by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

If you’re looking for a fresh idea to engage employees, clients, and the community at large while raising awareness about your brand in a unique and meaningful way, a corporate golf event is the perfect answer. Corporate golf outings—especially when they’re well-managed and organized—offer a variety of positive outcomes for a company.

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table of contents

Corporate Golf Events FAQ
How to Host a Corporate Golf Event
Powering Corporate Golf Events with GolfStatus

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Learn How to Plan a Corporate Golf Event

Corporate Golf Events FAQ

What is a Corporate Golf Event?

A corporate golf event is a tournament or outing planned and hosted by a business. Corporate events often raise money for a corporate foundation or favorite nonprofit, but don’t have to include a charitable component. Such events are used as an opportunity for team-building across departments, to entertain clients or prospects, or as a give-back initiative.

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Corporate Event Case Study: Credit Unions for Kids Golf Classic

Hosts: US Community Credit Union and Engbright Credit Union

Beneficiary: Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Outcomes: Raised $50,000 for patient financial assistance and built community connections.

Specifics: Hosts sold sponsorships to partners, vendors, and associations that share an interest in the cause. Golfers represented sponsors, employees from the hosts and competing credit unions, city council members, and hospital staff. Patients and administrators attended to connect golfers with the “why” behind the event.

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What Are the Benefits of Corporate Golf Events?

• Enhance Corporate Social Responsibility. A corporate golf outing that benefits a charity or cause is a great addition to your company’s CSR portfolio. This could mean connecting with an existing golf event to support it as a sponsor, or taking it a step further and hosting your own corporate event benefiting a charity.

• Connect With Your Community. Golf has deep ties to the nonprofit sector, raising $4.6 billion for charity annually and bringing people together in a memorable way to raise funds for a good cause. Invite targeted community members, staff or beneficiaries from the charity the outing will raise money for, or focus on your business’s employees and customers. 

• Get a Competitive Edge. A golf event helps set your brand apart, giving you four or five focused hours of facetime with colleagues, vendors, clients, or prospects. 

• Boost Employee Engagement. Businesses need to find ways to attract and retain top talent, which means demonstrating that business priorities include more than just the bottom line. Use a golf outing to engage and reward employees, build morale, encourage retention, and give back.

How to Host a Corporate Golf Event

If you’ve never planned a golf tournament before or don’t know much about the sport, don’t worry—you can still hold a professional, memorable event. Here’s how:

1. Use the Right Tools

It’s likely that planning a company golf outing isn’t your full-time job or something you do regularly, so you might not know where to start or how to maximize efficiencies. Most event management systems aren’t able to intuitively manage the details of a golf outing (hole assignments, player pairings, scoring and leaderboards, flighting, handicaps) so look for one that’s built specifically for golf tournaments and includes:

• Online Registration. This is a must-have—golfers seamlessly submit their information and payment online, saving hours of dealing with spreadsheets, checks, and receipts. 

• Customizable Event Website. The site should present your event in a professional light and make it simple to promote, provide digital sponsor exposure, and share updates.

• Shared Access. Registration information should populate into the platform’s back end, where it’s accessible in one place by organizers and even staff at the golf facility. 

• Communication Tools. The platform should have built-in communication tools, like emails and push notifications, to quickly and easily communicate with registrants.

• Pre-formatted Printouts. Use a platform that comes with pre-formatted, professional printouts like branded cart signs and scorecards.

• Live-scoring & Leaderboards. Golfers submit scores with an easy-to-use mobile app that syncs to live leaderboards and allows teams to track current standings.

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Use the Best Tool for Your Golf Event: GolfStatus

Online registration is non-negotiable when planning a corporate golf event. It gives the event and your brand a professional feel and is a time-saver for tournament planners.

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2. Set Goals & Form a Planning Team

The goals for the event will help other key details fall into place, so start by thinking through what you hope to accomplish. Keep in mind that goals don’t have to be mutually exclusive—you can engage employees while also raising money for charity. 

Form a planning team of five to 10 people to help carry the load. Include employees, partners, and even a representative from the nonprofit partner (if your outing includes a fundraising component) to help plan and execute the tournament. Identify roles and responsibilities to ensure everyone is on the same page.

3. Establish a Budget

Your goals will help inform your budget. If you’re raising money for a charity, your budget will likely look different than if your main focus is employee engagement or entertaining clients. 

• Start by outlining the major costs—greens fees, cart rental, food and beverage, and player gifts. Other costs might include marketing, entertainment, awards, and hole-in-one insurance.

• Next, identify sources of income, such as golfer registration fees, sponsorships, mulligan sales, on-course game entries, merchandise sales, raffle tickets, or an auction. If your outing’s goal doesn’t include fundraising, you likely won’t have to prioritize revenue.

• Finally, build sponsorship packages to cover hard costs (unless you have a dedicated budget that includes line items for all costs). Offer a variety of options at different price points to entice businesses to commit and include benefits that provide high ROI.

4. Determine Details & Logistics

Once your budget is outlined, you can move on to determining other core event logistics. Start by choosing the host golf facility, date and time, and format. The vast majority of corporate events are scrambles, which are attractive to golfers of all skill levels. Then move on to other details, including:

• Event schedule

• Marketing strategy

• Contingency plan for inclement weather

• Prizes and awards

• Team pairings

• Hole assignments

• Add-on activities and contests, such as on-course games, hole-in-one contests, raffle drawings, or a live or silent auction

5. Promote the Corporate Golf Event

How you get the word out depends on the target audience. If the tournament is open to employees, include a link to the event website in internal newsletters or mention it in company meetings. If it’s open to the community, send promotional emails, include it in client newsletters, and mention it on your social media channels. If you’re raising money for a nonprofit, work with them to promote the tournament to their supporter base.

Consider drumming up some positive PR for your company and what the event is raising money for, if you include a charitable component. Invite members of the press and the community to participate and work together to raise awareness for a good cause (and give your brand a substantial lift).

6. Provide a Memorable Event Experience

What sets a great event apart from a good event is the overall experience. Folks will remember if the event was chaotic and plagued with snafus or if it ran smoothly. Using tech tools to manage the event frees golf facility staff up to assist golfers instead of scrambling to handle last-minute tasks and helps you stay organized to execute a seamless event. 

Yes, your event needs to be well-run, but it should also offer a memorable, top-notch experience that advances business goals: 

• Include add-ons and extras like contests, on-course games and entertainment, auctions, and custom player gifts.

• Live score the event to add an element of professionalism and let spectators (as well as event organizers who are tracking the round’s progress to facilitate post-round events) follow along on live leaderboards. 

• Build in ways to connect with employees and/or clients, such as through a pre- or post-round meal or reception, on-course interactions, the opportunity to volunteer, or informal networking. 

• Be strategic with hole assignments to further business objectives. For example, you may want to pair your company’s top executives with their counterparts from a partner or prospective client to talk business and potentially even close deals. Or group staff or board members from the benefiting charity with potential partners or donors to help advance their mission and open doors for additional support.

• Use pin flags and hole signs to recognize sponsors, partners, or nonprofit supporters with excellent on-course visibility.

7. Track & Report Event Data

It’s important to demonstrate the success and impact of the event to prove its value to decision makers in your company and your commitment to giving back (if your tournament includes fundraising). Fold data into an impact report that you share with decision-makers and stakeholders. Your golf event management platform should include robust reporting that helps you see at a glance:

• The number of teams or individual golfers

• The number of sponsors

• Dollars processed through online registration and donations

Gather further information to gauge the event’s success by:

• Sending surveys to collect feedback and gauge the event’s impact on employee satisfaction

• Having informal conversations to see what they liked and how you can improve

• Meeting with the benefiting nonprofit to determine fundraising outcomes and next steps for donor stewardship

8. Nurture Relationships

Keep the goodwill going post-outing. Follow up with key clients and partners who attended. Use the conversations from the course as a foundation to thank them and continue the business relationship. Be sure to send a thank-you note and post-event report to all sponsors. Include data on the event's success, photos, and testimonials to prove the event’s value and help secure their participation for next year.

If your corporate golf event becomes an annual tradition, consider tracking and analyzing long-term trends, such as employee retention and the event’s impact on the company’s culture.

9. Look Ahead to Next Year

While the positive feedback from the outing is still fresh, use the data and relationships to lock in key players for the following year. After you get the approval from leadership to hold the outing again next year, re-engage your planning team while they are still in event mode to lock in their commitment, then connect with the golf facility to get first dibs on your preferred date. If you had sponsors, follow up with them after sending your post-event report to offer them an early-bird incentive to secure their commitment for next year. 

Your event management platform should make it easy to copy your event so you don’t have to start from scratch. Simply update a few key details and your event website is ready to go!

Powering Corporate Golf Events with GolfStatus

Whether you’re at a Fortune 500 company, a socially responsible local business, or a corporate foundation raising money for a dedicated cause, GolfStatus’ golf event management and fundraising platform is the solution for the best event possible.  

GolfStatus’ powerful, user-friendly tech saves organizers time and effort, helps raise more money, boosts your brand, and ensures a professionally planned and executed tournament from start to finish. Get a professional event website, golf-specific tools and features, sponsorships and add-ons, and a dedicated client success rep to coach you along the way. Book a meeting to get started!

Use the Tech That’s Built for Golf Events

Click Here to Book a Meeting 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.

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

If you’ve ever thought about hosting a charity golf tournament but immediately felt overwhelmed by the idea, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, many event planners are scared of tackling a golf event because they assume it’s complicated, expensive, or requires deep knowledge of the sport.

The truth is, planning a golf tournament isn’t as scary as you might think. With the right tools, resources, and support on your side, even small teams and first-timers can pull off a successful, profitable event that their supporters love. Here’s why.

Planning a golf tournament doesn’t have to be scary!

The Right Tools Save Time & Effort

In the past, tournament organizers had nightmares about spreadsheets, paper registrations, phone calls, and handwritten scorecards. Today, technology takes care of the heavy lifting. Modern golf event management platforms streamline everything from registration to sponsorships to live scoring. Such tools automate tedious tasks so you can focus on big-picture planning.

Instead of spending countless hours creating and sending mailers, figuring out how to accept credit card payments, and trying to keep your planning team up to date, lean on tech to quickly and easily:

• Set up a branded event website with online registration and secure payment processing

• Build sponsorship packages and collect logos and assets

• Track players, teams, and sponsors

• Display live leaderboards at the golf facility and online

• Automate receipts, reminders, and thank you emails

• Share access with your planning team and the golf facility

All of this means you can plan and manage a golf tournament in less time. And because everything lives in one centralized, easily accessible platform, you can easily keep everyone organized and on the same page.

In short: you don’t need to be a golf pro or tech expert to be successful; you just need the right tools.

You won’t have nightmares about your golf tournament when using the right tools.

You Don’t Need Startup Funds

Many would-be event planners worry that a golf event requires significant upfront investment. But with smart planning, your tournament can pay for itself (and then some!).

Charity golf events typically see the bulk of their revenue from sponsorships rather than player fees. Sponsors are drawn to golf tournaments because they offer high visibility, engagement, and networking in a fun, relaxed atmosphere that allows them to connect with potential clients.

When building your team and sponsor packages, be sure to cover all your costs and build in additional revenue to go towards your cause. Build sponsorship packages at tiered price points that clearly outline benefits. For example:

• Title Sponsor ($5,000): Event naming rights, logo on all materials, prime logo exposure on the event website home page and live leaderboards, one complimentary team

• Pin Flag Sponsor ($3,000): Logo on branded pin flags on each hole, logo on event website, one complimentary team

• Hole-In-One Contest Sponsor ($1,000): Logo on contest holes, opportunity to be present at the hole to engage with golfers, logo on event website

• Hole Sponsor ($500): Signage at one hole, logo exposure in the live scoring app, logo on event website

Target local businesses, corporate partners, and long-time supporters to play in or sponsor the tournament, and start your outreach as early as possible. Use the funds that come in from teams and sponsorships to cover any invoices or costs as planning progresses.

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On-Demand WebinaR

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Learn how to start a golf tournament fundraiser that not only doesn’t break the bank, but drives revenue for your mission. Get actionable tools, ideas, and strategies to help you hit the ground running.

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You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

No one expects you to plan a golf tournament from scratch without any support. In fact, help is everywhere if you know where to look.

The host golf facility is a great resource for helping you choose a date and format, and handle logistics such as start time, contests, and set up. Golf facilities rely on charity golf tournaments as part of their bottom line and are there to help you be successful.

Your golf event management platform should also give you access to golf fundraising experts who know the ins and outs of golf fundraisers. They can help walk you through setting up your golf tournament website, answer questions, and coach you on sponsorships, contests, and event-day logistics.

Don’t overlook your organization’s staff, board, and volunteers. Many likely have golf experience and community connections that can help you recruit golfers and sponsors. Delegate tasks like registration, coordinating the raffle or auction, and running on-course games or contests so you can focus on creating an exceptional experience.

Golfers are a generous bunch and jump at the chance to play golf for an important cause.

Golfers Love Playing for a Cause

Golfers are a generous, loyal, and community-minded group. When you invite them to play in a charity golf tournament, you’re offering more than just a round of golf—you’re giving them the opportunity to support a cause they care about while doing something they enjoy.

If your nonprofit’s supporters aren’t avid golfers, don’t fret. People are generally excited to join a day of fun with friends or colleagues, especially when it’s for a good cause. Beginner-friendly formats like scrambles make your tournament accessible for newbies while still keeping things fun and competitive for more seasoned players.

What’s more, golfers tend to come back year after year, especially when the tournament is well-run and they have a great time, and often bring others with them to learn about and support your mission.

Your Event Can Grow With You

One of the best parts of golf fundraisers is that they can grow with you. You can start small, as you get your footing and gain some experience, and build from there. Once you’ve run your first event, you’ll have templates, sponsor relationships, and processes you can use again and again.

Over time, many nonprofits turn their golf tournaments into annual signature fundraising events that raise thousands of dollars each year. And because golf events combine fundraising, networking, and donor engagement, they often become one of the most valuable events on a nonprofit’s calendar.

Don’t be afraid to start small and scale the tournament as you gain experience.

You’ll Have Fun, Too!

Yes, planning any successful fundraiser takes work, but golf tournaments have a way of reminding you why you do this.

On tournament day, you’ll see donors and sponsors connecting, volunteers smiling, and supporters having a great time, all while making a real impact for your mission. There’s something special about watching the tournament come together after months of planning and knowing that you helped make it happen.

And once you’ve planned one, you’ll realize it wasn’t nearly as scary as it first seemed.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let fear or inexperience keep you from tapping into one of the most successful and sustainable fundraising event models available to nonprofits. With the right tools, mindset, and support, you can plan a professional, lucrative golf event that strengthens relationships, builds community, and advances your mission.

When you’re ready to get started, GolfStatus makes it simple to plan, manage, and grow your golf fundraiser from start to finish. Intuitive software, in-house golf fundraising experts, and planning resources turn planning a golf tournament from something scary into an opportunity waiting to happen. Find out how you can get started at no upfront cost by booking a meeting with the GolfStatus team.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About GolfStatus

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

About Project Purple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View a video about the 2024 event:

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

• Time: 3:30 - 6 p.m.

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

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

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

About GolfStatus

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

About Dormie Network

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

About Capital Humane Society

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

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

GolfStatus is proud to team up once again with Dormie Network and Dormie Network Foundation for Play It Forward 2025, a one-of-a-kind campaign celebrating the incredible impact of golf fundraisers and the organizations and passionate people behind them.

Now in its fifth year, Play It Forward puts a well-deserved spotlight on the nonprofits and charitable organizations that use golf to fuel their missions, and you’re invited to be part of it.

From August 1 to September 30, you can nominate a charity golf tournament you love, whether you’re an organizer, participant, sponsor, volunteer, or supporter. One deserving golf fundraiser will receive a $10,000 donation, and the person who nominated it will score a Dormie Network Stay and Play package, good for a two-day, one-night golf getaway at one of its exclusive private destination clubs.

It’s a win-win for golf and for the thousands of golf tournaments hosted each year to raise mission-critical funds for nonprofits and charitable causes doing good. Eligible events can be hosted by a nonprofit or a third party that benefits a charity and include traditional 18-hole tournaments, TopGolf events, mini golf fundraisers, or anything in between.

“Play It Forward is about recognizing the everyday heroes who harness the game of golf to create real, lasting impact in their communities,” says Brian Schenk, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Dormie Network Foundation. “We’re honored to support the organizations doing this important work and to celebrate the tournaments that help make it possible.”

Briggs Ranch in San Antonio, Texas is one of Dormie Network’s exclusive destination golf clubs.

THE IMPACT SO FAR

Since launching in 2021, Play It Forward has contributed $50,000 to organizations using golf to power positive impact and change:

2024: Coalition 4 Kids

C4K supports over 1,200 vulnerable students in northwest Tennessee, offering after-school and evening programs in one of the area’s most underserved communities. Funds from its annual C4K Golf Classic help students achieve academic, physical, social, and spiritual growth.

2023: Avery's Hope

Avery’s Hope assists families of children living with rare and undiagnosed GI conditions. Its TopGolf fundraiser creates a more inclusive event for the families they serve, highlighting how alternative golf fundraisers can also make a huge impact.

2022: Sisters Across America and Make-A-Wish Foundation

Sisters Across America supports young minority women pursuing professional golf, while Make-A-Wish’s Pro-Am for Wishes helps grant life-changing experiences to critically ill children across the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley regions.

2021: Cameron Steinberg Foundation

Founded in memory of Cameron Steinberg, who passed away from a congenital heart defect at two months old, the foundation launched by her parents has raised over $200,000 for CHD research and family support through golf fundraisers.

Let’s Play It Forward Together!

Golf tournaments don’t just raise funds—they build communities, raise awareness, and inspire change. Play It Forward 2025 is your opportunity to help one of those tournaments make an even greater impact.

key dates

• August 1, 2025: Nomination period opens

• September 30, 2025: Nomination deadline

• December 2, 2025 (Giving Tuesday): Winner announced

The winners will be announced in a press release and on GolfStatus’ and Dormie Network’s social media platforms, so be sure to follow along for updates.

GolfStatus: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube

Dormie Network: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube

by Logan Foote, Sales and Education Director at GolfStatus

Businesses are looking for a win-win when it comes to sponsoring events. They want to be associated with a worthy cause while also gaining positive exposure for their brand to an audience of their ideal clients or customers. Charity golf tournaments do both, making sponsorships a win-win opportunity for your nonprofit and sponsoring businesses.

Knowing who to ask—and how to ask them—is key to successfully securing golf tournament sponsorships.

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Table of Contents

What Are the Benefits of Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

What Types of Businesses Should We Target for Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

What Are Some Best Practices for Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

Sample Golf Tournament Sponsorship Tiers

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What Are the Benefits of Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

For Businesses

Golf tournaments have a unique value proposition for businesses. With the right event management platform, sponsors get high engagement with an affluent audience of golfers through exposure before, during, and after the tournament that’s non-intrusive, but memorable. Businesses also benefit from:

• Exposure to the golfer demographic, an especially desirable marketing target for sponsoring businesses that includes middle to high-income individuals. Consider the following data points about the average golfer:

  • Average age: 46

  • Average household income: $125,000

  • Average net worth of golfers: $768,000

  • 33% are top-level managers

  • 25% own their own business

  • 83% own securities

  • 91% are homeowners

  • 83% regularly take vacations

  • 74% dine out at least once a week

Many businesses are interested in gaining exposure to the golfer demographic, which gives your golf tournament an edge in recruiting sponsors.

• Multiple exposure touchpoints across the event management platform, earning impressions throughout the tournament.

• Positive brand lift that comes with being associated with and supporting a good cause.

• Increased customer loyalty from people who value businesses that give back to the community.

• Community engagement in a casual setting and as part of a fun and memorable event.

• A competitive advantage in employee recruitment. In fact, 71% of employees think it’s important to work at a company that gives back through philanthropy.

For Nonprofits

Nonprofits stand to gain even more from golf tournament sponsorships, including:

• Financial support to make the tournament a success and help power their missions.

• Strong partnerships with sponsoring businesses that can open doors to high-level donor relationships.

• Credibility, especially for first-year or young events. Having a well-known business involved as a sponsor helps build a positive reputation.

• Access to new audiences when the sponsor promotes the tournament to their audiences, giving the tournament and the cause increased visibility.

What Types of Businesses Should We Target for Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

When it comes to how your organization will secure sponsors for your golf tournament, targeting the right businesses is crucial:

• Start with businesses you already have a relationship with. They don’t have to be previous sponsors—they could be corporate entities that your volunteers or board members own or even those that are within your supporters’ sphere of influence. 

• Look for businesses that want to reach golfers. Ideal candidates to reach out to are businesses interested in getting their brand on the radar of affluent, influential members of the community—the same folks spending their time on the golf course. 

• Target local businesses in the industries outlined below that have a generally wealthier clientele.

• Target regional and national companies where you have a connection or those that are headquartered or have offices in your area.

1. Food & Beverage

Your golf tournament likely incorporates food and beverage into your golf tournament in some way, perhaps boxed lunches, drink tickets, a cocktail hour, or a banquet. Golfers likely frequent local dining establishments, making it a great option for these businesses to get eyeballs on their brands. Consider reaching out to the following businesses in the food and beverage industry:

• Restaurants (including locally owned, farm-to-table, and upscale)

• Wineries/vineyards

• Beverage distributors

• Sports and cocktail bars

How to Win Their Support

These businesses make great sponsorship prospects because they can customize their engagement. For instance, if outside food and drink are allowed by the golf course, you might ask these businesses to donate or discount catering for your golf tournament. They might also be interested in providing samples of a signature dish or drink on a hole or simply contributing money towards the cause.

2. Healthcare

Healthcare providers are valuable sponsor prospects because they are community-minded and your goals likely overlap: improving the quality of life for residents. Research the following healthcare providers in your area:

• Primary care physicians

• Dentists/orthodontists

• Chiropractors

• Physical therapists

• Surgery practices

• Dermatologists

• Other specialty practices

How to Win Their Support

When pitching to potential healthcare sponsors, emphasize how your cause impacts their patients and their field of medicine as a whole. If your cause is related to improving healthcare for your beneficiaries, sponsoring your golf tournament could lead to a broader partnership or support of a specific project.

3. Sports & Fitness

This industry is a perfect target because of its direct tie to your fundraiser’s medium: golf. Reach out to these types of businesses in your area:

• Gyms/fitness centers

• Personal trainers

• Sporting goods stores

• Golf equipment stores

How to Win Their Support

Businesses in the sports and fitness space are often ideal candidates for an in-kind sponsorship and may be more inclined to donate goods like golf balls, tees, or even clubs for player swag bags, pin prizes, auction items, or raffle prizes. That being said, these businesses also want the broad exposure a monetary sponsorship brings.

4. Business-to-Business & Financial Services

These businesses typically cater to affluent clientele, which makes your tournament a great opportunity for them to attract new customers. Pitch a sponsorship to the following businesses in your community:

• Financial advisors/wealth management services

• Insurance companies/agents

• CPAs/accounting firms

• Banks/credit unions

• Advertising agencies

• PR companies

• Technology companies

• Consultants

How to Win Their Support

For companies that cater to other businesses or for financial service professionals who manage important assets for their customers, building a personal connection is everything. Win these businesses over by offering opportunities to network and mingle with potential clients face-to-face, like a booth on a tee box or during a cocktail hour.

Home service industry businesses are good options for golf tournament sponsorships.

5. Home Services

Most of your golfers likely live independently and can benefit from solid connections in the real estate world. Approach the following home services businesses to be sponsors:

• Home builders

• Architects

• Real estate companies/agents

• Home remodeling companies/contractors

How to Win Their Support

Nearly 70% of golfers own a home. These types of businesses jump at the chance to show off their properties and services at your golf event, perhaps with a tent on the course. Home builders and remodeling companies can showcase their work and high-quality materials and real estate professionals have the opportunity to show off their listings and upcoming open houses.

6. Luxury Brands

As golf is commonly seen as a luxury sport, it makes sense that luxury brands and service providers would fit in at your tournament. Consider contacting:

• Jewelers

• High-end clothing brands

• Local boutiques

How to Win Their Support

Similar to sports and fitness providers, these businesses would benefit from an in-kind sponsorship with your organization. An effective tactic is to use their in-kind gifts as high-end raffle or auction items, boosting donations for you and brand recognition for them.

7. Travel

The vast majority of those in the golfer demographic regularly take vacations and over half have purchased a vehicle in the past year, making these businesses hungry for exposure to this audience:

• Car dealerships

• Car services

• Rental car companies 

• Travel agencies

• Hotels and resorts

How to Win Their Support

Beyond monetary sponsorships, consider approaching travel services for in-kind donations. Vacation packages, hotel or resort packages, travel vouchers, or even timeshares work well as raffle prizes or auction items.

Allowing sponsors the opportunity to engage with golfers or offer product demonstrations is a great perk to include in sponsorship packages.

What Are Some Best Practices for Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

Sponsorships are where your tournament will likely raise the most money. 

• Offer multiple opportunities for support. Give businesses with marketing or philanthropy budgets of all sizes the chance to get involved with multiple sponsorship tiers or packages at varying price points.

• Leverage digital exposure. Use your event management platform to provide digital sponsor exposure that guarantees impressions throughout the tournament’s lifespan. There’s no overhead cost to your nonprofit and sponsors love the added exposure.

• Engage sponsors before, during, and after the tournament. Communicate with them as soon as they come on board, share updates as the tournament gets closer, recognize them during the event, and send a heartfelt thank you after the tournament concludes.

• Report on ROI. Wow your sponsors by sending a report after the tournament that details each deliverable you promised, outcomes, impact stories, testimonials, and imagery to demonstrate the ROI of their support.

Perhaps the most important best practice is using a tech platform like GolfStatus to manage your tournament’s sponsorships. Prospective sponsors should be able to browse available packages on your dedicated tournament website, then submit payment and assets right through the platform. They start to earn impressions right away, and you’re not burdened with time-consuming back and forth to secure payment, logos, and messaging. What’s more, you get access to new sponsorship options that drive revenue:

• Technology Sponsorship

• Pin Flag Sponsorship

• Hole-In-One Contest Sponsorship

Master sponsorship management with a specialty solution

Book a Meeting With GolfStatus

Sample Golf Tournament Sponsorship Tiers

Your golf tournament’s sponsorship offerings should be customized to your event and organization’s needs. A good rule of thumb to consider when building sponsor packages is to look at your tournament’s hard costs and create a sponsorship that covers those costs and adds additional revenue.

How you price these packages depends on a number of factors, including the type of golf facility (public or private), the number of golfers, and the sponsor perks you’ll provide. It’s a good idea to offer sponsorships at varying levels, tiers, and price points to allow businesses with different budgets to support the event. Don’t be afraid to work with prospective sponsors to create custom sponsorship packages that fit both the sponsor’s and your tournament’s needs.

Sponsor logos should always be included on your golf tournament website, earning them valuable impressions before, during, and after the tournament, as well as in the accompanying live scoring mobile app.

Title or Presenting Sponsor (often includes GolfStatus’ Technology Sponsorship)

The highest tier of sponsorship with the highest price. This sponsor should receive broad recognition on all promotional materials, throughout the tournament, and include one or more teams. Folding in the Technology Sponsorship adds additional value and robust exposure throughout the GolfStatus platform.

Gold / Silver / Bronze Sponsor

This tier of sponsor may or may not have hard costs associated with it and can be considered pure tournament revenue. The accompanying sponsor benefits should be enough to justify the business’ investment and often include one or more teams.

Pin Flag Sponsor

Pin flags not only give your tournament a professional feel, but they offer unprecedented visibility throughout the golf course. Sell separate front and back nine flag sponsorships or bundle them into one sponsorship for all 18 holes.

Food Sponsor (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc.)

This sponsorship should cover the cost of the associated food and provide the sponsor’s logo on boxed lunches, banquet tables, snack packages, etc. An in-kind donation of food or beverage works well here (if the host golf facility allows outside food and beverage).

Hole-In-One Contest Sponsor

Hole-in-one contests offer premium exposure and associate the sponsor with a fun and exciting tournament component. Selling a sponsorship covers the cost of the hole-in-one insurance. Separate sponsorships can be sold for each contest hole, if desired.

Other Contest Sponsor

If your tournament includes contests such as putting, chipping, closest to the pin, or longest drive, you can significantly boost revenue by selling a sponsorship for each and allowing the sponsor to run the contest and engage with golfers.

Beverage Cart Sponsor

One of the most popular parts of any golf tournament is the beverage cart! Add a sponsor’s logo to the cart and offer them the chance to ride around the course and interact with golfers. The sponsorship could cover the cost of beverages, if desired.

Game Sponsor

On-course games add even more fun (and fundraising) to your tournament. You might sell a sponsorship for each game or a comprehensive games sponsor. Volunteers from the sponsor could be in charge of running the game.

Hole Sponsor (with or without a team included)

This is often an entry point for companies as they come at a lower price point and you can sell one or more for each hole. Signage on each hole, as well as their logo in the live scoring app, provides excellent exposure and a great experience for the sponsors playing in the event. Hole sponsorships can also include a team, if desired.

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Sample Golf Fundraiser Sponsorship Packages

This free guide outlines three sets of golf tournament sample sponsorship packages, including pricing, benefits, and golfer registration costs. You’ll find examples for small, mid-sized, and large tournaments that you can adapt based on your tournament’s unique needs.

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Get Exclusive Sponsorships With GolfStatus

GolfStatus makes onboarding and recognizing sponsors simple. The platform includes exclusive sponsorships that help raise thousands more dollars for your cause. Nonprofits and organizations planning a golf event to benefit one can qualify for no-cost access to GolfStatus’ golf event management platform through the Golf for Good program. Click below to get qualified or email [email protected].

Sponsors want results, so you need the right tools.

Book a meeting with GolfStatus for smarter sponsorship management!

About the Author

Logan Foote, Sales and Education Manager at GolfStatus

Logan Foote has been around the game of golf nearly his entire life. He first picked up a club at the age of four, and despite thousands of attempts, he’s never had a hole-in-one. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and pursued a career in sales.

Logan came to GolfStatus in 2017, where he channels his passion for golf to help nonprofits raise money through the game. As Sales and Education Manager, Logan oversees a team that works with thousands of nonprofit clients to maximize their golf fundraisers with the GolfStatus platform, and shares his golf fundraising expertise through GolfStatus’s free educational webinars. He lives and golfs in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife and three sons.

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

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

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

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

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

1. Start with your network

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

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

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

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

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

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Pro Tip:

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

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

2. Make It Easy for organizers

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

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

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

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PRO
TIP:

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

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3. Standardize with golf-specific technology

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

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

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PRO
TIP:

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

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

4. Capture & Manage Data

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

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

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PRO
TIP:

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

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built for golf, built for good

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

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

Book a Meeting With Our Team to Learn More