can host a golf tournament to benefit your cause.

Do some pre-planning before you start your outreach so you have some pieces and resources already in place to provide to people who are interested. Beyond just making the process easy (see #2 below), you want to set these third-party tournaments up for success, so make sure you’re prepared to be a partner in the process.

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Pro Tip:

GolfStatus’s online resource library is packed with free guides, templates, checklists, and other downloadable tournament planning tools. Share these with current and potential event organizers to help get them started.

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Provide tools—like golf event management software—to make planning a golf fundraiser as easy as possible to people and businesses in your network.

2. Make It Easy for organizers

Even the most passionate supporters will appreciate tools that make planning a golf tournament easier. That’s where golf event-specific technology comes in. The right platform streamlines planning, automates administrative tasks, and includes built-in fundraising features, making it easier for anyone to launch, run, and repeat their tournament year after year.

Your event management platform should be able to function as the “bank” for your golf tournament, facilitating how you collect, hold, and disburse the funds raised from your event. When some registers a team, becomes a sponsor, makes a donation, or purchases an add-on, those funds should be securely processed and held in escrow until after the event. Once it concludes, those funds can be distributed directly to your organization, so both your nonprofit and the event organizer have peace of mind and clear financial accountability.

You might also consider providing the organizer with a media kit full of logos, brand guidelines, and key messaging to help your brand stay consistent. When it’s easy, it’s more fun, more rewarding, and more likely that they’ll keep the effort going.

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PRO
TIP:

Say thank you whenever and wherever you can to these third-party organizers. Public shoutouts on social media, in newsletters or blogs, or on your organization’s website are powerful, but a personal touch will go a long way in expressing your gratitude. Send a handwritten note and follow it up with a phone call.

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3. Standardize with golf-specific technology

Fundraising or event management platforms aren’t one-size-fits-all. Golf tournaments have unique needs that require specialized tools to manage effectively. Look for a platform that offers an attractive event website with online registration (which saves organizers a ton of time and effort), plus easy access for all members of the planning team and the golf facility to work together and keep everything organized in one place.

It should be built just for golf events, with features to handle everything from hole assignments and live scoring to digital sponsor exposure and pre-formatted scorecards and cart signs. A dedicated landing page listing all events that benefit your organization makes it easy for folks in your network to find and support them.

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PRO
TIP:

Standardizing tech across all third-party golf fundraisers means your donor data is uniformly collected (see #4 below) and reported for easy integration into your CRM for additional donor stewardship.

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A dedicated landing page listing all events that benefit your organization makes it easy for people to support you through golf.

4. Capture & Manage Data

Donor and participant data are essential, especially when a third party is planning and managing the event. You can’t use the information you don’t have! Seamlessly collecting this information during the registration process is crucial to understanding who is supporting your organization through golf. This way, both organizers and your team can access robust reporting tools to see who’s playing in, donating to, and sponsoring golf events tied to your nonprofit.

This valuable data helps your nonprofit build stronger relationships, grow donor pipelines, and make data-driven decisions that maximize future fundraising efforts. Using golf event management technology makes collecting and managing this data simple and efficient.

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PRO
TIP:

Use this donor and participant data to segment follow-ups and personalize donor stewardship efforts. Add tags, source codes, or other identifiers to your CRM to track who came through third-party golf events.

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built for golf, built for good

GolfStatus is the industry leader in event management tech built specifically for charity golf tournaments. Nonprofits can easily activate third parties to run successful, lucrative, and data-rich golf fundraisers without having to oversee every detail. Through our Golf for Good program, 501(c) organizations and those hosting tournaments to benefit them are eligible for no-cost access to the platform.

From acting as the “bank” to holding funds until post-event disbursement, to providing dedicated support, customizable websites, and donor data capture, GolfStatus makes it easy for supporters to turn a round of golf into real impact.

Book a Meeting With Our Team to Learn More

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

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

Benefits of a Themed Charity Golf Tournament

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Integrating a Golf Tournament Theme

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

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

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

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

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

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

30+ Charity Golf Tournament Themes

Themed Golf Tournament Success Stories

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

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

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

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

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

Family-Friendly Golf Tournament Themes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seasonal Golf Tournament Themes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unique Golf Tournament Themes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sports-Based Golf Tournament Themes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upscale Golf Tournament Themes

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

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

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

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

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

Corporate Golf Tournament Themes

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

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

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

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

Women's Golf Tournament Themes

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to Plan a Themed Golf Tournament?

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

Connect With the Golf Tournament Experts

Book a Meeting to Get Started

About the Author

Jen Wemhoff - Communications Manager at GolfStatus

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

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

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

1. Use golf event management software

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

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

2. document, document, document!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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free planning template

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

Get the Template

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3. Have Two Points of Contact for Everything

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. create a succession plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. manage sponsorships in your event management platform

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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set your event up for long-term success with golfstatus

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

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

Future Proof Your Golf Event With GolfStatus

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

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

Positioning the value of your tournament’s title sponsorship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GolfStatus’ Technology Sponsorship provides broad exposure across the platform.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sample title + tech sponsorship package

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

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

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

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

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

• Two complementary foursomes to play in the tournament.

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

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Taking care of your title sponsor

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

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

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

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

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

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free template

Sponsor Fulfillment Report Template

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

Download

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maximize your title sponsorship’s value with tech

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

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

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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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Golf tournaments can be a big lift for nonprofit organizations, but with the help of dedicated volunteers, you can pull off a memorable event that drives your mission forward (and doesn’t burn anyone out). Here are some help tips and context about how to effectively recruit and engage volunteers for your golf event and create a memorable experience that keeps them coming back.

Why volunteers are essential

Volunteers are the backbone of successful charity golf tournaments. Here’s why:

1. They fill gaps in people power. Volunteers provide the extra hands needed to execute a seamless event. From planning to cleanup, their support ensures sponsors and participants enjoy a top-notch experience from start to finish.

2. They develop a stronger connection to your cause. Volunteering fosters a deeper connection to your organization. Many volunteers become lifelong supporters, often contributing both time and financial resources.

3. They build important relationships. Volunteers create a support system for your nonprofit and often bond with each other through shared experiences. These relationships often lead to ongoing engagement and advocacy centered around your cause.

4. Everyone benefits. Volunteering benefits both your nonprofit and the volunteers themselves. The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering reduces stress, boosts mental and physical health, provides a sense of purpose, and even teaches volunteers valuable skills. For nonprofits, volunteers help build capacity, gain loyal advocates, and convert volunteers into regular donors.

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sample golf tournament volunteer assignmentS

Pre-tournament:

• Tournament promotion

• Sponsor introductions or asks

• Assemble player gift bags

• Assemble signs

• Manage volunteers

Tournament day set up:

• Registration desk

• Place hole signs

• Direct traffic

• On-course games and contests

• Raffle or auction

• Awards

registration:

• Check in golfers, sponsors, and volunteers

• Sell raffle tickets, mulligans, and on-course game entry

• Collect donations

During the round:

• Run on-course games and contests

• Distribute food

• Check pace of play

Post-tournament:

• Assist with awards

• Tear down and clean up

• Pick up pin prizes and hole signs

• Write thank yous

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Volunteers can serve as witnesses for a hole-in-one contest at a golf tournament. (Image courtesy of Flickr)

recruiting volunteers

If you don’t already have a volunteer base, your golf tournament is a great chance to establish one! It’s also an opportunity to beef up your volunteer pool for other events and initiatives where your nonprofit needs assistance. Before you start recruiting volunteers, make sure you have somewhere to send folks to sign up. Add a link to your volunteer sign up on your golf tournament website so people who want to know more about the event also have the information they need to help out.

• Use your networks. Start by asking your nonprofit’s staff, board, and current volunteers to commit to volunteer at the golf event and invite a friend to help. This leverage’s social proof, which is the tendency of people to follow others’ actions when making decisions. Personal invitations and word-of-mouth are powerful motivators.

• Leverage local community and service groups. Your community likely has people interested in volunteering—you just need to find them. Tap into service clubs in your community, such as Kiwanis or Rotary Clubs. Use the alumni associations of universities or colleges in your area or that people in your network belong to. You might also check to see if local high schools require community service hours and if volunteering for your tournament might qualify.

• Use matchmaking websites. There are a number of volunteer matchmaking websites that can help you find local volunteers. A simple Google search will give you some great options. RiseUp Malawi used VolunteerMatch to source volunteers for their golf event’s planning committee and day-of execution.

• Work with local media. Consider sending a press release about your golf tournament to local media outlets, such as television and radio stations and newspapers, that includes a call for volunteers. Don’t forget to list your event and volunteer opportunities on local community calendars.

• Leverage social media and ads. Your nonprofit’s Google Ad Grant, which provides up to $10,000 in monthly ad spend, is a great way to promote your golf tournament and volunteer opportunities. You should also post content on your social media channels that show volunteers in action, data that demonstrates your impact, and stories about your work to get people excited to volunteer. You might also consider a small social media ad campaign to target potential volunteers, if your budget allows.

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Using Social Media to Amplify Your Golf Fundraiser

Social media is a huge opportunity to level up your golf fundraiser, helping promote the event; recruit volunteers, players, and sponsors; thank donors, and much more. This free guide will help tournament organizers of all skill and experience levels leverage social media to make the most out of your charity golf tournament and raise the most money possible.

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Keeping volunteers engaged

Your volunteers want to be engaged and in the know when it comes to their contributions and responsibilities. Keeping them engaged before, during, and after the tournament is key to volunteer satisfaction and retention.

before the tournament

• Get volunteers excited. When volunteers sign up to help, personally reach out to thank them for their commitment and share the impact they’ll help make as a result of their time. This gets them excited both for the event and about your cause, and is key to building a long-term relationship with that volunteer.

• Help them feel a sense of ownership. Loop volunteers into the planning process (when appropriate) so they feel a sense of ownership in the event and have a vested interest in its success.

• Create a clear onboarding process. Before you begin recruiting volunteers, document the roles and responsibilities of each assignment. Use online tools to manage sign-ups and assign roles, and share those details once they commit so they understand exactly what’s expected of them. If necessary, offer training ahead of the tournament. For example, if they’re running a hole-in-one contest, walk them through how the contest works, what they need to communicate with golfers, and what to do if someone gets a hole-in-one.

• Communicate effectively. There’s a balance between under and over communicating with volunteers—don’t overdo it, but make sure they know enough to be helpful. Volunteer management tools make it easy to communicate with volunteers and keep correspondence in one place.

during the tournament

• Keep volunteers in the loop. If there are any updates or changes to on event day, be sure to communicate those to volunteers via your online volunteer management tool. Let them know how the tournament is progressing, what’s happening next, and if there are any changes to their assignments.

• Take care of them. You want your golfers and sponsors to have a great experience, but you also want your volunteers to remember your tournament fondly. Simple things like providing hot or cold beverages, food, a place to sit and rest, hand warmers on a cold day, or handheld fans on a hot day make volunteers feel more appreciated and more comfortable.

• Say a public thank you. During the tournament’s kickoff and wrap up remarks, be sure to thank both your sponsors and volunteers for making the event a possibility. If there are only a handful of volunteers, consider recognizing them each by name.

after the event

• Say thank you (again!). Much like with golf tournament sponsors, a handwritten thank you or a phone call can be huge in keeping volunteers engaged for subsequent years and cultivating their support of your organization. Invite volunteers to attend any post-golf gathering and perhaps provide a complimentary drink or raffle ticket. You also might consider holding a volunteer appreciation reception at your office after the golf event to say thank you. Above all, be sincere and personal in expressing your gratitude.

• Ask for their feedback. Send a survey or have informal conversations with volunteers to find out what went well, what can be improved, and what suggestions they have for next year. This helps them feel ownership in the tournament—making them more likely to return to help again in the future.

• Involve them in other parts of your nonprofit. If the golf tournament is the first time a volunteer has engaged with your organization, now is a good chance to share other volunteer opportunities with them. Fold volunteers into your regular organization communication so they’re aware of other events and volunteer opportunities. And be sure to share the impact their volunteerism has had on your organization. For example, assisting with the golf tournament raised funds to feed 20 shelter dogs for a year.
  

Make volunteering for your tournament easy & rewarding

Above all, remember that when volunteers feel valued, they’re more likely to continue supporting your organization. Recruit volunteers with purpose, communicate with them effectively, and show gratitude every step of the way to build lasting relationships.

Your golf tournament can be more than just a fundraiser—it can become a community-building event that strengthens your mission and leaves a lasting impact.

golf for good with golfstatus

Organizing and executing a charity golf tournament is easier than ever with GolfStatus. You’ll get a free event website where you can recruit volunteers, promote your tournament, sell teams and sponsorships, and solicit donations. The software’s back end makes it simple to manage teams, sponsor assets, and payments and seamlessly collaborate with your planning team and the golf facility. The software is backed by an in-house client success team that’s there to help seven days a week. And best of all, there’s no cost and no risk to get started with GolfStatus. Click below to book a demo with our team or get started in the software on your own.

Get started with GolfStatus

No Cost, No Risk

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