Maybe you recently decided a charity golf tournament would be a great option to raise money for your organization or a nonprofit you love. Or perhaps your nonprofit held a spring golf event that was rained out or was so successful you want to add a second event this fall.

Either way, you may be asking yourself: Is it too late in the year to plan a golf event? Absolutely not! With the right tools in place, a successful, lucrative golf fundraiser can be planned in just a few months. Here’s why now is a great time to plan a fall golf event and how to get started.

Fall is a fantastic time to hold a golf fundraiser for your organization or a cause you care about!

Tech Makes Prep & Planning Simple & Efficient

The right tech is key to quick-paced planning. An event management platform built just for golf lets you automate planning tasks and keeps everything organized so you can successfully plan a golf event with less lead time. Opt for a web-based software solution that keeps everything in one accessible place, making it easy to collaborate with your team and the golf facility staff. You’ll also want baked-in tools to handle golf-specific details, like hole assignments, scoring, handicaps, team pairings, and more.

With tech built specifically for golf events, you’ll avoid clunky workarounds for your CRM or standard ticketing software and the need to track down and manage siloed information so you can focus on attracting players and selling sponsorships.

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PRO TIP:

Share access to your event management tech with your planning team and the golf facility so everyone is working with the same up-to-date information.

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You Can Start Promoting THE Event Right Away

An event website is the promotional hub for your golf tournament. And since a website for your golf fundraiser can be built and launched in a matter of days, you can start promoting it right away!

An event website makes tournament promotion as simple as sharing a direct link to the site where golfers can register a team, buy add-ons, or make a donation, and sponsors can commit to your event as soon as they hear about it. Plus, moving promotion online means you can skip the time-consuming process of creating registration materials and processes, collecting addresses, mailing flyers, and waiting for people to call, email, or mail in their information. So not only does a website save you time, but you’ll also save hundreds of dollars in printing and postage costs.

With an event website, you can start promoting your fall golf tournament right away by sharing the link with potential golfers and sponsor.

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PRO TIP:

Share the link on all your organization’s digital channels and ask your planning team, board members, volunteers, and supporters to do the same.

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SAVE TONS OF TIME WITH AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS 

Your event website should have online registration and secure payment processing built in. Online registration is truly a game-changer for busy event organizers, automating manual processes to save a ton of time. It eliminates the need for multiple platforms and spreadsheets, processing paper forms, manually sending receipts, cashing checks, and chasing down payments on the day of the tournament.

Instead, when someone registers or purchases a sponsorship, all pertinent information is collected and accessible in the software’s backend, and they automatically receive a payment receipt and registration confirmation. When it comes time to manage hole assignments, team pairings, handicaps, and other unique details of a golf event, each golfer’s information is right in the software, so there’s no need to bounce between platforms or worry about working with out-of-date information.

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PRO TIP:

Offer a variety of price points for sponsor packages to attract the support of businesses of all sizes and budgets.

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Fall is Great for Golf

Fall is an excellent time for golf events, with favorable weather, appealing course conditions, and lower, off-peak season facility costs. It’s a good idea to keep the shorter days that fall brings in mind when setting the tournament’s schedule, but that can easily be addressed by a shotgun start, a shorter nine-hole event, or even a putt putt tournament to maximize playable hours. If you’re located in a warm-weather location, you have even more of the year to work with and can even get a tournament on the books for November or December.

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Pro Tip:

The staff at the host golf facility can help you determine the optimal start time for your fall golf event.

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Fall can bring great course conditions, nice weather, and lower facility costs for a charity golf tournament.

a fast start is possible

Since you have a condensed planning timeline, you’ll want to get off to a fast start with planning to pick up some momentum. Here’s how and when to start:

in the next week:

• Connect with GolfStatus

• Form a planning team

• Look at potential tournament dates

in the next two weeks:

• Set a fundraising goal

• Reach out to potential host golf facilities

• Get a handle on revenue and expenses

in the next three weeks:

• Finalize a date and sign a contract with the golf facility

• Set team pricing

• Build sponsorship packages and determine pricing

• Launch your event website

in the next few months:

• Market the tournament

• Reach out to potential sponsors

• Build in revenue enhancers

• Stay organized

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

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Free Golf Tournament Fundraiser Checklist & Planning Timeline

Get a comprehensive checklist and detailed tournament planning timeline to keep you on task and on target.

Get the Guide

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resources are available to help

Don’t worry—tournament planning resources are available to get you off on the right foot and stay on track, even if you don’t know a thing about golf. Sample timelines, planning checklists, sponsorship packages, templates, and more can help take the guesswork out of planning, especially on a shorter timeline. When choosing an event management platform, be sure it’s supported by a knowledgeable, responsive client success team that knows the ins and outs of golf events and can respond to questions and resolve issues seven days a week.

The right tech—at no upfront cost!

GolfStatus’ golf event management tech is specifically designed to make golf tournament fundraisers easier than ever to plan, market, and execute. Our in-house client success team is made up of golf fundraising experts, Fundraising Specialists, and PGA Professionals, there to guide you every step of the way, from building your event website and creating sponsor packages to helping you select a tournament format and working with the golf facility. Nonprofits can qualify to use GofStatus’ tech—including a free event website and online registration—at no upfront cost. Click below to book a meeting to get started!

Use GolfStatus at No Upfront Cost

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partner snapshot

What began as a 10-week fundraising campaign for a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) “Man of the Year” campaign in 2017 quickly evolved into something much bigger. Jake Peacock and Steve Sullivan have been friends for years, so when Steve started his campaign in honor of his mom, Martha, who was battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML), he asked Jake to be part of it.

Jake has been a golf professional since 2009, so naturally, he suggested doing a golf tournament to contribute to the campaign. Jake’s mom, Jeanne, had beaten breast cancer a few years prior, so he understood the need to do something to help. The first year, the golf outing brought in $15,000 of the $50,000 total raised as part of Steve’s campaign, dubbed “Martha’s Son Makes a Run.”

The next year, Jake ran the “Jeanne’s Journey” campaign that raised $72,000, with the golf event as the main fundraiser for the campaign. But Jake and Steve weren’t done.

Left: Jake with his mom, Jeanne. Right: Steve with his mom, Martha.

the challenge

The next few years, the duo decided to keep running the golf event to benefit the LLS. Then, in 2020, Jake’s mom’s cancer returned and had spread. Sadly, she passed away in June of 2021. Jake and Steve decided to redirect the golf tournament to raise funds for research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in memory of Jeanne and in honor of Martha. They partnered with the IU School of Medicine to create a directed fund for research, cutting through the red tape and administrative burden of creating a standalone 501(c) organization.

“We decided we wanted to keep going until we find a cure,” Steve says. “We hope we don’t have to do the golf outing at some point, but want to keep raising funds until then.”

The two continued to run the tournament on their own, leaning on personal connections, community support, and a passion for making an impact. Yet as the event grew in size and scope, it became clear that managing registrations, tracking donations, and communicating with sponsors using spreadsheets and emails wasn’t scalable. Jake is a seasoned golf industry veteran, and knew they needed to level up the event experience, not just to raise more money, but to create a smoother, more professional, and more meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Childhood friends Steve Sullivan and Jake Peacock joined forces to raise over $500,000 through golf for cancer research.

the solution

In 2022, Jake returned to Victoria National in Newburgh, Indiana as the head golf professional. Victoria National is part of Dormie Network, a national network of private destination golf clubs, and GolfStatus’ sister company. He heard about what GolfStatus could offer to charity golf events and thought it was just what the Jeanne and Martha Fore a Cure Golf Outing needed to scale, so they came on board for the 2024 event.

the results

The goal for the 2024 Jeane and Martha Fore a Cure Golf Outing was $75,000. But thanks to the tools offered by GolfStatus and Dormie Network Foundation, the tournament blew past its goal to raise over $92,000, bringing the historical total to over $500,000 raised for cancer research and honoring Jake and Steve’s mom’s battles with cancer.

Golf Event Management Platform

Right off the bat, Jake and Steve used GolfStatus to streamline registration, collect payments online, and create a professional, mobile-friendly event site that simplified the process for golfers and sponsors alike. Plus, with real-time bank account visibility and centralized data, gone were the days of piecing together payments and registrations from emails and sticky notes.

“It’s definitely different being on the other side of a tournament,” Jake says, speaking from his years as a golf professional managing outside outings. “But using GolfStatus made it easy for both Steve and I to see where we stood financially, how many golfers were signed up, and not worry about sharing spreadsheets.”

Jake says that in the first few years, when he and Steve were handling registrations and payments manually, “We really didn’t even know who was coming!” Online registration simplified data capture and receipts, without requiring any effort from Jake or Steve. They could push the event website out to their networks and track registrations, sponsorships, and payments in the software’s back end. What’s more, they used the platform to easily collect payments on tournament day. “That was great,” Jake says. “All the funds were kept in GolfStatus until after the tournament, when it was sent on to the cancer center.”

Both Steve and Jake appreciated the responsive support provided by GolfStatus. “I honestly didn’t expect that level of support from a software company, but it was awesome,” Jake says. “I reached out to the team and was on a call with someone within five minutes.”

The golf tournament’s website offered easy registration, sponsor exposure, and an avenue to collect donations.

expanded sponsorship packages

By leveraging GolfStatus’ exclusive sponsorships and add-ons, Jake and Steve created additional revenue streams from the Technology Sponsorship, Pin Flag Sponsorship, and hole-in-one contests. “We had initially priced the pin flag package at $750, but someone reached out and said they loved the idea of the pin flags and wanted to more than double the contribution for the sponsorship, raising $1,650,” Steve says.

An online auction, consisting of donated items from folks within the Dormie Network, raised an additional $12,000, further boosting their fundraising total.

Jake and Steve leaned on personal connections to bring on sponsors. Steve’s employer, Allegion, a publicly traded security company in the Indianapolis area, started relatively small with the outing in its first year, contributing $1500. But leadership saw the engagement it drove in the workplace and continued to increase their support to $15,000 in 2024. “They saw the value in an employee doing something good because they were touched by cancer,” Steve says.

DORMIE NETWORK FOUNDATION SUPPORT

By working with GolfStatus, the outing unlocked additional support from Dormie Network Foundation. Donated Stay and Play Packages and Dormie Network memberships were auctioned and sold to raise significant dollars for the cause. Three donated memberships and two Stay and Play Packages were sold as part of the event, and a $15,000 gift from a previous tournament sponsor-turned-Network member helped take the outing’s impact to the next level.

“The tools from GolfStatus and the support from Dormie Network Foundation were critical in helping us scale the tournament,” Jake says. “It opened doors to more people to support the event and cause, and grow how much we can raise.” He credits these resources for helping bring in an extra $30,000 from the 2024 event, which the pair hopes to replicate in the future.

“Nobody else gives you the tools and credibility to raise as much as you can, as quickly as you can, like Dormie Network Foundation. Combine that with GolfStatus’ platform and support, and it’s an easy choice to partner with both of them,” Jake says.

personal connections

Jake and Steve want the event to be a great experience for everyone involved, while staying true to its grassroots spirit that honors Jeanne and Martha. “For whatever reason, our stories and experiences really resonate with people,” Steve says. He says they’ve had survivors and family members speak at the tournament, and even had the executive director of the Cancer Center share what the dollars raised are doing. “People want to know what their money is doing, so making the connection to the actual research and individual researchers has been amazing.”

Jake says the people and sponsors who participate understand what they’re trying to accomplish with the tournament. “Every year, I think I can get through the event without getting too emotional, but then we look out and see what’s been done and the impact it's having, and the emotion takes over,” Jake says.

Steve (fourth from left), Jake (fifth from left), and their families at the Indiana University Spirit of Philanthropy Awards.

what’s next

The outing continues to grow—and get attention for its contributions to cancer research. Jake and Steve were invited to be members of the IU School of Medicine Development Board and were nominated by the school for the University’s Spirit of Philanthropy Award, which they received.

With the 8th annual outing set for Monday, August 4, 2025, the event has a goal to break the $100,000 mark—and eventually, raise so much money for cancer research that the event no longer needs to exist. “I wish I never had to do this, but it’s the hand we’re dealt and we’re working to make the most of it,” Jake says.

Contribute to the Jeanne & Martha Fore a Cure Fund for Cancer Research.

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Volunteers are a critical part of a successful charity golf tournament. Whether they’re helping with check-in, running contests, or handing out swag bags, volunteers keep things moving and help make it all possible. The must-dos to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved? Planning ahead, staying organized, and showing your appreciation.

Here are seven tips to keep your volunteers happy, engaged, and ready to go on tournament day.

Effectively managing your golf tournament’s volunteers is key to its success.

1. START WITH A SOLID PLAN

The more prepared you are leading up to your golf tournament, the better your volunteer team will perform. Make sure you address these key areas:

• Define roles and responsibilities. Outline every volunteer role in detail, including specific duties, time commitments, and any skills required (like comfort with a tablet or event management software). Clear instructions and checklists help prevent confusion and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Determine how volunteers will sign up. Linking out to your chosen sign-up on your event website is an easy way for volunteers to get involved with your event.

• Create a schedule with shifts. Charity tournaments can last four to six hours, not counting setup and teardown. Offering shorter shifts makes it easier for volunteers to commit and ensures you have coverage from start to finish.

• Assign lead volunteers. Designate a point person for critical areas like registration, food and beverage, or on-course games. These leads can help answer questions and solve small issues, so you’re free to focus on the big picture.

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Pro tip:

Ask volunteers to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of their shift start time to get settled and receive any last-minute instructions.

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2. MAKE VOLUNTEER ONBOARDING A PRIORITY

A smooth onboarding experience builds confidence and helps volunteers feel connected to your mission. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming—just thoughtful.

Here’s how to do it:

• Collect information up front. When volunteers sign up, ask for contact info, availability, preferences, and any relevant skills. Let them pick roles or shifts that work for them.

• Host a kickoff meeting. Use this time to:

  • Share your organization’s mission and how volunteers are making a difference

  • Walk through the tournament schedule

  • Answer questions and build excitement

• Provide training materials. This could include:

  • Written step-by-step guides

  • Live or recorded demos for tasks like using software or managing contests

  • A quick overview of golf basics and etiquette

• Set expectations. Be clear about shift times, dress code, responsibilities, and who to contact with questions.

• Create a communication plan. Use email, group text, or a volunteer app to share reminders, updates, and check-ins before and during the event.

• Make it fun. Share wins from previous tournaments, encourage camaraderie, and build a sense of community. People are more likely to come back next year if they have a great time.
  

Provide volunteers with the training they need to take on their assignments with confidence.

3. Delegate with confidence

Trying to do it all yourself? That’s a fast track to burnout. Instead, strategically delegate tasks among your volunteers who are willing and able to help. When someone inevitably asks, “How can I help?” have a task or two ready to assign. Trust your volunteers to step up—remember, they signed on to help, so have the confidence that they’ll follow through on what needs to be done.

4. Keep systems organized

Whether you’re using a spreadsheet, Google Form, or a dedicated volunteer management tool, keep your systems tidy and accessible. Share access with your planning team and make sure everyone’s on the same page about who’s doing what, and when. You should also share access to your golf event management tool with key volunteers so they have access to up-to-date golfer, team, and sponsor information.

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free guide

This a-to-z guide outlines effective volunteer strategies for nonprofit golf fundraisers. Get ideas and tools to help leverage volunteer time, energy, and enthusiasm to execute a flawless golf event.

Get the Guide

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5. Communicate early & often

Once a volunteer signs up, send a confirmation email so they know what to expect. Then, provide all the details they’ll need ahead of the tournament:

• What to wear (and when/where to pick up any branded gear)

• When to arrive and where to park

• Where to check in and who to check in with

• What their assignment is, where they’ll be stationed, and what materials they’ll need

• Where and when they can grab food or drinks

• Shift start and end times

• Who to contact if they have questions or issues

Holding a volunteer meeting? In-person is great for camaraderie, but virtual briefings or even recorded videos are good alternatives for busy schedules.

6. Build in flexibility

Even the best-laid plans can go sideways. You might want to have a few “floater” volunteers on standby to fill in if someone cancels last-minute or if another area needs some extra help. Think through your backup plan in advance so you’re not scrambling on tournament day to cover assignments.

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Pro Tip:

Make sure your lead volunteers have been connected with the golf facility staff so they know who to go to if there are issues or questions on event day.

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Having a lead volunteer for things like golfer check-in frees tournament organizers up to engage with and thank golfers and sponsors.

7. Show appreciation

Remember, volunteers are giving their time and energy to support your cause, so show them some love.

• Provide meals, snacks, drinks, and a thank-you gift or token of appreciation.

• Recognize them during your awards or welcome remarks.

• Assign a planning team member to check in with volunteers throughout the day to see how they’re doing and offer support.

• Personally thank them during the tournament and send a handwritten thank you after the event.
  

Volunteers = A better tournament experience

Your volunteers, and how you manage them, can make or break your tournament day. Investing time in planning, onboarding, and communication will pay off in a smoother event and a group of happy volunteers who are excited to support your cause again.

Keep Your Tournament Running Smoothly With the Right Tech

The right event management tech can help your tournament run smoothly from planning, execution, and follow-up. GolfStatus’ golf tournament software is built to save organizers a ton of time and help raise even more money to support your mission. With time-saving automations, revenue-boosting sponsorships and add-ons, and access to a responsive support team seven days a week, GolfStatus helps you hold your best golf tournament yet. Best of all—nonprofits can get started at no upfront cost. Click below to book a meeting with one of our golf fundraising specialists to get started.

Book a Meeting With GolfStatus to Start Planning!

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

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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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Partner Snapshot

The Down Syndrome Association (DSA) of Greater Charlotte serves as a vital hub of resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome (Ds) and their families across 12 counties surrounding Charlotte, NC. With a mission to empower and enable individuals with Ds to reach their full potential and become respected members of their community, DSA of Greater Charlotte supports 300-500 families annually through a variety of programs, from early intervention to adult resources. Victoria Coles, DSA of Greater Charlotte's Program and Community Outreach Director, oversees programs like early intervention, parent nights, and educational outreach initiatives, ensuring that no family feels lost or alone.

One of the most impactful programs DSA of Greater Charlotte provides is its summer camp lineup, offering both day camps and sleepaway camps for children and adults with Ds. “We don’t ever want someone to feel like they can’t participate in camp because of financial reasons,” says Victoria. To raise money for camp scholarships, DSA of Greater Charlotte has held an annual golf tournament for nearly two decades. 

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“We don’t ever want someone to feel like they can’t participate in camp because of financial reasons”

— Victoria Coles, Program Director

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The Challenge

When Victoria joined DSA of Greater Charlotte in 2022, she took on the challenge of organizing the golf event. She’s a seasoned event planner, but has little experience with golf. Though the 2023 event was a success, with five sponsors and $33,000 in revenue, there was tremendous potential for growth. 

The event management platform being used also presented logistical hurdles. It required excessive manual coordination and lacked the features needed to fully engage participants and sponsors. With one year of planning under her belt, Victoria knew she needed to make a change. She assembled a planning team that involved board members and past participants to provide diverse insights and share the workload. The group set ambitious goals: to increase revenue, streamline registration, and elevate the overall experience for participants while keeping costs manageable and maintaining the inclusive spirit of the tournament.

The Solution

DSA of Greater Charlotte partnered with GolfStatus, a powerful event management platform designed for charity golf tournaments. After the golf event was nominated for the Play It Forward campaign, the GolfStatus team connected with Victoria. It happened to be at the perfect time, just as she was starting to plan the 2024 tournament and was open to a change. The decision to adopt GolfStatus was driven by several key factors:

• Additional fundraising opportunities. DSA of Greater Charlotte leveraged GolfStatus’ exclusive sponsorships and add-ons to drive thousands of dollars in additional revenue. 

• No upfront cost access to the software. As a nonprofit, DSA of Greater Charlotte qualified to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost, which meant no financial risk and more funds to their mission.

• Ease of use. The planning team worked hand-in-hand with GolfStatus’ client support team to build an event registration website. The intuitive back end made it easy for the planning team to manage registrations, sponsor details, and golfer information with minimal back-and-forth communication.

The Results

The 18th Annual DSA of Greater Charlotte Golf Tournament surpassed its previous fundraising goals, raising over $53,000 for summer camp scholarships and programming at Camp Horizon and Camp Holiday. Here’s how:

Increased Sponsorships

More than double the sponsors signed on to support the golf tournament, with the tournament’s positive reputation organically prompting several new businesses to come on board. The past year’s presenting sponsor jumped at the additional exposure provided by GolfStatus’ Technology Sponsorship on the event website, mobile app, scorecards, cart signs, and live leaderboards. 

“The sponsorships from GolfStatus gave us an immediate return on investment,” Victoria says of the Technology Sponsorship, Pin Flag Sponsorship, and hole-in-one contest sponsorship. “We raised additional money from those in our first year with the platform.” The team bundled GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship and Pin Flag Sponsorships together into one sponsorship that sold for $8,250. They also used GolfStatus’ hole-in-one insurance and leveraged a sponsorship to cover package costs. 

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“The sponsorships from GolfStatus gave us an immediate return on investment. We raised additional money from those in our first year with the platform”

— Victoria Coles, Program Director

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Streamlined Processes

Golf tournament websites powered by GolfStatus are equipped with easy online registration and secure payment processing. Individual golfers, teams, and sponsors could browse available packages, submit their information, and pay right through the website. All participant info drops into the software’s back end, where the planning team could manage player information and sponsor assets. 

Victoria says the software was easy to use and they liked that individuals or teams could register to play. “There wasn’t a constant back and forth with golfers since everything went through the website,” she says. “GolfStatus kept us organized and it was simple to assign teams and make hole assignments right in the software. In general, everything just worked so much better than what we were using before.” GolfStatus’ support team was there to help Victoria seven days a week to answer questions. 

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“GolfStatus kept us organized and it was simple to assign teams and make hole assignments right in the software. In general, everything just worked so much better than what we were using before.”

— Victoria Coles, Program Director

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Elevated Experiences & Revenue Opportunities

Post-event feedback was extremely positive. A survey was sent to participants to collect information to help improve future tournaments. “We got super feedback. Everyone said the tournament was well-planned with great communication,” Victoria says. “Online registration and the overall experience were five out of five!”

Most participants had some connection to the Ds community, so having Ds Ambassadors stationed around the course added to the tournament’s impact. “The Ambassadors are teens and adults with Ds who love to connect with people,” Victoria says. Their presence was a strong reminder of what the tournament was supporting and fostered personal connections that reinforced DSA of Greater Charlotte’s mission.

In addition to the Ds Ambassadors’ presence, several add-ons elevated the tournament experience and drove additional revenue, such as on-course contests (putting, long drive, and hole-in-one), a 50/50 ball drop raffle, a traditional raffle, and mulligans available for purchase. 

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“GolfStatus kept us organized and it was simple to assign teams and make hole assignments right in the software. In general, everything just worked so much better than what we were using before.”

— Victoria Coles, Program Director

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Direct Mission Impact

The 2024 tournament funded scholarships for campers, ensuring that financial barriers won’t prevent families from accessing DSA of Greater Charlotte’s transformative summer programs. “We were able to provide $30,000 in scholarships for families this year from the golf tournament, more than we’ve ever done before,” Victoria says. 

Camp programs at Camp Horizon and Camp Holiday offer enriching experiences for campers with Ds. Activities focus on fun, but foster communication, problem solving, social, and self-advocacy skills. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities such as arts and crafts, water play, music, horseback riding and more that build self-confidence and independence. 

Lessons Learned for the Future

As the tournament’s planning team begins to plan for the next iteration, these lessons learned will help guide them:

• Include complimentary food and drinks. Providing food and drink creates a welcoming atmosphere. Victoria says they’ll continue to keep folks well-fed through donated options like donuts, boxed lunches, bloody marys, and a post-tournament catered dinner.

• Stay organized. DSA of Greater Charlotte’s golf event included signage with clear information, detailed registration instructions, and plenty of volunteers to ensure the day ran smoothly.

• Leverage technology: Using a platform like GolfStatus saved Victoria and her team time, streamlined logistics, and enhanced the event experience for everyone involved.

Building on 2024’s success, Victoria and the planning team plan to refine and expand the tournament in 2025 by:

• Offering larger and more creative raffle prizes

• Exploring new on-course challenges to keep the event fresh and engaging

• Continuing to build strong sponsor relationships, ensuring robust support camp programming

• Leveraging GolfStatus’ revenue enhancers to boost revenue

Golf for Good

GolfStatus is the leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. It streamlines and simplifies golf events to save organizers a ton of time and has built in tools to raise even money for your cause. Through GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program, nonprofit organizations (and those planning golf events to benefit one) can qualify to use GolfStatus at no cost. Get an event website, online registration and secure payment processing, the ability to collect donations, exclusive sponsorships and exposure, live support seven days a week, and golf-specific tools to make your tournament the best one yet. Get qualified at golfstatus.com/demo.

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

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

1. Event promotion is as simple as sharing a link

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

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Pro tip:

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

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2. Your tournament gets more credibility & professionalism

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

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Pro tip:

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

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Free guide:

the essential guide to golf tournament event websites

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

Download the Guide

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3. Online registration streamlines everything

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

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pro tip:

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

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4. sponsors get maximum visibility & exposure

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

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Pro Tip:

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

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

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

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

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Pro tip:

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

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

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

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Pro Tip:

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

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get a free event website

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

Launch An Event Website In Minutes

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Partner Snapshot

The Arizona Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a driving force for suicide prevention, education, and support within Arizona. With a mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, the chapter provides outreach opportunities, survivor support resources, educational prorams for schools and workplaces, and events like community walks and the annual golf fundraiser.

Gina Gillis, the special events manager for Arizona and New Mexico, has a deeply personal connection to the cause. Gina’s journey with AFSP began as a volunteer after the tragic loss of her son to suicide, serving as the chair for a community walk and board member before transitioning to her current staff role. “Our work helps people understand that they’re not alone,” Gina says. “We connect people and families who are struggling with resources to help them cope.”

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“Our work helps people understand that they’re not alone,” Gina says. “We connect people and families who are struggling with resources to help them cope.”

— Gina Gillis, Special Events Manager

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The Challenge

The annual golf tournament was spearheaded by Dave Canham, who was mourning the loss of his son, Sean, to suicide. Together with Sean’s brother, Evan, who played golf competitively and had fond memories of hitting balls on the range with Sean, they launched a one-of-a-kind golf event: the Golf for Hope glow-in-the-dark golf tournament.

Held at night to escape Arizona’s intense heat and provide a unique, engaging experience, Golf for Hope’s glow-in-the-dark format required thoughtful planning. Glow-in-the-dark golf balls, illuminated pin flags, and glowing signage were implemented to create a magical atmosphere while ensuring playability and safety. 

Golf for Hope raised about $3,000 and attracted 25 golfers in its inaugural year in 2019. As the tournament grew, so did the logistical challenges and the need for better processes and tech tools than the chapter’s CRM could provide. Manual registration—through the CRM and emailed information—not only increased the organizers’ workload but left room for errors and inefficiencies.

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“We wanted a solution that was simple to use and didn’t come with a big price tag”

— Gina Gillis, Special Events Manager

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The Solution

In 2023, Dave teamed up with Gina at the chapter office to explore better ways of planning and executing a successful Golf for Hope. Gina had learned about GolfStatus from a colleague, so she and Dave got a product demo and liked what the platform offered to streamline planning and enhance the participant experience. “We wanted a solution that was simple to use and didn’t come with a big price tag,” Gina says. As a nonprofit, AFSP Arizona qualified to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost, which was a major selling point for the planning team.

After the AFSP national office vetted the software, including reviews from IT, finance, and events management, GolfStatus became an integral tool for the chapter, simplifying event logistics and enabling the team to focus on delivering a great event. “We were so excited when we got the ok because we could see how it would make everything easier,” Gina says.

Key Solutions:

• Ease of Use: Gina isn’t a golfer, but was able to easily navigate throughout the intuitive platform’s back end.

• Support & Expert Advice: Glow for Hope worked hand-in-hand with GolfStatus’ in-house client success team to build their tournament. The continuity of working with the same rep, while also being able to access front-line support seven days a week, provided peace of mind for the planning team.

• Custom Event Website: The GolfStatus platform provided a professional, user-friendly site that made promoting the tournament, showcasing sponsors, and facilitating registrations easy and efficient.

• Online Registration: Replacing cumbersome manual processes and clunky workarounds using the chapter’s CRM, GolfStatus allowed golfers to register and pay online seamlessly. This eliminated the need for email-based communication and time-consuming manual tracking and keeping spreadsheets up to date. Online registration includes secure payment processing and automated receipts.

• Sponsor Onboarding & Recognition: The event site gives sponsors the ability to purchase their chosen packages and upload logos and messaging right at registration, helping them start earning impressions right away. Sponsors get prominent exposure on the event website and app, offering valuable visibility.

• Live Scoring: Participants enjoyed using GolfStatus’ mobile app for real-time scoring, adding more engagement and additional sponsor exposure, and also made finalizing the tournament’s results much quicker. 

• Data Management: Golfer information drops into GolfStatus’ back end, where Gina and the planning team could access real-time information. They could create and manage foursomes and assign holes right in the software.

The Results

The 5th annual Golf for Hope tournament was a resounding success, raising nearly $34,000. This total represents a significant increase in golfer participation compared to previous years, demonstrating the event’s growing appeal.

The innovative glow-in-the-dark theme adds an element of “magic” to the event, according to Gina. “My favorite part is how beautiful it is!” she says. Glow-in-the-dark golf balls, lit pin flags, and glowing signage for sponsors add to the vibrant atmosphere. “As it gets darker you can see arcs of light as people are playing,” Gina says. “The lit sponsor signs really call attention to the sponsors, too.”

Additional activities, like a cart-decorating contest judged by a panel, putting and chipping challenges, and a glow-in-the-dark ball launcher game, add to the fun and help generate additional revenue. A pre-tournament dinner gave attendees the chance to mingle, purchase raffle tickets, and participate in other buy-ins.

Highlights:

• Enhanced Efficiency: The GolfStatus platform eliminated the need for spreadsheets and manual tracking, significantly reducing the planning team’s workload and saving hours of time.

• Improved Sponsor Engagement: The platform’s ability to showcase sponsors’ logos and contributions boosted sponsor satisfaction and retention. Sponsors appreciated the lit signage that made their support highly visible during the night-time event.

• Positive Feedback: Participants praised the unique glow-in-the-dark format and the event’s overall organization and professionalism. 

• Community Impact: Proceeds from Golf for Hope support AFSP’s mission by funding local and national programs. Half of the funds stay with the chapter for local programming that supports families, advocacy, and education, while the other half helps fund research at the national level.

The Future

While the current host course’s intimate setting adds to the event’s charm, the chapter is exploring larger venues to accommodate the tournament’s growth while maintaining the unique atmosphere that sets Golf for Hope apart. Relationships with the course staff have been invaluable, with their flexibility and support being a key factor in the event’s success.

AFSP Arizona plans to build on the tournament’s steady growth and success by incorporating feedback from participants and sponsors. Plans for future interactions of Golf for Hope include:

• Continuing to include popular elements like the glow-in-the-dark ball launcher and cart-decorating contest.

• Exploring options for a larger venue to welcome more participants while preserving the event’s intimate feel.

• Leveraging GolfStatus to further streamline operations, raise additional funds, and enhance the golfer and sponsor experience.

The planning team, composed of passionate volunteers and board members like Dave, is committed to making each year’s event better than the last. The group meets on a regular basis throughout the planning process and post-event to ensure continuous improvement.

Lessons Learned

Gina emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated planning team and leveraging technology to simplify logistics. “I would tell other tournament organizers to spend time exploring all the features of GolfStatus,” she advises. “You won’t know what you’re missing if you don’t know it’s there!” 

She also highlights the value of engaging passionate volunteers who are committed to the cause. Many of the event’s volunteers are loss survivors themselves, bringing a deep personal connection to their roles.

Sponsors, many of whom are returning supporters, play a crucial role in the tournament’s success. Gina says building strong relationships with sponsors and understanding their needs have been key strategies for ensuring their continued involvement.

The Golf for Hope tournament exemplifies how creativity, strategic planning, and the right tools can elevate a fundraising event. By blending a unique concept with GolfStatus’ technology, AFSP Arizona delivered an unforgettable experience that not only raised critical funds but also fostered community and awareness around suicide prevention. As the event continues to grow, it’s a prime example of innovation and impact in nonprofit fundraising.

Golf for Good

GolfStatus is the leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. It streamlines and simplifies golf events to save organizers a ton of time and has built in tools to raise even money for your cause. Through GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program, nonprofit organizations (and those planning golf events to benefit one) can qualify to use GolfStatus at no cost. Get an event website, online registration and secure payment processing, the ability to collect donations, exclusive sponsorships and exposure, live support seven days a week, and golf-specific tools to make your tournament the best one yet. Get qualified at golfstatus.com/demo.