When it comes to player gifts at charity golf tournaments, getting it right can significantly enhance the participant experience and leave a lasting positive impression of your nonprofit. But what makes a gift great? And what should you avoid? Drawing on feedback from GolfStatus app users—golfers who regularly play in charity golf tournaments—and industry insights, here’s a deep dive into best practices, the best and worst gifts golfers have received, and recommendations to ensure your event is up to par.
A custom-branded, high quality head cover makes an attractive, memorable player gift!
Key Considerations & Best Practices for Golf Tournament Player Gifts
Stay on budget. Great gifts don’t have to break the bank. Thoughtful, practical items often cost less than flashy or trendy products. Keep your gifts commensurate with your registration prices. Bake gift costs into your registration prices or make sure they’re covered by a sponsorship.
Prioritize practicality and quality. Golfers appreciate items they can use during play or in daily life. These items not only serve a practical purpose but also remind participants of your event each time they use them.
Incorporate customization. Adding your nonprofit's logo or the event name to gifts transforms standard items into memorable keepsakes that offer lasting reminders of the tournament and your cause.
Offer a variety of items. Providing a selection of gifts caters to diverse preferences and enhances the overall experience to ensure that each participant finds something they value.
Leverage sponsorships. Partnering with sponsors to provide player gifts can elevate the quality of items without increasing costs, adding value for participants and strengthening sponsor relationships.
Consider unique and memorable items. Distinctive gifts can make your tournament more memorable, but ensure these gifts align with your budget and the interests of your participants.
Plan for raffle and contest prizes. In addition to player gifts, offer attractive raffle and contest prizes to boost engagement and add excitement to the event.
Gather feedback. After the tournament, ask for feedback from participants regarding the gifts and overall experience to better meet their preferences.
the best player gifts
These are the gifts that golfers rave about, cherish, and actually use. They strike the perfect balance of quality, practicality, and relevance to the sport.
High-quality golf balls. Golfers always appreciate receiving premium golf balls, especially if they’re from trusted brands like Titleist, Callaway, or TaylorMade. Personalized balls with the event logo are even better, serving as both a functional item and a keepsake.
Branded golf apparel. Apparel such as moisture-wicking polos, performance hats, or lightweight jackets are consistently popular. Golfers value apparel they can wear both on and off the course, particularly if it’s quality and well-made.
Technology or gadgets. Golf tech like rangefinders, GPS devices, or even a gift card toward such items are unique and highly valued gifts. For lower-cost options, consider phone mounts for golf carts or clip-on speakers.
Practical accessories. Items like insulated tumblers, golf towels, divot repair tools, and high-quality umbrellas rank highly. These are useful both on the course and in daily life.
Gift cards. While not flashy, gift cards to the host golf course’s pro shop, local restaurants, or sporting goods stores are almost universally appreciated, giving golfers the freedom to choose something they truly want or need.
Unique keepsakes. Custom-engraved glassware or framed pin flags or scorecards can serve as a meaningful reminder of the event, particularly for milestone tournaments or events honoring a special cause.
Pro Tip:
Give sponsors the opportunity to include items in the player gift bags.
Giving sponsors the chance to include branded items as player gifts is a great way to add value. Find out how to incorporate player gifts into sponsorship packages in this free Sample Golf Fundraiser Sponsorship Packages guide!
the worst player gifts
While the intention behind every gift is good, some items just plain miss the mark. Avoid these gifts that make golfers groan:
Low-quality items. Cheap golf balls, flimsy tees, or poorly made apparel diminish your tournament’s reputation and their value as a gift—and usually end up in the trash.
Overly generic merchandise. Generic water bottles or pens with no event branding or connection to golf can often be viewed as uninspired. While functional, they don’t resonate with golfers or bring up memories of the tournament.
Over-sized or bulky items. Large, heavy items like oversized coolers or clunky golf bags can be a hassle for participants to carry around. Unless you’re offering a larger raffle or contest prize that justifies the bulk, stick to smaller, more manageable gifts.
Non-golf-related items. While creativity is good, veering too far from the event’s focus of golf can backfire. For example, unrelated gadgets or trinkets may leave golfers scratching their heads.
Items with no usefulness. Decorative items with no practical use or special connection to your tournament, such as purely ornamental keychains or low-quality paperweights, get a thumbs-down from golfers.
Incorrect sizing. If gifting apparel, ensure it fits and the style appeals to your audience. Collect sizing when golfers register to ensure you have the proper inventory available.
Golfers wear hats and quarters zips bearing the Brantley’s Buddies logo.
memorable gift examples
Looking for inspiration? Here are some player gift bundle examples gleaned from GolfStatus’ network of golfers:
Golf combo: A sleeve of high-quality branded golf balls, a moisture-wicking polo, and an insulated tumbler that are co-branded with your nonprofit’s and sponsor’s logos.
Tech bundle: A clip to hold a GSP unit or rangefinder, a phone mount for golf carts that makes live-scoring easier, and a high-quality microfiber towel.
Golf basics package: Golf tees, a divot repair tool, a ball marker, and a nice branded golf hat.
Gift card bonanza: Gift cards to the host golf facility’s pro shop, a local coffee shop, and golf or sporting goods store.
Cause connection keepsakes: A custom-engraved glass, beer stein, or mug paired with a gift card to a local restaurant and a thank-you note explaining how their participation supports your mission.
Out-of-the box options: A branded golf club cleaner brush, head cover, and golf shoe bag.
final thoughts
By focusing on quality, relevance, and practicality, your nonprofit can ensure the player gifts at your next charity golf tournament are not just appreciated but celebrated. Thoughtfully selected gifts enhance the golfer’s experience to keep them coming back year after year, elevate your event’s reputation, and remind participants of your organization’s mission every time they use them.
