partner snapshot

Lisa Matthews has played golf with the same group nearly every weekend for years. The group has become a tight-knit circle of friendship, family, and support. When Lisa’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011, the family reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association for resources and support. Her golf group also rallied around her family, so it was no surprise that they were all in when Lisa pitched the idea of a golf fundraiser as part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day campaign.

At first, Lisa wanted the event to be small, manageable, and rooted in the circle of friends who knew and loved her mother. They started in 2013 with just seven tee times and a handful of donated prizes, raising $680 for the Alzheimer’s Association’s work to support patients and caregivers. For several years, the group was content with the event’s size and scope, but after Lisa connected with more and more people who were impacted by Alzheimer’s, she wanted to make a greater impact.

Lisa Matthews, center, at the annual End ALZ golf fundraiser.

the challenge

At the heart of her desire to expand the tournament was a deeply personal mission: to create a meaningful experience for families navigating Alzheimer’s, connect them with helpful resources, and continue to honor her mother’s legacy.

Scaling the event brought several challenges. Although they had tiptoed into sponsorships in 2023 with hole sponsors, higher-dollar sponsorships were new territory, but Lisa knew they were key to expanding their fundraising potential. Managing payments, registrations, and communications manually was becoming increasingly difficult. Lisa also wanted to introduce elements like pin flags, hole-in-one contests, and more structured sponsorship packages, but needed tools and infrastructure to handle them effectively.

And though Lisa had a dedicated group of volunteers behind her to share the workload, it was clear that they needed better systems to collaborate and allow everyone to contribute—without burning out.

the solution

In 2024, Lisa received an email from the Alzheimer’s Association with information about GolfStatus as a resource for golf tournament organizers. “The Alzheimer’s Association doesn’t typically recommend third parties, so I thought it must be good,” Lisa says.

After meeting with the GolfStatus team, Lisa realized she had found exactly what she needed to modernize and scale the fundraiser without needing to create her own nonprofit and all the red tape that came with it. “I wanted to focus my efforts on raising money, not building the infrastructure to take payments. GolfStatus made it simple for us to do that,” Lisa says.

The event website simplified registration and golfer communication.

the results

The End ALZ golf event has become a powerful example of how purpose, people, and the right tools can elevate a mission-driven fundraiser. Adopting GolfStatus enabled Lisa and the planning team to streamline planning, elevate sponsorships, and grow fundraising in tangible ways.

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“Everything just went great. People had a great time. And GolfStatus made it super easy.”

— Lisa Matthews, The End ALZ Golf Event Tournament Organizer

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By the Numbers

• 2013: 27 golfers, $680 raised

• 2025: 120 golfers, $17,000 raised

A Modernized, Professional Event Hub

An event website became the central communication point for golfers and sponsors, making it easy to register, become a sponsor, donate, or purchase add-ons. The ability to accept credit cards online simplified and automated payment collection, which was especially useful as the field grew and sponsorships expanded. And with the GolfStatus platform preparing pre-formatted cart signs, scorecards, alpha lists, and other printouts, the event felt more organized and polished than ever.

Stronger, More Visible Sponsorships

With GolfStatus in place, Lisa was able to introduce new sponsorship opportunities that had previously felt out of reach, including pin flags, GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship, and a hole-in-one contest.

“I was immediately drawn to the pin flags,” says Lisa. Lisa’s family and her in-laws came together to purchase the pin flags in honor of her mother and in memory of her father-in-law, who also suffered from Alzheimer’s.

Custom pin flags honored Lisa’s mother and father-in-law.

The Technology Sponsor had a personal connection to the cause, with parents in a care facility due to Alzheimer’s. “They loved their logo on the cart signs and scorecards!” Lisa says, plus the exposure on the event website and live scoring app. “Their connection to the cause made their support even more meaningful.”

Smoother Tournament Day Logistics

The increased efficiency, access to real-time information, and simple collaboration provided by GolfStatus have helped tournament day run smoothly. Lisa’s dedicated team of volunteers handles check-in, allowing her to interact with golfers and sponsors during breakfast and thank them for their support. And because golfers register and pay online ahead of time, there’s no need to track down payments, keeping the morning less hectic.

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“I knew everything would continue running smoothly, since we were so prepared.”

— Lisa Matthews, The End ALZ Golf Event Tournament Organizer

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Live scoring made finalizing results quick and easy, as golfers submitted their scores via the free GolfStatus app. The golf facility staff appreciated the time savings as well, and were able to click “print” on pre-formatted printouts instead of creating them from scratch.

More Ways to Raise Money

Boosting revenue was a key part of the tournament’s growth. The new sponsorship opportunities brought in thousands of additional dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association, and the event website simplified collecting donations, selling add-ons, and holding funds until after the tournament’s conclusion. The team also introduced a hole-in-one contest, with hole-in-one insurance through GolfStatus, and strengthened their raffle and silent auction offerings. And having quick access to funds after the event simplified post-tournament finances.

Hole sponsorships were a great way for the End ALZ golf tournament to boost revenue.

Beyond Revenue

The tournament has created meaningful connections among people who are dealing with the realities of Alzheimer’s disease. “I hope people can find comfort and community through the tournament,” Lisa says. Lisa has become a strong advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association, directing newly impacted families to the group to take advantage of its expanded caregiver tools and educational resources.

Lisa’s passion for the cause is the driving force behind the tournament’s success, along with the overwhelming response from her friends, family, and community. “We started with just some people playing golf together and going out to dinner, and to see where it has gone has just been amazing,” Lisa says.

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Launch a Golf Event With GolfStatus

Whether you’re a passionate advocate like Lisa, a nonprofit event planner, a development professional, a corporate partner, or a dedicated volunteer, you too can launch a golf event to raise money for a cause important to you. Get started with an event website, online registration, digital sponsor exposure, golf event-specific tools, and best-in-class support—all at no upfront cost. Book a meeting with our golf fundraising experts to get started!

Work With the Golf Fundraising Pros!

Book a Meeting With GolfStatus

by Andrew Herbert, VP of Charity Golf International

Since 2019, Andrew Herbert of Charity Golf International has helped raise over $3.5 million for charities through golf events.

When it comes to hosting a successful charity golf event, the difference between a good outing and a truly impactful one lies in the strategic approach to fundraising. After supporting thousands of charity golf events and helping organizations raise well over $125 million since 2012, Charity Golf International has learned that the most successful events share three key characteristics:

1. Educating golfers about the mission

2. Celebrate the act of giving

3. Employing a "less is more" approach to fundraising

This guide will explore these characteristics and show you how to effectively apply them to your next charity golf tournament.

1. Educating golfers on the mission of giving

The foundation of any successful charity golf event starts with emotionally connecting your guests to your cause. This goes far beyond simply stating what your organization does—it's about creating genuine connections that inspire action.

Make the Mission Personal and Tangible

• Start with storytelling. Share real beneficiary stories that resonate on a human level. If possible, bring beneficiaries of your work to the event so they can mingle with guests and sponsors, putting a face to the cause they're supporting.

• Use specific dollar amounts to demonstrate impact: "$25 provides a meal for a family of four." This specificity helps donors understand exactly how their contribution will make a difference.

• Create displays that showcase your work in action. Display your fundraising goals prominently and show guests how close you are to achieving them throughout the day.

• Transform hole sponsor signs into mission-focused messaging. Display the sponsor's logo prominently, and add compelling facts about your cause underneath.

Communicate Throughout the Event

• Mission education shouldn't be a one-time announcement. Weave your message throughout the entire event experience.

• Dedicate a few minutes of your welcome speech to mission education.

• Include mission messaging in cart signage and swag items.

• Have staff and beneficiaries available to chat with guests about mission experiences throughout the day.

• Use the awards ceremony to reinforce the day's impact and celebrate both your efforts and the generosity of everyone involved.

Create Relevance to Golfers and Guests

Connect your charity's work to the local community where your golfers live and work, helping them understand how the community and beneficiaries will recognize their contributions and the lasting impact they'll have.

• Share specifically how funds raised at this event will be used. Donors want to see a direct connection between their money and what it will accomplish.

• Provide impact reports from previous years' events or organizational milestones.

• Create urgency by highlighting current needs, new initiatives, and opportunities to support or match previous successes.

Charity Golf International has experience working with charities and golf events of all types and sizes, helping elevate financial results while delivering an engaging and unforgettable on-course experience for golfers.

Pro tip: less pressure, more invitation

Frame donations as "opportunities to make a difference" rather than obligations. Use inclusive language, such as "We have an opportunity today to achieve X together" and "With your help, we have no doubt we’ll reach our goal today," that invite people to give, rather than pressure-filled phrases like "We need you to do this" or "We can't do X unless you do Y.”

Remember that a great experience leads to future support and referrals. The goal here is to make your event the best one on your guests' calendars. Simply put: trust that educated, engaged golfers will give when they understand the impact. Create memories and experiences alongside the act of giving, and the funds will follow.

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See How Much Charity Golf International Can Help You Raise

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2. Emphasizing and celebrating the act of donating

Establish Positive Donation Experiences

The way your organization handles donations can transform the entire giving experience, taking it from a transaction to a celebration.

• Thank donors immediately and publicly when appropriate. Help create proud moments for them!

• Use celebration language like "What an amazing contribution!", "With this donation, we’re now at $X overall today!”, or “This means so much to our team and mission!” Make every donation a celebration of generosity.

• Provide instant gratification by showing running totals, a progress bar, or thermometer displays. This helps make donating feel like winning, rather than giving away money.

Use Recognition Strategies

It’s crucial to express your appreciation to donors for their support of your cause. At your golf event:

• Announce major donations during dinner or after golf. Let guests know there are heroes among them, which may inspire others to step up and contribute more.

• Provide donor recognition with small tokens of appreciation (ball markers, pins, stickers, etc.) that serve as proud reminders of their contribution.

• Take photos of donors making their contributions and share on social media (with permission) so they can see your gratitude and proudly share their generosity with their networks.

Leverage Social Proof to Gain Momentum

Social proof is how people look to the actions and behaviors of others to determine how they should act. This can be especially useful in fundraising—when people see their peers donating, it often prompts them to do the same.

• Share when others have donated: "Team 8 with Company X just donated $500!" This creates social proof and can spark friendly competition between foursomes or companies.

• Use motivating phrases like "We're well on our way to our goal today, help us keep the momentum going!" or "We're close to a new record in fundraising—let’s break that record together!"

• Display real-time fundraising totals to build excitement and provide tangible donation goals throughout event day.

Charity Golf International suggests offering two to three giving activations during the round.

3. The “less is more” approach

Quality Over Quantity Principle

The most successful charity golf events that Charity Golf International supports understand that fewer, higher-impact fundraising moments are far more effective than constant asks.

• Focus on two to three strategic points during the event for major fundraising pushes. Most successful events we support have one or two professional fundraising activations on the course (like Charity Golf International’s Par 5 and Par 3 Pros), along with a small internally run game. You can certainly include additional activities, but we recommend including them in registration fees.

• Make each ask meaningful and well-timed.

  • Pre-round: A light introduction to giving opportunities, such as mulligans, 50/50 raffle tickets, or auctions.

  • Mid-round: One to two well-placed, high-energy fundraising moments, like professional fundraisers or on-course games.

  • Post-round: Major fundraising push when golfers are relaxed and social to help meet or exceed goals.

• Avoid stacking activations. Try to space them out to prevent fundraising fatigue and maintain positive energy for your guests.

Simplify the Giving Process

Remove as many barriers to giving as possible. Offer a simple, hassle-free process and make your asks specific and tangible.

• Offer clear donation levels rather than a generic and vague ask.

• Use round numbers that make sense to you and your guests.

• Spend 80% of your time explaining what donations accomplish and only 20% on logistics, letting the mission sell itself rather than over-explaining the need for donations.

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pro tip: partner with experts

As you may very well know, GolfStatus handles all registration, payment processing, sponsor management, and real-time tracking of your outing. Charity Golf International provides the on-course entertainment and fundraising expertise that creates memorable experiences, allowing you to focus on what matters most: connecting with your guests and advancing your mission during the outing.

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Charity Golf International brings premium prizes to golf events, plus fundraising experience.

Charity Golf International’s partnership with GolfStatus eliminates common pain points of charity golf event management while maximizing both the guest experience and fundraising potential.

When GolfStatus and Charity Golf International work together on your event, the result is simple and clear—your guests will eagerly anticipate the outing year after year, sponsors will see real value in their investment while appreciating your efforts, and organizations like yours consistently exceed their fundraising goals.

Ready to take your charity golf event to the next level? The tools, strategies, and partnerships are all here—now it's time to create something truly impactful together.

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Work With GolfStatus & Charity Golf International for Your Next Golf Fundraiser

Charity Golf International is the leader in on-course fundraising and entertainment, providing proven methods to charities and organizations. Its pros are well-versed in nonprofit fundraising and bring high-energy, high-impact to golf tournaments.

Combining Charity Golf International’s on-course fundraising expertise with GolfStatus’ tech, revenue enhancers, and support maximizes your tournament’s impact to raise mission-critical funds, connect with donors, and share information about your work. Get started with GolfStatus at no upfront cost by booking a meeting with a golf fundraising expert.

partner snapshot

Bryce and Julie Davis, a husband and wife real estate team, have always been passionate about supporting veterans, donating a portion of the proceeds from every home sale. When they became friends with U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (retired) and quadruple amputee Travis Mills, that passion only deepened.

From left, Bryce Davis, Julie Davis, and Travis Mills

Inspired by Travis’ resilience after sustaining catastrophic injuries during a tour in Afghanistan in 2012, and by the restorative programs for veterans provided by the Travis Mills Foundation, Bryce and Julie wanted to do even more. They wanted to rally their community together around a shared mission.

Golf offered the perfect platform. Bryce is a longtime golfer, and he recognized golf’s ability to unite supporters, veterans, and local businesses in a fun and meaningful way. “Travis has a motto: ‘Never give up, never quit.’ So if Travis can do something great, so can we,” says Bryce. The result was the TeeOff4TMF, a charity golf tournament that has quickly become a community tradition.

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“Travis has a motto: ‘Never give up, never quit.’ So if Travis can do something great, so can we.”

— Bryce Davis, TeeOff4TMF Tournament Organizer

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the challenge

Early on, the Davis team had big aspirations, but only so many hours in the day. They launched the first tournament with just 30 days of planning and managed everything manually. Registrations and sponsorships came in through phone calls, checks, and conversations, leaving Bryce and Julie to juggle spreadsheets, chase down information, and track changes by hand. It didn’t take long to see that growing the tournament as it stood would only make planning more overwhelming.

Sponsor support allows veterans to play in the tournament at no cost.

They were also working to build credibility for a brand-new event. The goal wasn’t just to fill the field; it was to communicate the powerful mission behind the tournament and prove that it could make a measurable impact for veteran families. They needed to attract a wide range of sponsors, engage the community, and ensure a professional experience for participants, all while managing logistics, marketing, communication, and payments with just a two-person team.

Bryce and Julie knew that if they were going to be able to scale the event and its impact, they needed a system that could help with the heavy lifting.

the solution

After the tournament’s first year, the Davises started looking for a technology platform that could streamline planning and elevate the player and sponsor experience. A little online research led them to GolfStatus.

“Bryce sees a need and goes looking for a solution,” Julie says. “We got on the phone with GolfStatus and talked to Paul Murcek for a couple of hours. He listened, never rushed us, and truly wanted to help. That was the deciding point.”

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“GolfStatus’ people have really made the difference. They answer questions right away, are willing to talk things through with us, and check in to see how things are going.”

— Bryce Davis, TeeOff4TMF Tournament Organizer

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the results

GolfStatus became the tournament’s operational backbone, with tools and automations that instantly saved Bryce and Julie time and effort. Bryce says the GolfStatus team is super responsive and knowledgeable. “GolfStatus’ people have really made the difference,” he says. “They answer questions right away, are willing to talk things through with us, and check in to see how things are going.”

• Online registration simplified signups, captured all necessary information and details, and automatically organized golfer data for the team.

• The professional event website boosted credibility and gave golfers and sponsors a central hub for information and payments.

• Robust reporting allowed Bryce and Julie to seamlessly communicate with the course and track progress.

• Add-ons like pin flags and hole-in-one insurance boosted professionalism and sponsorship revenue.

The tournament’s event website helped add credibility to their event and made it easy to register players.

Most importantly, the platform allowed them to shift attention to relationships—meeting with sponsors face-to-face, sharing the mission behind the tournament, and rallying the community around the work the Travis Mills Foundation does for veterans.

The event has grown year over year. Sponsor support enabled more veterans to play in the tournament at no cost. Local and corporate businesses stepped up with prize donations. Media partnerships increased awareness. And each year brought new memorable moments—like an honor guard-led opening ceremony, the Maine Military Band providing music, the surgeon who saved Travis Mills’ life attending and playing in the tournament, and inspiring words from Travis himself.

A local Honor Guard presented the colors at the tournament’s opening.

by the numbers

Since its inception, the tournament has raised over $160,000 and donated an impressive $107,000 to the Travis Mills Foundation to help their work with what they refer to as “recalibrated” veterans, who have suffered life-changing injuries. The funds raised by the TeeOff4TMF tournament support programs for recalibrated veterans and their families, all-expenses paid recalibration retreats in Maine, and Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) for combat veterans and first responders.

• Year 1/2022: Raised $13,000, donated $7,000

• Year 2/2023: Raised $25,000, donated $13,000

• Year 3/2024: Raised $54,000, donated $37,000

• Year 4/2025: Raised $71,000, donated $50,000

The 2025 event saw a full field of 36 teams and 51 sponsors. The $50,000 donated to the Travis Mills Foundation funded eight veteran families to attend a weeklong retreat.

The TeeOff4TMF golf event has donated $107,000 since its inception in 2022.

a bigger impact

Beyond the dollars raised, the tournament has created a strong network of veteran supporters. Bryce and Julie have established BizNet4Vets, a nonprofit that works to create a strong, supportive network that connects veterans, first responders, and business leaders. It provides networking, business development resources, mentorship, and the Veterans Impact Fund (which focuses on job training, mental health programs, housing, and entrepreneurship for veterans and first responders).

Bryce says it’s overwhelming to explain the emotion behind how they’ve been able to help people through the tournament and the newly established nonprofit. “It’s been truly life-changing for us,” Bryce says. “We’ve gained so much from this experience.”

what’s next

Year five is already in motion, bringing higher goals, fresh ideas, and continued commitment to honoring and helping veterans. Bryce and Julie want to continue building a community experience that goes well beyond a day on the golf course.

Tools and processes will continue to be vital to the tournament’s ability to grow and scale. “Without the right systems, we probably would have burned out,” says Julie.

“GolfStatus gave us back the time to make a difference. It lets us focus on the mission!”

— Julie Davis, TeeOff4TMF Tournament Organizer

Thanks to their relentless dedication and the support of GolfStatus, Bryce and Julie built an event that was no longer merely an annual scramble; it became a tradition.

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Get Started With GolfStatus

Tournaments like TeeOff4TMF are making an impact, powered by GolfStatus’ golf event management tech and team of golf fundraising experts. Level up your next golf tournament and get started with GolfStatus at no upfront cost, with a free event website, online registration, revenue-boosting add-ons, tournament planning resources, and much more. Click below to book a meeting with the GolfStatus team!

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Nonprofit golf event organizers are always looking for new and creative ways to boost fundraising, provide sponsors with real value, and deliver a memorable tournament experience for participants. Fortunately, there’s one tournament extra that does all three: pin flags.

Pin flags are one of the most visible—and versatile—sponsorships your tournament can offer. Why? They offer sponsors and your nonprofit unparalleled branding opportunities, elevate the look and feel of your tournament, and perhaps most importantly, create new ways to raise dollars for your cause.

Here are six reasons why you should add a pin flag sponsorship to your next charity golf tournament.

1. New Golf Tournament Sponsorship Option

To build on success, it’s essential for charity golf tournament organizers to continually add value and increase revenue every year. If your tournament has consistently sold out sponsorships and you want to expand offerings, pin flags are a great choice for tournaments of all types and sizes.

Plus, pin flags are flexible. You don’t have to offer them as a one-size-fits-all package. Instead, you can structure them in different ways that meet your fundraising goals, tournament needs, and sponsor budgets. Some common approaches include:

• One sponsor for all 18 holes. This is perhaps the most common approach, and is a great option for a major sponsor who wants maximum visibility.

• Split the course. Sell sponsorships for the front and back nine separately, giving two mid-level sponsors the chance to stand out.

• Individual hole sponsorships. Give multiple businesses the chance to sponsor a single hole with a pin flag, spreading opportunity across a larger group of supporters.

2. premium visibility across the course

Pin flags are found on every single green and are the focal point of every single hole. That means that sponsor logos and branding are front and center as golfers approach and finish each hole. Put simply, pin flags demand attention!

Even smaller-scale events like mini golf fundraisers or simulator-based events can benefit from this exposure. Pin flags (or creative adaptations of them) are highly visible branding opportunities that make an impression no matter the format of your event.

The visibility offered by pin flags is especially attractive to sponsors who want more than a logo on a banner. Pin flags and the accompanying digital exposure provided by your golf event management platform guarantee that the sponsor’s name is seen repeatedly throughout the tournament.

Even mini golf events can benefit from a pin flag sponsorship!

3. Elevate the Look & Feel of Your Tournament

Custom pin flags instantly upgrade your tournament. They give your event a professional, polished look that stands out to golfers, sponsors, and even golf facility staff. Seeing branded pin flags on every green tells golfers, sponsors, and donors that you take the event seriously and value sponsor relationships. The professional impression can help:

• Build credibility with first-time golfers and supporters

• Encourage past sponsors to return and level up their investment in your event in the future

• Differentiate your tournament from others in the area

Golfers and sponsors appreciate when an event feels well-organized and put together. Details like pin flags may seem small, but they help contribute to an overall professional experience that keeps participants coming back.

4. raise more money

Every additional golf tournament sponsorship represents new dollars for your cause and a new revenue stream for your event and organization. Pin flag sponsorships are especially valuable because they’re premium, high-demand options that many businesses find appealing. Plus, this sponsorship comes with a high ROI, making it worth a higher price point because pin flags:

• Offer unprecedented visibility across the golf course

• Have a “wow” factor

• Give sponsors a unique way to stand out

No matter how you sell pin flags—individually, nine, or 18 holes, the income has the potential to add up quickly.

5. extend the value beyond tournament day

Pin flags don’t have to be a one-and-done piece of event signage! With a little creativity, you can continue to leverage them after the tournament ends to deepen sponsor relationships and raise additional funds. Use them as:

• Thank you gifts for sponsors. Invite board, staff, or planning team members to sign the flags and present them to sponsors as a thank-you keepsake.

• Auction items or raffle prizes. Frame a flag, signed or unsigned, and include it in your silent auction or offer it as a fun raffle prize.

• Dual branding. Print the sponsor’s logo on one side of the flag and reserve the other side for your nonprofit’s logo, the name of a key supporter, or fun messaging. It makes the flag a unique memento that ties your mission to the sponsor’s contribution.

These extra uses add even more value to pin flags, extending the life and impact of the sponsorship while showing sponsors that you’re committed to making their investment meaningful.

Camp Hope Foundation, which provides camp experiences to children with pediatric cancer during their treatment, has campers sign their tournament’s pin flags, which are then auctioned off to raise additional funds.

6. There’s no hassle (with the right partner)

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but I don’t have the time to handle all those details on top of everything else,” then you simply need to find the right partner for pin flags.

GolfStatus has a turnkey solution for pin flags—you handle selling the sponsorship, GolfStatus handles everything else, including:

• Design. The team works directly with the sponsor or sponsors to secure logos and messaging.

• Logistics. The team works with the vendor to ensure everything looks great on the full-color, dye-sublimated flags.

• Delivery. Flags are shipped directly to the golf facility (or other chosen location) on time ahead of your tournament.

Letting a partner handle the details makes pin flag sponsorships virtually hassle-free for tournament organizers. You can focus on recruiting sponsors, engaging players, and running your event while GolfStatus ensures pin flags look great and arrive on time.

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SAMPLE PIN FLAG SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

To help you get started, here are a few ideas on how to structure and price pin flag sponsorships. You can adjust them based on your audience, sponsor budgets, and event size.

Entire Course Sponsorship: 18 Pin Flags

One package available.

• Exclusive branding on all 18 pin flags across the course

• Company name and logo on the event website and sponsor banner

• Recognition on social media and email blasts

• Opportunity for social media collaboration

• Includes one foursome

• Price point: $4,000 - $6,000+ (depending on your market and tournament size)

Front or Back Nine Sponsorship: 9 Flags

Two packages available.

• Exclusive branding on nine pin flags

• Company name and logo on the event website and sponsor banner

• Recognition on social media and email blasts

• Price point: $2,000 - $3,000+

Individual Pin Flag Sponsorship

18 packages available.

• Branding on one pin flag

• Company name and logo displayed on the event website

• Price point: $250 - $500 per hole

Bundled Hole Sponsorship

18 packages available.

• Individual pin flag sponsorship

• One hole sign, plus exposure in the digital scoring app.

• Company name and logo displayed on the event website.

• Price point: $600 - $1,000

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Final Thoughts

Pin flag sponsorships check all the boxes: they’re flexible, visible, professional, and lucrative. They create a one-of-a-kind branding opportunity for sponsors and your organization, make your event look sharp, and generate additional dollars for your mission.

Whether you package them as a full set, split them by nine, or sell them individually, pin flags are a simple but powerful way to enhance your golf fundraiser.

The Right Partner for Pin Flags

Get Started With GolfStatus

partner snapshot

Lead(h)er is on a mission to fuel career and community engagement for professional women in the Quad Cities. Through its signature mentoring program, Strike a Match, and a variety of professional development and networking events, Lead(h)er is helping women meet their career goals and forge relationships. Since the organization was founded in 2016, over 1,300 women have been matched with mentors who help them accelerate their career growth, strengthen community ties, and build an equitable workforce.

Lead(h)er connects women in the Quad Cities through mentorship programs.

Lead(h)er’s Executive Director, Hannah Howard, is a formidable staff of one, backed by a working board of 15 women. Hannah and every one of the women on the board went through the mentorship program before formally working with the organization, so they understood firsthand the value of high-impact, barrier-free programs that change women’s lives and strengthen the community. “Mentorship is about more than just reaching career goals; it’s someone in your corner,” says Hannah.

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“Lead(h)er works with women in all professions and allows them to meet other women that they otherwise never would have connected with.”

— Hannah Howard, Executive Director of Lead(h)er

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the challenge

As a growing nonprofit, Lead(h)er needed a reliable and sustainable way to diversify revenue beyond grant funding. Its annual golf outing quickly grew into the organization’s largest fundraiser, giving men and the community the chance to support Lead(h)er’s work while also introducing many women to the game of golf for the first time.

The Lead(h)er golf event not only brought in a significant portion of the annual operating budget, but also helped introduce many women to golf.

But as the event gained momentum, challenges emerged. Sponsorship levels had sold out, leaving little room for growth. Managing registration, communications, and scoring was increasingly time-consuming for Hannah and the planning committee, who knew they needed to find a solution to help the tournament grow and scale.

the solution

As the fifth annual tournament drew near, Hannah heard from the golf pro at Palmer Hills Golf Course, where the outing is held, about a tech platform that would help streamline the event and give them tools to raise more money. “I admit, I was skeptical about GolfStatus, but we decided we didn’t have anything to lose,” says Hannah.

An event website made it simple for golfers to learn about the event and register, giving sponsors exposure with every visit.

Lead(h)er partnered with GolfStatus to streamline planning and operations, elevate the tournament’s professionalism, and unlock new opportunities for sponsorships:

• An attractive tournament website centralized registration, showcased sponsors, and eliminated the manual work of managing teams and payments.

• Custom pin flags and hole-in-one insurance created new, premium sponsorship options without pricing out longtime supporters.

• Live scoring engaged golfers on the course but also gave organizers real-time visibility into when groups would finish, eliminating guesswork at the awards reception.

• Dedicated support from GolfStatus staff made the transition seamless and gave Hannah the tools she needed to feel confident as a non-golfer planning a golf event.

the results

In 2025, its first year working with GolfStatus, the Lead(h)er golf outing raised $29,000, an all-time high for the event and nearly a quarter of the organization’s annual budget. The funds raised from the golf tournament provide additional revenue to reduce the organization’s dependence on grant funding, giving Hannah more time to focus on growing mentorship programs and building community support.

new sponsorship opportunities

Beyond raising money, Hannah says the Lead(h)er golf tournament is a great way to connect with sponsors. “Golf is a fun, high-impact way for sponsors to gain exposure,” she says. Several tournament sponsors leaned into the fun of the event with themed displays and activities on the course, from a giant Barbie doll box to a rad 90s themed pay the pro fundraising hole.

The tournament sold out its sponsorships in 2024, after just increasing pricing. Hannah and the planning committee knew they needed to add some new options the following year, but felt stuck because “we didn’t know what else to add.” GolfStatus had the answer, with new, premium sponsorship options like its exclusive Technology Sponsorship, a Pin Flag Sponsorship, and a Hole-In-One Contest Sponsorship.

• The Technology Sponsorship offered touchpoints throughout the GolfStatus platform, including on the event website's home page, the tournament’s live leaderboards, the live scoring app, custom cart signs, and more.

• Custom, branded pin flags gave a sponsor and Lead(h)er highly visible, lasting recognition across the course. “It was so exciting to see our logo and the sponsor logo out flying on the course!” Hannah says. “It was such a visual element to help brand the event and truly a win-win.” A framed flag was presented to the sponsor after the tournament as a thank-you keepsake.

• The planning team had previously considered the idea of a hole-in-one contest, but as a non-golfer, Hannah didn’t feel confident moving forward. “It was so great to have GolfStatus handle the insurance and liability specifics for us,” Hannah says. “I wasn’t sure how to go about describing the contest logistics to potential sponsors, so I really appreciated the tools GolfStatus provided to help get the sponsorship sold!”
  
  

live scoring

Live scoring through the free GolfStatus mobile app was a favorite of both golfers and organizers. Volunteers roamed among the golf carts as golfers got settled for their round, helping them download the app and find their team codes.

Golfers liked the ability to track standings on the leaderboards in real time, both online and in the app, and Hannah could track where every team was on the course, eliminating the stress of guessing when to move forward with awards and post-round activities. “Live scoring was really cool, but I loved being able to see how many holes were left for each team,” Hannah says, also noting that sponsors earned even more logo exposure on the live scoring app.

Showcasing the Mission

The tournament attracts a mix of participants, from returning golfers, employees from sponsors, and friends of mentors and mentees. Many of the tournament’s participants are women who have participated in the mentorship program and are just picking up golf, breaking down barriers to the sport in a fun environment. And for the first time, an all-female team won the tournament, making it a full-circle moment and milestone that captured the spirit of Lead(h)er’s mission.

A team representing the First Tee of the Quad Cities won the Lead(h)er golf tournament, marking the first time an all-female team had won the event.

Meeting Goals

As a staff of one, Hannah needs all the help she can get to plan, manage, and execute Lead(h)er’s fundraising events like the golf tournament. A hardworking committee of volunteers helps make it happen, reaching out to prospective sponsors, procuring auction items, and jumping in on tournament day to keep things running smoothly. But Hannah says the support from GolfStatus was critical to the golf fundraiser’s success. “GolfStatus was quick to respond and so attentive to what we needed and helped us meet our goals,” Hannah says. “They answered every question and were so prompt and patient in explaining how things worked. As a non-golfer, they made things so easy.”

In all, the golf tournament not only met its financial goals, but also advanced Lead(h)er’s broader mission to connect and empower professional women in the Quad Cities. “The golf tournament is a game changer, bringing in a good chunk of our annual budget,” Hannah says. She points out that the annual golf event raises more money for Lead(h)er than its annual gala that celebrates mentors.

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“We work so hard for every dollar, and GolfStatus took a lot of work off my shoulders. They truly want the best for us and for us to be successful.”

— Hannah Howard, Executive Director of Lead(h)er

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golf for good with golfstatus

GolfStatus makes charity golf tournaments and fundraisers easier and more successful than ever. Time-saving tech, revenue-boosting add-ons, and best-in-class support help nonprofits of all types and sizes raise more money through golf. Book a meeting with our team of golf fundraising experts to find out how your golf event can get started with GolfStatus at no upfront cost.

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Prizes shouldn’t be an afterthought at your charity golf tournament. They’re more than just giveaways—they’re an opportunity to spark excitement, drive registrations, increase sponsor visibility, and boost additional fundraising revenue from the event. The right mix of prizes can elevate your tournament from a fun day of golf into a memorable experience that helps keep players and sponsors coming back year after year.

Your golf event’s prizes have the potential to do more than simply recognize winners.

This guide will answer common questions about golf event prizes, share 30 prize ideas that you can incorporate into your next golf fundraiser, and offer tips on how to choose, source, and present prizes effectively. Whether you’re launching a brand new tournament or building on years of success, looking for budget-friendly options or big-ticket items, or anywhere in between, your golf event prizes can have a lasting impact

FAQs About Golf Event Prizes

Why Should We Offer Golf Event Prizes?

Prizes have the potential to play a bigger role than just simply rewarding winners. They can impact participation, engagement, and fundraising results. Here’s why they matter:

• Boost participation. Attractive prizes encourage more golfers to register and more sponsors to sign on to support the event (especially if their sponsorship includes a team).

• Drive fundraising revenue. Tournament add-ons like raffles, auctions, and contests that are tied to prizes create extra income beyond registration fees and sponsorships.

• Enhance the experience. Prizes keep the day engaging, fun, and exciting from start to finish.

• Show appreciation. Prizes and awards recognize players, sponsors, and volunteers, reinforcing goodwill and loyalty to your organization.

• Differentiate your event. Unique or high-value prizes set your tournament apart, making it more memorable year after year.
  

How Many Prizes Should a Golf Event Have?

You’ll want to strike a balance between quality and quantity, with a variety of prizes for different tournament components. Plan for a balanced mix of prizes that includes:

• One or two marquee prizes, such as a grand prize for the tournament’s winner, as well as hole-in-one contest prizes.

• A handful of prizes for on-course contests, like closest to the pin, putting, or longest drive contests.

• Smaller prizes for on-course games or challenges, which can be as simple as taking strokes off their score for certain holes, a closer tee off position, raffle tickets, or drink tickets.

• Several raffle prizes or auction items at different value levels to keep everyone engaged.

Every golfer should receive a player gift of some sort as a token of appreciation for their support of your nonprofit through the event, but there’s no need to ensure everyone gets an additional prize.

Securing in-kind donations from sponsors, businesses, and supporters to use as raffle prizes is a great way to maximize value and raise more money.

Where Should We Get Golf Event Prizes?

Prizes don’t have to stretch your budget. In-kind donations are a great way to maximize value and keep costs as low as possible. Connect with your networks to request in-kind donations for prizes:

• Sponsors. Offer logo placement, shoutouts, and recognition in exchange for prize donations.

• Local businesses. Restaurants, breweries, shops, and service providers often appreciate the visibility of an in-kind donation, particularly if they turned you down for a financial sponsorship.

• Supporters and donors. Encourage board members or loyal donors to contribute experiences, products, or even connections.

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PRO TIP: Package several smaller items together, such as a coffee shop gift card and branded coffee mugs or a golf towel, divot fixer, and golf balls, to create raffle bundles with more perceived value.

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FREE GUIDE
Golf Tournament Sponsorships: Businesses to Target & How to Win Their Support

Learn how to use your networks to sell golf tournament sponsorships! Get ideas for building a prospect list, top business categories to target, pitch strategies that work, and more in this free guide.

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30 Golf Event Prize Ideas

Get inspiration for your next golf event with these 30 prize ideas, organized by categories to help you plan.

Golf Event Prizes for Player Participation & Swag

Everyone loves a great keepsake! These prizes are great for golfer gift bags or participation prizes, as well as sponsor brand exposure.

1. Branded golf balls

2. High-quality golf gloves

3. Reusable water bottles or tumblers

4. Branded golf hats or visors

5. Branded golf towels

Hole-in-One Prizes

Nothing excites golfers quite like the chance to win a great prize in a hole-in-one contest. Make sure your nonprofit isn’t on the hook to cover the cost of the prize if someone gets an ace by securing hole-in-one insurance.

6. $10,000 cash prize

7. High-end golf membership

8. Luxury vacation to a resort destination

9. New car or truck

10. Home entertainment package

Golf event prizes like a stay-and-play trip at a private destination club can help drive participation and excitement.

Golf Prizes for Contest Winners

Reward the golfers who shine on the course! Offer exciting prizes to those who win their flight, the entire tournament, or contests like longest drive, closest to the pin, or putting.

11. Cash prize

12. Rangefinder or GPS golf watch

13. Premium golf bag

14. Custom-engraved driver or putter

15. Pro shop gift certificates from the host golf facility

16. Personalized trophies or plaques

Golf Tournament Raffle Prizes

Raffles get everyone involved and are an excellent opportunity to drive additional revenue. Use your event website to sell raffle tickets ahead of time and on tournament day.

17. Restaurant or brewery gift cards

18. Spa or wellness packages

19. High-end headphones or portable speakers

20. Local attraction or experience passes

21. Concert or live event package

Golf Tournament Auction Prizes

Silent and live auctions can generate significant revenue, especially when you secure donated unique or high-value prizes.

22. Private destination golf trip

23. Signed sports memorabilia

24. Private golf lesson or clinic with a local pro

25. Gift baskets featuring local products

26. Box seats for a professional sporting event

Golf Tournament Awards for Donors and Sponsors

Prizes aren’t just for players. Recognizing the tournament’s sponsors and donors helps build lasting relationships. Consider personalized, thoughtful items that help them remember the event.

27. Engraved plaques or awards

28. Customized wine or whiskey bottles with event branding

29. High-quality event photos in branded frames

30. Signed or framed customized golf pin flags

A framed pin flag is a great way to recognize sponsors, donors, or winners.

Tips for Choosing & Presenting Prizes

• Align prizes with your audience. A tournament made up of corporate sponsors may prefer high-end tech or luxury items, while a community event might lean more toward local experiences and family-friendly items.

• Make prizes visible. Display raffle prizes and auction items prominently, share photos of prizes for tournament winners on the event website, and promote contest prizes on social media to build anticipation before and during the event.

• Bundle creatively. Consider combining smaller item donations into themed packages. For example, a “Night Out” basket could include a gift card to a local restaurant, tickets to a concert, and a rideshare gift card.

• Keep the awards ceremony lively. Plan for a fast-moving, engaging prize presentation that keeps participants excited instead of restless.
  

Final Thoughts

Golf event prizes can be a powerful tool to increase registrations, drive revenue, and create a memorable experience for participants and golfers alike. By curating a mix of participation swag, high-end contest rewards, raffle and auction prizes, you’ll set your tournament apart and strengthen your impact. With the right strategy, even modest prizes can make a big splash. Start sourcing prizes early, leverage in-kind donations, and focus on items that reflect your audience and mission.

Better Prizes, Better Profit

Turn Prize Ideas Into Fundraising Dollars With GolfStatus

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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by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

When you think of a golf fundraiser, a traditional 18-hole tournament on a sunny spring or summer day probably comes to mind. While these types of golf events are tried and true revenue drives, they aren’t the only golf fundraising option on the table. In fact, holding an alternative golf event this fall or winter can be a powerful way to extend your fundraising calendar, diversify your event offerings, and reach new audiences.

Whether you’re looking for a lower-lift event, something weather-proof, or a fun and inclusive experience that appeals to non-golfers, unique golf events fit the bill. Here’s why they work and how your organization can hold one successfully.

Adding a unique golf event in the off-season can help extend your nonprofit’s fundraising calendar, diversify your event offerings, and reach new audiences.

why consider an off-season golf event?

extend your fundraising season & momentum

If your organization already hosted a golf fundraiser earlier in the year, you've likely built up awareness, enthusiasm, and goodwill among golfers and sponsors. Instead of waiting a full year for your next event, capitalize on the momentum by inviting them to another golf-related fundraiser in the fall or winter.

The good news is that these seasonal events don’t necessarily have to be at the same large scale as your main charity golf tournament. You can think of them as a “bookend” to your fundraising year, and a chance to stay top-of-mind with supporters and strengthen donor relationships before year-end giving campaigns ramp up or to kickstart the new year.

Reach New Audiences

While traditional tournaments tend to draw in more avid golfers, alternative events like mini golf or TopGolf have broader appeal. Families, young professionals, corporate groups, and community members who might be intimidated by a full round of golf are more likely to participate in something smaller, fun, and social.

That wider net means additional exposure for your work, plus more potential donors and more opportunities to build pipelines for long-term supporters.

A mini golf tournament is a fun, family-friendly option to introduce new people to your cause.

Offer Accessibility & Flexibility

A typical 18-hole tournament takes up most of the day, which is something not everyone can commit to. Alternative golf events are shorter, more flexible, and may be easier for busy supporters to fit into their schedules.

They’re also highly accessible. No prior golf experience is required, equipment is often provided, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. This makes such an event less intimidating and more inviting for first-time participants.

Engage With Supporters Throughout the Year

Your event fundraising calendar doesn’t have to be confined to the spring, summer, or even fall. Indoor or weather-proof golf events create fun touchpoints with supporters throughout the year. This consistency not only diversifies revenue but also strengthens donor commitment and loyalty to your nonprofit.

Three unique golf event ideas

1. Mini Golf Fundraiser

Why it works: Mini golf is light-hearted and appeals to participants of all ages. It’s especially effective for engaging families and younger supporters, expanding your donor base beyond the typical golf crowd. It’s also easy to organize, with many local courses and indoor options available for rental, and you have the option to add on-course games or challenges.

When to host:

• Fall: Host an outdoor mini golf tournament before the weather turns colder in your area.

• Winter: Move indoors! Many communities have indoor mini golf facilities perfect for off-season event fundraising.

How to make it successful:

• Charge a registration fee per player or per team.

• Add tailored contests like hole-in-one challenges or best trick shot.

• Offer sponsorships. Sell sponsorships to cover fixed costs and for each hole, giving local businesses visibility at a low cost.

• Consider including family-friendly activities like face painting, giveaways, food trucks, or raffles to boost revenue and create a festive atmosphere.

Alternative golf events can come with many of the same elements as a traditional 18-hole tournament, such as trophies, contests, and sponsorships.

2. top golf event

Why it works: TopGolf has exploded in popularity, offering a modern, social spin on conventional driving ranges. Guests compete in climate-controlled bays, with food, drinks, and entertainment built in. TopGolf appeals to golfers and non-golfers alike, making it a perfect way to attract diverse participants—including younger donors, corporate teams, and social groups.

When to host: TopGolf venues are open year-round, making them an excellent choice for fall or winter fundraisers.

How to make it successful:

• Partner directly with TopGolf to book an event package, as they often have fundraising-friendly options.

• Sell tickets and sponsorship packages for each bay, which can accommodate small groups.

• Organize team competitions, longest-drive contests, or mission-focused challenges.

• Take advantage of TopGolf’s built-in amenities like catering and event staff to help minimize your planning workload.

Avery’s Hope Uses TopGolf to Include the families it serves

Avery’s Hope is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization that provides financial assistance to rare, ultra-rare, and undiagnosed pediatric GI patient families. They host an annual TopGolf fundraiser to be more inclusive for patient families, children, and those who don’t play golf. Bay sponsorships, a silent auction, and a raffle drawing help drive revenue for their mission from the event.

3. Indoor golf simulator event

Why it works: Golf simulators combine the fun of real golf with cutting-edge technology. Players can “play” famous courses around the world without ever leaving the building! Many simulators can also track swing data, adding a gamified element that many players love. Simulator events are weather-proof, scalable, and great for building repeatable annual fundraisers that showcase your nonprofit’s creativity.

When to host: Because golf simulators are indoors, these events are ideal for late fall and throughout the winter, when outdoor golf is impractical or impossible in many areas.

How to make it successful:

• Partner with a local golf simulator facility or sports bar that offers simulator rentals.

• Charge entry fees for individuals and teams and sell sponsorships.

• Host contests like closest to the pin, longest drive, or low score.

• Add in raffles, auctions, or mission-based presentations during downtime to maximize impact.

tips for hosting a winning alternative golf fundraiser

1. Use golf event tech. Save yourself a ton of time and hassle by choosing an event management platform that’s built for golf. Even alternative golf events come with unique details to handle, so make sure your platform has those tools baked in. Leverage online registration to simplify collecting payments and managing golfer and sponsor information.

2. Keep it mission-focused. No matter what type of golf event you choose, tie everything back to your cause. Share impact stories, highlight your work and beneficiaries, and make sure participants know how their support makes a difference.

3. Offer sponsorship opportunities. Even smaller events like mini golf, TopGolf, or golf simulators present chances for businesses to get involved. From hole or bay sponsors to presenting sponsorships, local businesses appreciate the visibility and community connection.

4. Keep it simple. Alternative events don’t need to be overcomplicated! Leverage the built-in amenities of your chosen venue and don’t be afraid to scale the event to fit your goals and resources.

5. Promote across channels. Use an event website and share the link through email, social media, and peer-to-peer outreach to spread the word. Highlight the fun, accessible nature of the event to help draw in people who might not usually attend a golf fundraiser.

6. Make it repeatable. Test out one of these alternative formats this year, then refine and grow it into a recurring fall or winter tradition for your organization.

An event website makes it easy to spread the word about your tournament and where people can find out about your event, register a team, become a sponsor, or make a donation.

final thoughts on unique golf fundraisers

A traditional 18-hole charity golf tournament may be the flagship fundraiser for your nonprofit, but it’s far from the only option. Alternative events, like mini golf, TopGolf, or golf simulators, offer accessible, inclusive, and weather-friendly ways to engage supporters and raise additional funds in the fall and winter.

By adding a secondary golf event to your fundraising calendar, you’ll not only boost revenue but also expand your reach, engage new donors, and build lasting relationships.

golfstatus powers all types of golf events

From mini golf to TopGolf and everything in between, GolfStatus can help make your next golf fundraiser the best one yet. With powerful, easy-to-use technology and a best-in-class support team, you’ll save time, have access to tools to raise more money, and put on a professional tournament that will keep participants coming back year after year. Nonprofits and third parties raising money for charity can use GolfStatus at no upfront cost. Book a quick 15 or 30-minute meeting with our team to get started!

Book a Meeting With GolfStatus

Get Started at No Upfront Cost

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.

partner snapshot

Community Food Hub, formerly Rancho Cordova Food Locker, in Rancho Cordova, California is working to reshape how food assistance looks and feels in its community. It started with changing the mindset and process of how people facing food insecurity in the community receive food and supportive services. The shift to a “People’s Choice” model necessitated an expansion of both space and programs, including a grocery-store-style food pantry and wraparound services like nutrition classes, job search support, diaper supplies, and bike servicing to help individuals and families thrive.

Community Food Hub in Rancho Cordova, California serves more than 1,500 families a week, three times as many as it served last year.

Serving more than 1,500 families each week, Community Food Hub also offers programs for seniors, students, veterans, and neurodiverse volunteers. “People don’t walk in the door excited to be there, so we greet them with smiles and hugs if they need it,” says Debbie Holden, Vice President of Expansion and Development at Community Food Hub.

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“Almost 80% of the population we serve are working poor and families, and 20% are seniors with fixed incomes.”

— Debbie Holden, Vice President of Expansion and Development at Community Food Hub

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With the support of the City of Rancho Cordova, local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, the organization is expanding into a new 6,600-square-foot facility that will transform a once-blighted property into a vibrant resource for the community. “We’re so grateful for the community’s support. It’s going to change the neighborhood in the best way,” Debbie says.

the challenge

In 2024, a leadership class sponsored by the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce launched the FORE! Feeding Families Golf Tournament as a class project to raise funds for the Community Food Hub.

But once the class ended, sustaining the golf event fell mostly to Debbie, along with a small group of staff and volunteers. The goal for the event’s second year was ambitious: to increase the previous year’s proceeds by $5,000 or more to help them purchase a refrigerated truck as part of the Community Food Hub’s food recovery efforts.

With a small planning team and the need to grow the tournament’s financial impact, Debbie needed tools and support to help her pull it all off.

The FORE! Feeding Families golf tournament grew out of a leadership class sponsored by the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.

the solution

Carrie Johnson, Community Food Hub’s Executive Director, had received emails about GolfStatus, which were forwarded to Debbie as she embarked on planning. “I’m not a halfway person,” Debbie explains. “I needed all the resources I could get to help.” She connected with the GolfStatus team and liked what she heard about the platform’s potential for time savings and revenue generation. “After talking with GolfStatus, I said to myself, ‘This couldn’t be bad,’” Debbie says.

As a nonprofit entity, Community Food Locker qualified to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program. With support from GolfStatus’ team, including hands-on guidance from on-staff PGA Professionals and quick responses to questions, Debbie was able to confidently manage everything in one place: registrations, sponsorships, team pairings, and more.

For Debbie, who describes herself as “not a techie person,” GolfStatus provided a user-friendly, one-stop shop for the FORE! Feeding Families event. “It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be,” she says. “I wanted to make the tournament as fun as possible for golfers and raise funds, and GolfStatus helped keep me organized.”

The pin flags gave the tournament a professional feel. The flags included the sponsor logo on one side and the Community Food Hub on the other.

the results

FORE! Feeding Families exceeded expectations on every front. With 88 golfers and 24 sponsors, the event raised nearly $50,000. These funds will go a long way toward the purchase of a refrigerated food truck, which will be used to recover fresh food from local grocery stores and ensure thousands of families have access to nutritious food.

In addition to raising critical funds, the tournament helped strengthen community ties. Local officials, corporate partners, and business leaders came out in full support, positioning Rancho Cordova Food Locker/Community Food Hub as a cornerstone of the Rancho Cordova Community. Golfers and sponsors alike walked away impressed by the tournament's professional feel, smooth execution, and connection to the mission.

The tournament’s website made it easy to register teams, sell sponsorships, and provide digital sponsor exposure.

technology boosts efficiency & professionalism

A key factor in the tournament’s success was GolfStatus, which provided a streamlined, all-in-one platform to plan and execute the tournament:

• Online Registration. Golfers and sponsors registered and paid on the tournament’s website, which saved Debbie time and cut down on the need to manage emailed names and check payments.

• Sponsor Exposure. Sponsors earned digital exposure as soon as they purchased their packages on the event website, giving supporters the recognition they deserved and elevating the tournament’s professional feel.

• Custom Pin Flags. The pin flags provided by GolfStatus blew Debbie, the sponsor, and even the golf course staff away. The flags included the sponsor logo on one side and the Community Food Hub on the other.

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“The pin flags were unbelievable! It made it feel like we were at a pro tournament,”

— Debbie Holden, Vice President of Expansion and Development at Community Food Hub.

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• Backend Management. Debbie could instantly get a clear view of registrations, sponsorships, and payments in the software’s backend, helping her stay organized throughout the planning process.

• Responsive Support. GolfStatus’ in-house support team was there every step of the way. Debbie says the team was super responsive and provided easy-to-understand answers to her questions. “They encouraged me and cheered me on,” says Debbie.

• Revenue Boosters. Along with pin flags, the tournament sold GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship and utilized its hole-in-one contest offering to drive additional revenue.

confidence for the future

The community's need for the Community Food Hub’s support and services has grown exponentially over the past several years, with the organization serving nearly three times as many households as it did just a year ago. “Every dollar counts,” says Debbie, explaining that the golf tournament helps bring in mission-critical funds. The Food Locker’s new facility, along with the refrigerated truck, will help even more people facing food insecurity in Rancho Cordova.

Using GolfStatus helped lay a solid foundation for the tournament’s future. Debbie came away with new confidence, valuable lessons learned, and a clear vision for how to grow the tournament in the coming years. “Once you see the end results, you know what you need to do to get there,” Debbie says.

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“Now that I’ve planned the tournament from A to Z, I can set the groundwork for the next tournament, which will include GolfStatus.”

— Debbie Holden, Vice President of Expansion and Development at Community Food Hub.

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golf for good with golfstatus

GolfStatus powers charity golf tournaments and fundraisers of all types, sizes, and formats. Through the Golf for Good program, nonprofits like the Community Food Hub can qualify for access to GolfStatus’ tournament management software at no upfront cost. Nonprofits get a free event website, golf event-specific tools and solutions, revenue-boosting sponsorships and tournament add-ons, a responsive support team (including consultations with Fundraising Specialists), and much more. Start your tournament management journey by booking a meeting with the GolfStatus team today!