GolfStatus kicks off the fundraising planning season with two new tools that nonprofits and charities can leverage to maximize the impact of charity golf tournaments

Lincoln, NE (March 3, 2026) - (BUSINESS WIRE)--GolfStatus, the industry-leading platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, is proud to announce its new GolfStatus Rewards program to maximize fundraising outcomes for charity golf tournaments and nonprofits.

Golf tournaments powered by GolfStatus raised more than $32 million in 2025. Because golf tournaments continue to provide a viable, scalable fundraising and donor engagement option for all types of nonprofits, GolfStatus continues to improve its offerings, including the newly launched GolfStatus Rewards.

Tournaments that leverage GolfStatus’ suite of Fundraising Enhancers unlock thousands of dollars in valuable rewards from giving partners that can be leveraged as auction items, raffle prizes, or sponsor thank-yous to drive additional revenue from their golf events. Fundraising Enhancers include:

• Technology Sponsorship: A GolfStatus exclusive, the Technology Sponsorship offers premier branding and exposure for the sponsor throughout the GolfStatus platform and app.

• Branded Pin Flags: Pin flags are one of the most visible sponsorships available for a charity golf tournament. GolfStatus’ top-of-the-line pin flags give tournaments a professional look and feel and provide sponsors with unprecedented exposure across the golf course.

• Bundled Hole-In-One Contest: GolfStatus’ bundled hole-in-one package includes premium, high-value prizes at a fraction of the cost of other hole-in-one insurance offerings.

• NEW | Hole Signage: High-quality, all-inclusive hole signage from GolfStatus boosts sponsor visibility and engages golfers at a reasonable price. The GolfStatus team handles production and shipping.

“Golf events play a crucial role in helping nonprofits fund their work and fulfill their missions,” said Steve Mattern, Chief Operating Officer at GolfStatus. “With our Fundraising Enhancers and GolfStatus Rewards, we’re reaffirming our commitment to helping nonprofits, charities, and causes maximize their golf fundraising outcomes.”

GolfStatus’ all-in-one platform makes tournament planning easy and efficient. From custom-branded event websites and online registration to efficient event management and integrated fundraising tools, GolfStatus helps tournament organizers save 40+ hours of planning time and raise thousands of additional dollars. Free tournament planning resources, including webinars, downloadable guides and templates, and case studies, along with expert guidance from Fundraising Specialists and PGA Professionals, ensure nonprofit fundraisers start and finish strong.

As nonprofits kick off event planning season, they’re encouraged to book a free demo of the platform to learn more about GolfStatus Rewards, explore how the software simplifies tournament planning, and discover how GolfStatus maximizes fundraising potential.

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.

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

On-course contests are where charity golf tournaments can come alive. A simple, engaging, and profitable option is a putting contest. With minimal setup, low overhead, and high participation potential, a well-run putting contest can generate meaningful dollars while giving golfers something extra to look forward to on tournament day.

Whether you’re looking to boost revenue, attract sponsors, or create a memorable moment that brings everyone together, a putting contest checks all the boxes. Let’s break down the most common questions, popular formats, and proven best practices to help you host a putting contest that's easy to manage and hard to forget.

Table of Contents

• Golf Putting Contest FAQs

• How to Host a Golf Putting Contest

Golf Putting Contest FAQs

What is a Golf Putting Contest?

A golf putting contest is a standalone on-course game held during a golf event such as a charity scramble, corporate outing, or club championship. It’s often held on the golf facility’s practice green and takes place before the shotgun start, during the tournament when teams play a hole near the practice green, or post-round as part of the awards ceremony.

Unlike the larger tournament, where total score matters, a putting contest tests golfers' short-game skills. Golfers pay an entry fee to participate in the contest and attempt to make a long-range putt or series of putts. Some tournaments hold contest rounds, with successful putts advancing to the next round to compete for cash or other high-value prizes.

Why Should We Host a Golf Putting Contest?

Putting contests have the potential to drive significant revenue from your charity golf tournament. Why? There are low to no overhead costs (golfers bring their own putters, and the golf facility provides the hole and golf balls, and you can source donated prizes), and entry fees drive fundraising. What’s more, a putting contest is a prime sponsorship opportunity, much like hole-in-one contests. The practice green is a high-traffic, high-value exposure point, boosting the value of a contest sponsorship.

A putting contest can also break up a long day on the course. A high-stakes contest finale held before dinner, awards, or auction draws a crowd, creating an electric atmosphere and a shared highlight that attendees talk about until next year's event.

What are Popular Golf Putting Contest Formats?

Guaranteed Prize

• How it works: All participants line up at a pre-determined distance, perhaps 10 feet. Those who make it move back to another distance, like 20 feet, then 30 feet, etc., continuing until only the winner remains.

• Pros: This format guarantees a winner and a prize awarded right then and there. It also has a very low barrier to entry for golfers and is fairly simple to run.

• Cons: This type of contest can take 15–20 minutes to complete, so it must be scheduled carefully to not interfere with the rest of the tournament.

Cash Prize

• How it works: A qualifying round is held to determine one finalist. That finalist gets one single attempt from 50+ feet (often 60 feet) for a large cash prize.

• Pros: Offering a significant cash prize can draw in large crowds and more participants.

• Cons: Insurance is a must, and it can take a while to process the claim.

Other Variations

• Putt a prize. Various prizes are placed on the practice green, and golfers win the prize if their putt hits it or stops within a certain distance.

• “Pig” or “Golf”. Similar to the basketball game, where one player sets up a putt and makes it, and others must replicate the putt or get a letter.

• Team relay. Team members must sink a putt from certain distances (such as five feet, 10 feet, 20 feet, etc.) in succession. The team with the fastest time wins.
  

What Else Should I Know About Golf Putting Contests?

• If you’re interested in offering cash or non-donated prizes, you might consider putting contest insurance, which comes with a cost. A more cost-effective option is to secure donated prizes from sponsors, local businesses, or partners.

• Use your golf tournament website to sell entry into the putting contest. You can sell entry as a standalone item or bundle it with other tournament add-ons, like raffle tickets or mulligans. Sell entry ahead of the event, as well as at check-in, to maximize participation.

• Publicize the contest on your event website and in promotional campaigns. Highlight prizes, how much it costs to enter, and when the contest will take place. Be sure to give a shoutout to the contest sponsor when applicable.

How to Host a Golf Putting Contest

1. Choose the Right Format

Step one is to decide if the primary goal of a putting contest is high-margin fundraising or high-energy entertainment. If you need to raise money without any overhead, a guaranteed prize is a good option. If you want to make a big splash, an insured $10,000 contest might be the better choice.

2. Secure the Location & Schedule

Putting contests are most commonly held on the practice green before the start of the golf tournament. If there are multiple practice greens, choose the one closest to the clubhouse or outdoor bar. The easier it is for spectators to grab a drink or a bite to eat and watch, the larger your crowd (and the higher the energy) will be.

If you have the contest on the practice green during the round or at the turn, there’s a risk of creating a bottleneck. Choose a rapid-fire format to prevent backing up the entire tournament. You might also consider hosting finals at the end of the day for a climactic finale to the event.

3. Lock Down Logistics

If you’re utilizing putting contest insurance, you’ll likely have to abide by various requirements, which might include:

• Exact putt length. You’ll be required to measure the putt’s distance to the exact inch using a surveyor’s tape.

• Contest witness. You’ll need to train a witness—either a volunteer, staff member, or planning team member—to watch all of the putts to ensure all of the rules were followed. For high-value prizes, you might need to submit video footage of the putts for verification.

• Standardized equipment. You may need to provide the golf balls and even the golf clubs for the contest.

You’ll also need to determine other contest logistics, such as:

• Entry fee

• Prizes

• Format

• Registration forms

• Plan for crowd control and spectators

• Contest emcee
  

4. Price It Right

• Sell contest entries on your tournament website. This keeps all tournament funds in one place to simplify post-event accounting and eliminates the need to pay with cash for day-of entries.

• It’s a good idea to bundle the putting contest with other add-ons to boost revenue. A combined ticket that includes contest entry with add-ons like on-course games, mulligans, or raffle tickets creates a higher perceived value that can drastically increase participation rates. You might also give golfers the opportunity to buy a second or third qualifying attempt for half the price.

• Sell the Putting Contest Sponsorship as an opportunity for the sponsor to set up a tent, have hole signage, hand out swag, and personally interact with every golfer.
  

5. Create a Fun Atmosphere

The right emcee and commentary transform the putting contest into a spectator sport. Enlist a volunteer to serve as the contest emcee. Provide a microphone (check with the golf facility) to announce finalists, crack jokes, and build excitement.

Since making a 50-foot putt is a rarity, it’s a good idea to have a backup activity to keep the mood high. That way, if the finalist misses, you can pivot to a "Closest to the Pin" chip-off or a raffle draw for a smaller prize or gift so the event ends on a high note.

6. Follow Up After the Contest

• While the contest and excitement are still fresh, announce the winner (if applicable) at the awards ceremony or dinner. Play a video of the winning putt on a projector to engage those who may have missed it.

• Ensure the sponsor is front and center for the check presentation or to award the prize. Even if the big cash prize wasn't won, a photo of the finalist and the sponsor shaking hands is valuable content to use to promote next year’s event.

• Send a "thank you" text or email to contest participants or the entire field with a link to next year's early-bird registration, building on the excitement from the contest.

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Final Thoughts

A golf putting contest is a high-impact add-on for your next golf tournament. It’s flexible, cost-effective, sponsor-friendly, and when done right, creates a buzz that carries through to marketing next year’s tournament. By choosing the right format, handling the necessary logistics, pricing entries strategically, and leaning into the entertainment value, you can turn the contest into a major fundraising and engagement win.

If you’re ready to put these ideas into action, the next step is simplifying how you manage your contest—and your golf tournament as a whole. Using a purpose-built golf tournament management platform like GolfStatus makes it easy to sell entries online, bundle add-ons, track participation, and keep everything organized in one place—so you can focus on creating an exciting experience.

Make Your Next Golf Event a Swinging Success!

Book a Meeting With GolfStatus to Get Started

About the Author

Jen Wemhoff - Communications Manager at GolfStatus

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

Our PGA Q&A blog series leverages the knowledge, experience, and expertise of GolfStatus’ in-house PGA Professionals: Cash Dinkel, PGA and Jason Meininger, PGA. This series installment dives into two topics that play a critical role in a tournament’s success: choosing a date and tournament format.

Cash Dinkel, PGA

Jason Meininger, PGA

Q: What are some things tournament organizers should think about when choosing a time of year for an event?

Cash Dinkel: Big things are weather, daylight, and what else is happening in your community. You want a window where people can actually commit, the course is in good shape, and you’re not fighting holidays, school schedules, or peak vacation weeks. And if you’re trying to maximize sponsorships and attendance, avoid dates where every other nonprofit in town is doing the same thing.

Jason Meininger: I would avoid holidays, like the Fourth of July and Labor Day. I would also probably stay away from the warmest month in your area (July is usually the warmest month where we are in Nebraska) to avoid the heat, unless you play early in the day.

Q: How about choosing a day of the week?

Cash Dinkel: It really comes down to your audience. If it’s corporate-heavy, weekdays are usually easier because people can justify it as a work/networking event. If it’s more community/family-driven, Fridays and weekends can work, but weekends are harder for courses and sometimes harder for golfers who already have plans. Price and course availability are also factors. Weekends are premium times for the courses, which could lead to a higher per-player cost. Private courses may only be available on Mondays, when they are typically closed to their members.

Jason Meininger: In my opinion, it really boils down to cost. It’s more than likely going to be cheaper to have your event on a weekday versus a weekend.

Tournament organizers should consider their audience, price, and course availability when choosing a date for their golf event.

Q: What’s your favorite day of the week to play in a charity golf tournament?

Cash Dinkel: I personally love a Friday or Monday event. It’s an easy excuse to take a long three-day weekend, and then it doesn’t typically interfere with any weekend plans or activities that my family may have.

Jason Meininger: I prefer a Friday afternoon tournament, if the course allows it. That way, golfers can work a half day before leaving to play in the event.

Q: What was your favorite day of the week to hold an outside outing at your golf facility?

Cash Dinkel: My favorite day to hold outside outings at my facility was Monday. Monday was perfect because we were closed for normal play, so the event wasn’t interfering with our day-to-day golfers at all. We also usually saw strong participation on Mondays, which gave the whole day a really high-end vibe. And since everyone has to work the next day, those Monday outings typically start early and wrap up earlier, too. The day moves well, keeps the pace in check, and makes sure the golfers are having fun… but not get out of hand!

Jason Meininger: When I was at golf facilities, I preferred to have them on Mondays. That was usually the slowest day of the week, so it was an opportunity for the course to generate additional revenue.

Q: What are generally some of the busiest times of year at a golf facility?

Jason Meininger: Specifically in northern states, you’ll see things start to pick up in April and go through October to November; it’s similar in Canada. In the southern states, March to June are busy, things taper off in the hot summer months, and peak again in the fall through early to mid-December. Places like Florida, California, and Arizona see golf events year-round due to their warm climates.

Cash Dinkel: In most places, it’s late spring through early fall, basically when the weather is consistent, and the course is in really good shape. For most of the U.S., late May through September is usually the sweet spot, and then you’ll also see random spikes around holiday weekends and peak summer travel windows.

Late May through September are prime times of year for charity golf fundraisers.

Q: In your experience, what is the most popular day of the week for charity golf tournaments?

Cash Dinkel: Friday is usually the busiest for charity outings. A lot of groups like the “play golf and roll into the weekend” vibe, and it’s an easy sell for teams and sponsors.

Jason Meininger: It really varies, but I would say Friday or Saturday are the most popular, then Monday (especially at private facilities).

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Q: What are the most common tournament formats for golf fundraisers?

Cash Dinkel: The most common ones I see are a four-person scramble, shamble, and best ball/four-ball. Scrambles are the go-to because they keep the pace moving, they’re fun for every skill level, and they help you sell teams and fill a field without scaring off the casual golfers.

Jason Meininger: I would say over 90% of the events we work with at GolfStatus are a four-person scramble format. It really works well to attract casual and avid golfers.

Q: What are some other tournament formats you’ve run into?

Jason Meininger:

• Best ball: Each player on a team plays their own ball throughout the hole. After the hole is completed, the lowest score or scores are recorded for the team total.

• Individual: Each golfer plays their own ball, and each player records a score.

Cash Dinkel:

• Chapman/Pinehurst: Both players hit, swap balls, then alternate shots.

• Alternate shot: Each team has one ball, and golfers take turns taking shots. It’s definitely harder, but fun for competitive groups.

• Stableford: This format has points-based scoring and encourages aggressive play.

• Skins game: Each hole is its own prize, and ties carry over. There’s usually a cash prize for winning each hole.

• Ryder Cup-style: Teams compete across multiple formats like best ball and alternate shot.

Scrambles are a great choice for charity golf events because they appeal to golfers of all skill levels and keep play moving.

Q: What format do you typically recommend for charity golf tournaments, and why?

Jason Meininger: Hands-down, a four-person scramble. A scramble allows people of all skill levels to participate a little or a lot based on their skill level.

Cash Dinkel: By far the best option is a four-person scramble. It’s the easiest format to understand, it keeps golfers in a good mood, it helps pace of play, and it’s the best setup for fundraising add-ons like mulligans, string, throw-a-ball, and all the fun stuff that helps drive more dollars.

Q: Does live scoring work for any tournament format?

Jason Meininger: GolfStatus’ live scoring app works for about 90% of formats, including scrambles. We can create a live leaderboard for almost any format. There are a few more complicated formats that it isn’t able to live score.

Cash Dinkel: Most of the time, yes. Live scoring works great for scrambles, shambles, best ball, and even Stableford if you’ve got it set up correctly. It gets a little trickier with complex formats like Ryder Cups, member-guest, and round robin style formats, but for the typical charity event formats, it works super smoothly.

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Ask the Pros!

Do you have a question for GolfStatus’ PGA Professionals? Email it to [email protected] with “PGA Pro Question” in the subject line, and it might be featured in a future blog post or an upcoming GolfStatus webinar!

Planning a golf tournament? You can get started with GolfStatus at no upfront cost—get an event website, online registration, communication tools, premium digital sponsor exposure, revenue-boosting add-ons, and more, plus access to GolfStatus’ responsive in-house client success team (including knowledgeable PGA Professionals and Fundraising Specialists). Click the button to book a meeting and learn more.

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

In a crowded fundraising calendar, the best events are intentional, unique, and built for revenue. The right charity fundraising event can deepen donor relationships, attract sponsors, and create a repeatable engine for long-term growth.

Below are 60 proven charity fundraising event ideas, ranging from high-impact golf tournaments to low-cost community-based fundraisers, to help you stand out, maximize participation, and fund your mission’s future.

Table of Contents

• Active & Wellness Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

• School Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

• Workplace Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

• Virtual Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

• Food & Drink Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

• Competition Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

• Charity Fundraising Event FAQ

#1 Charity Fundraising Event Idea: Golf Tournament

A golf tournament is the gold standard for charity fundraising events. It remains the most effective format to raise significant funds while also engaging higher-net-worth individuals, sponsors, and corporate partners for five+ hours.

Why It’s the Top Idea

• Feasibility. Unlike complex events like galas, golf tournaments have a more predictable structure and an inherently scalable revenue model.

• High visibility and engagement for sponsors. Sponsors benefit from multiple exposure points, including pin flags, hole signage, golf tournament website, live scoring app, cart signs, and more, plus high engagement with golfers.

• Multiple revenue streams. Golf events offer numerous opportunities for generating revenue beyond registration fees and sponsorships, including raffles, silent auctions, mulligan sales, hole-in-one contests, and on-course games.

• Appeal to all skill levels. The scramble format, common in charity golf events, allows golfers of all skills and abilities to participate and play to support the cause.

• Networking opportunities. Golf naturally encourages relaxed, extended interaction between players and teams, which is highly valuable for sponsors, donors, and your nonprofit.

• Complements other fundraising events. A golf tournament fits well into any nonprofit’s fundraising event calendar, complementing other ideas.

How to Host a Charity Golf Tournament

A successful charity golf tournament is built on intentional planning, the right technology, and a clear revenue strategy.

• Start by using specialized golf tournament software to manage registration, pairings, live scoring, and sponsor exposure. This streamlines operations and delivers a more professional experience for everyone involved.

• Next, secure a host golf facility and tournament date to attract golfers and sponsors, then promote the event consistently through email, social media, and local media outlets.

• Add revenue-driving enhancements like hole-in-one contests and on-course games. These simple add-ons increase engagement while boosting fundraising outcomes.

• Build strong sponsorship packages that offer clear, visible value through on-course signage, digital exposure, and sponsor recognition before, during, and after event day.

• Set a clear fundraising goal and communicate it often. When participants understand the impact of their involvement, they’re more likely to give generously and help your tournament exceed expectations.

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A great golf tournament starts with the right tech. Get a free event website and much more with GolfStatus—book a meeting to get started.

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Active & Wellness Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

2. Fun Run or Walk

What It Is: A community event where participants collect pledges or pay an entry fee to walk or run a designated distance.

Pro Tip: Utilize peer-to-peer fundraising tools to turn every runner into a fundraiser who solicits donations/pledges from their own network.

What’s more, with an event site, promotion becomes as easy as sharing a link in email campaigns, social media, your organization’s website, and even on printed pieces with a QR code. This way, folks can commit to your tournament right when they hear about it, instead of filling out a paper registration form and finding a stamp to mail it back.

3. Pickleball Tournament

What It Is: A bracket-style competition utilizing the growing sport of pickleball, known for quick matches and social atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Use timed matches to keep the tournament moving, allowing for more teams and higher registration revenue.

4. Bowl-a-Thon

What It Is: An indoor team event where groups collect pledges for games played or pins knocked down.

Pro Tip: Sell bumper rail privileges as a paid advantage for teams.

5. Yoga in the Park

What It Is: An outdoor wellness session led by an instructor, where attendees pay a donation to participate.

Pro Tip: Partner with a local studio to get the instructor’s time donated in exchange for brand exposure to your attendees.

6. Dance-a-Thon

What It Is: A high-energy event where teams commit to dancing for as long as possible (usually 24 hours).

Pro Tip: Have corporate teams sponsor different activities (like silent discos) or different DJs during the night.

7. Disc Golf Tournament

What It Is: A flying disc sport played on a course with precision targets, utilizing public parks to keep costs low.

Pro Tip: Focus sponsorship asks on branded discs or baskets.

8. Tennis Round Robin

What It Is: A social tournament format where players rotate partners and opponents to maximize networking.

Pro Tip: Add a "Pro-Am" element where participants pay a premium to be paired with a local club professional.

9. Polar Plunge

What It Is: A winter event where participants gather pledges to jump into a cold body of water.

Pro Tip: Bundle registration with a "warm-up kit" (branded towel and hot cocoa) to justify a higher ticket price.

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School Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

10. Penny Wars

What It Is: A competition between classes where pennies count as positive points and silver coins count as negative points.

Pro Tip: Allowing students to place silver coins in rival classrooms’ jars to subtract points.

11. Dunk Tank

What It Is: Students pay a small fee for the chance to dunk their teacher or principal in a pool of water.

Pro Tip: Sell balls to throw at the target at different tiers, and charge a higher fee to walk up and press the button for a guaranteed dunk.

12. Used Book Sale

What It Is: Ask families to donate books to sell, allowing them to recycle reading material while raising funds.

Pro Tip: Offer a "fill a bag for $10" deal in the final hour to clear out remaining inventory and maximize final sales.

13. Talent Show

What It Is: A performance showcase for students, faculty, and parents to display their unique skills.

Pro Tip: Secure donated concessions to sell, not only to raise more money but to make it feel like a real theater experience.

14. Field Day

What It Is: A day of outdoor games and activities where tickets or wristbands are sold for participation.

Pro Tip: Pre-sell “unlimited participation” wristbands online to secure revenue before the event date.

15. Read-a-Thon

What It Is: A literacy challenge where students gather pledges for every minute or page they read during a specific period.

Pro Tip: Use an online platform to track minutes so friends and family can easily pledge support remotely.

16. Shoe Drive

What It Is: A collection drive for gently used footwear that is sold to recycling organizations.

Pro Tip: Partner with recyclers who pay for shoes by the pound.

17. Car Wash

What It Is: Students wash vehicles in a high-traffic location in exchange for donations.

Pro Tip: Pre-sell tickets to parents and neighbors to guarantee funds are collected even if it rains on the event day.

18. Last Day of School Picnic

What It Is: A social gathering where students and their families attend a picnic/barbecue after school lets out for the summer.

Pro Tip: Charge for food and sell class-specific shirts.

19. Plant Sale

What It Is: A seasonal market selling flowers, vegetables, or potted plants to families.

Pro Tip: Source cuttings or starts from parents' own gardens to keep the cost of goods low.

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Workplace Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

20. Corporate Steps Challenge

What It Is: A wellness competition where departments or companies compete to log the most steps over a month.

Pro Tip: Charge an entry fee to create an industry-wide challenge with a traveling trophy.

21. "Casual for a Cause" Day

What It Is: Employees donate a set amount for the privilege of wearing jeans or casual attire to the office.

Pro Tip: Allow employees to prepay for a quarter or even a year of casual Fridays at a discount to secure upfront revenue.

22. Office Cook-Off

What It Is: A culinary competition where employees cook dishes and colleagues pay to taste and vote.

Pro Tip: Monetize the lunch hour by charging for tasting spoons and selling extra voting chances.

23. Guest Bartending Happy Hour

What It Is: Senior leadership tends the bar at a local venue, with all tips going to the charity.

Pro Tip: Incentivize a rivalry between different executives with a small prize to see who can earn the most tips during their shift.

24. E-Waste Recycling Drive

What It Is: A collection event for old electronics like laptops and phones, often paid for by recycling partners.

Pro Tip: Pitch this to leadership as a tangible way to meet the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

25. VIP Parking Spot Auction

What It Is: Employees bid to win a prime parking location or the CEO's spot for a month.

Pro Tip: Run this quarterly to keep the revenue stream consistent throughout the year.

26. Matching Gift Drive

What It Is: A dedicated 24-hour period where the company matches employee donations dollar-for-dollar.

Pro Tip: Gamify the day by setting a collective goal that unlocks an office-wide reward, like a half-day off.

27. Office Happy Hour

What It Is: Employees pay a flat fee to go out for dinner or a drink after the workday with their colleagues, with the proceeds going to charity.

Pro Tip: Price tickets so that attending is a good value for employees.

28. Buzzword Jar

What It Is: Employees pay a nominal fee every time they use a banned corporate buzzword in a meeting.

Pro Tip: Choose words that are specific to your industry culture to make it a fun, inside joke.

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Virtual Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

29. Virtual Fun Run or Walk

What It Is: Participants run or walk a distance on their own time and upload their results online.

Pro Tip: Mail a physical finisher’s medal to participants to give them a tangible connection to the event.

30. Webinar Masterclass

What It Is: An exclusive educational session or series led by an expert, accessible via a ticketed link.

Pro Tip: Ask donors and stakeholders to donate their expertise to minimize costs.

31. Online Cooking Class

What It Is: A live-streamed instructional session where a chef guides viewers through a recipe.

Pro Tip: Send a shopping list one week prior so attendees can buy ingredients and cook along live.

32. Virtual Silent Auction

What It Is: An auction held entirely online using mobile bidding software.

Pro Tip: Use software that notifies users via text when they have been outbid to drive outcomes.

33. Birthday Fundraisers

What It Is: Individuals ask for donations to a cause as birthday gifts.

Pro Tip: Provide pre-written social media templates to make it effortless for supporters to launch their own pages.

34. Social Media Challenge

What It Is: Participants perform a specific action, post it on social, and tag others to donate. The person with the most engagement wins a small prize.

Pro Tip: Create a specific, short, and branded hashtag to track participation across different platforms.

35. Virtual Book Club

What It Is: A monthly online discussion group requiring a subscription or donation to join.

Pro Tip: Select books relevant to your nonprofit's mission to deepen donor education and engagement.

36. Online Merch Campaign

What It Is: Sell branded apparel or merchandise through a dedicated web store.

Pro Tip: Use print-on-demand services to handle fulfillment, avoiding the risk of holding unsold inventory.

37. Giving Tuesday Campaign

What It Is: A global day of online giving held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Pro Tip: Secure a matching grant from a major donor to double the impact of all online donations.

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Food & Drink Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

38. Craft Brewery Tour

What It Is: A ticketed event offering tastings or tours at a local brewery.

Pro Tip: Secure a sponsor to cover the cost of commemorative glasses so ticket sales remain profitable.

39. Pancake Breakfast

What It Is: A community meal serving pancakes, often held on weekend mornings.

Pro Tip: Use a church or community hall kitchen to avoid expensive catering rentals.

40. Food Truck Festival

What It Is: A gathering of multiple food trucks where the charity receives a portion of sales or an entry fee.

Pro Tip: Charge trucks a parking fee to ensure revenue is generated before attendees even arrive.

41. Wine Pull

What It Is: A raffle where donors pay a flat price to blindly select a wrapped bottle of wine.

Pro Tip: Mix high-end vintage bottles with budget table wines to drive excitement and perceived value.

42. Barbecue Competition

What It Is: A cooking contest focused on smoked meats where attendees sample the results.

Pro Tip: Sell VIP judge passes for exclusive tasting privileges and early access.

43. Farm-to-Table Dinner

What It Is: An upscale outdoor meal featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Pro Tip: Auction off the seat next to the chef or a guest of honor for an additional donation.

44. Pub Crawl

What It Is: A social event where a group moves between several bars, receiving drink specials.

Pro Tip: Use a branded t-shirt as the ticket for discounts, providing lasting marketing value.

45. Ice Cream Social

What It Is: A simple event serving ice cream to community members.

Pro Tip: Use this low-cost event to gather contact information from participants for future stewardship.

46. Murder Mystery Dinner

What It Is: A dinner party where guests work together to solve a fictional crime.

Pro Tip: Sell clues to tables that get stuck to generate extra revenue during the meal.

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Competition Charity Fundraising Event Ideas

47. Trivia Night

What It Is: A quiz competition played in teams at a bar or hall.

Pro Tip: Make the trivia mission-related to build a connection.

48. Casino Night

What It Is: An event with gambling-style games played for prizes rather than cash.

Pro Tip: Ensure prizes are high-value (trips, electronics) to drive the sale of game chips.

49. Scavenger Hunt

What It Is: Teams solve clues to find locations or items around the city.

Pro Tip: Use a mobile app to automate scoring and direct participants to sponsor locations.

50. Karaoke Battle

What It Is: A singing competition where the audience's votes determine the winner.

Pro Tip: Allow the audience to pay money to choose songs for the singers, adding a humorous element.

51. Battle of the Bands

What It Is: Local bands compete for a title, bringing their fanbases to the event.

Pro Tip: Voting is done via cash donations, and the band that raises the most money wins.

52. 50/50 Raffle

What It Is: A raffle drawing where the winner splits the cash pot evenly with the charity.

Pro Tip: Sell tickets at an accessible price point to increase the average transaction size.

53. Envelope Fundraiser

What It Is: Envelopes numbered 1-100 are placed on a wall. Donors choose and fill an envelope with the corresponding cash amount to yield exactly $5,050 if all envelopes are filled.

Pro Tip: Bundle it with another event to raise more.

54. Pet Wash

What It Is: Volunteers wash pets in exchange for donations.

Pro Tip: Partner with a pet store to use their facilities and water supply.

55. Gift Wrapping Station

What It Is: Volunteers wrap gifts for shoppers at a mall or store around the holidays in exchange for a donation.

Pro Tip: Staff the booth during peak holiday shopping hours to maximize donations per hour.

56. Flamingo Flocking

What It Is: Donors pay to have plastic flamingos placed on a friend's lawn.

Pro Tip: Include a "removal insurance" upsell for neighbors who want to proactively protect their lawns.

57. Fashion Show

What It Is: A runway event showcasing clothing, often from local boutiques.

Pro Tip: Feature stakeholders and beneficiaries as models to increase engagement.

58. Deconstructed Gala

What It Is: A gala format with food stations and standing tables instead of a sit-down dinner.

Pro Tip: This format encourages better networking and flow among major donors.

59. Masquerade Ball

What It Is: A formal dance where guests wear masks.

Pro Tip: Sell masks at the door for guests who want to upgrade their look.

60. Comedy Night

What It Is: A stand-up comedy show benefiting the charity.

Pro Tip: Vet comics carefully to ensure their material aligns with your values.

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Start planning your golf tournament!

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Charity Fundraising Event FAQ

What is the most profitable fundraising event?

With the right tools and strategy, charity golf tournaments have the most fundraising potential because they appeal to corporate sponsors, attract high-net-worth individuals, are scalable, and offer high ROI.

What are the best fundraising event ideas for different budgets?

If you have a limited budget, focus on events that don’t require a ton of upfront investment. When done properly, you can hold a successful golf event with no start-up budget. You might also focus on volunteer-powered events, like peer-to-peer campaigns or car washes, because they require almost no upfront cash. Event ideas like trivia nights, bowl-a-thons, or fun runs require modest deposits for venues or permits but offer healthy profit margins through entry fees and sponsorships.

Golf tournaments are a great charity fundraising idea—no matter your budget!

How do we choose a fundraising event idea?

Nonprofit event planners should consider:

• The event’s primary purpose, whether it’s purely fundraising, awareness, volunteer recruitment, or a mix. A clear goal drives the best idea.

• The age, interests, and capacity to give of your typical supporters.

• Your budget, volunteer capacity, staff time, and available venue space. Don't choose an event that will stretch your resources too thin.

• A connection to your nonprofit's cause. A dog shelter, for example, might host a "dog wash" fundraiser, which ties directly to the mission.

• Potential revenue versus the anticipated costs and effort, focusing on ideas with a high potential for net profit.

• The event’s replicability and potential to grow into an annual signature event.

• What other local nonprofits are doing. You want your event to stand out, not compete for the same attendees and sponsors.

• Events that offer a unique, fun, or memorable experience.

Conclusion

Successful fundraising isn’t about hosting more events—it’s about choosing the right ones for your audience, resources, and revenue goals. When your event aligns with donor interests, offers meaningful sponsor value, and scales year over year, it can become a cornerstone of your fundraising strategy.

Whether you’re launching your first event or redefining an existing one, focus on ideas that create memorable experiences, multiple revenue streams, and long-term relationships to maximize impact.

Work with the experts to host the top charity fundraising event

Get started with the golf fundraising pros at GolfStatus

Book a Meeting

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

Registration is the first interaction many golfers and sponsors have with your charity golf tournament, so a cumbersome registration process may turn some people off from participating. An easy way to make a good first impression is to offer an intuitive, streamlined process that uses a robust online registration form.

Registration is the first interaction golfers may have with your golf fundraiser.

This guide answers your FAQs about golf tournament registration forms, including how to leverage a golf tournament management platform for the best possible experience.

table of contents

FAQs About Golf Tournament Registration Forms

Sample Golf Tournament Registration Form

FAQs About Golf Tournament Registration Forms

How do I get our golf tournament registration form out to golfers?

Instead of relying on direct mail to distribute paper registration forms, start by choosing a golf-specific event management software that includes a professional, polished golf tournament website complete with online registration.

The website is the home base of your tournament, where golfers and sponsors can go to learn more about your organization and submit their registration. All of your tournament’s promotion should direct people to your event website, including email campaigns, social media, newsletters, your organization’s website, and printed flyers or invitations (using a QR code).

Much of the information that typically appears on paper registration forms can be added to the event website, such as:

• Event information. The tournament’s date, time, host golf facility name, and facility address should appear prominently on your tournament’s website.

• Tournament and/or organization branding. Include the tournament logo if you have one, as well as your organization’s logo and brand colors when appropriate.

• Format and scoring. Be sure to mention the tournament’s format and how it will be scored, like a four-person 18-hole scramble or best ball round.

• Tournament schedule. Include the event’s schedule, including specific times for registration, meals, shotgun start, and any other special events like a live or silent auction, banquet, or raffle drawing.

• Information about contests or games. Highlight any hole-in-one contests and their corresponding prizes, on-course games or challenges, and add-ons like mulligans.

• Policies. Include information about policies related to inclement weather, refunds, media rights, alcohol use, conduct guidelines, etc.

• Golf facility logo (optional). If your tournament is being held at a high-end, prestigious golf facility, including the logo on the website might help attract golfers.
  

What fields should my golf tournament registration form include?

Golfers are prime candidates for donors, so it’s crucial that you capture complete, accurate contact information for each golfer to include in your donor database. Include the following form fields:

• Name

• Address

• Email address

• Phone number

• Sponsor information

When sponsors register, your golf tournament form should include fields to upload logos and share website links and messaging.

You’ll also want to ask for additional event specifics on your registration form, such as:

• Dietary restrictions or preferences. If you’re providing a meal, you’ll want to accommodate any restrictions or preferences.

• Apparel size. Many tournaments include t-shirts, polos, or other apparel items with registration or as a player gift.

• Payment information. Instead of relying on paper forms that include cash, checks, or handwritten credit card information, an online form should be equipped with secure payment processing. Golfers submit their payment information when they register, automatically receiving a receipt and confirmation, eliminating manual processes and data entry errors.

With online registration forms, golfer and sponsor registration information can be easily accessed and managed in the software’s back end. There’s no need to bounce between paper forms, emails, information from phone calls, or spreadsheets—it’s all in one place.

Using an online registration form as part of a robust golf tournament management platform is a game-changer for tournament organizers, golfers, and sponsors.

What other information should we include on our golf tournament registration form?

Using an event management platform built for golf to power your registration form makes it seamless to collect and manage golf tournament-specific information, like:

• GHIN number. This is a unique ID for golfers in the Golf Handicap Information Network that tracks golf scores to calculate a handicap.

• Handicap. A handicap is a number that reflects how many strokes above par a golfer might play.

• Team pairing preferences. Golfers may want to be paired with friends, family, or colleagues during the tournament.

• Course preferences. Some golf facilities have more than one course, so it’s helpful to ask which course golfers would prefer to play on.

• Tee time preferences. While most charity golf tournaments utilize a shotgun start, tee times are also an option. If yours offers tee times, be sure to collect that information during registration.
  

What are the benefits of using an online golf tournament registration form instead of a paper form?

• You’ll save time and effort. Tournament planning teams can expect to save 30-40+ hours by utilizing online registration, freeing them up to focus on sponsorships, donations, and the overall tournament experience.

• It eliminates manual processes. Instead of manually processing paper forms and payments, plus entering and re-entering data, everything is automated as soon as the golfer hits submit—data collection, payment processing, confirmation emails, and receipts.

• You can better manage cash flow. Payments flow into the platform, where they’re held until you’re ready to request a payout. You can track tournament revenue in real-time and better project profit and loss.

• It’s easier to upsell. Include add-ons like mulligans, on-course game entry, merchandise sales, and raffle tickets in your registration process, so golfers can simply click to add them to their cart instead of hassling with cash on tournament day.

• You can track inventory in real-time. When they visit your event site to register, golfers and sponsors can see exactly how many packages are available. In the back end, organizers can utilize waitlists if necessary.

Explore Strategies That Save Time & Boost Revenue to Transform Your Golf Fundraiser

How do we create our own golf tournament registration form?

It’s easy! Get started with a tournament management software like GolfStatus and build a tournament, event website, and registration form in minutes. Simply plug your tournament information into the software, add logos and graphics, set packages and pricing, and determine form fields. Share the tournament website link with your networks as soon as the site is live, and you can start collecting registrations and selling sponsorships right away.

Best of all, you’re not on your own! GolfStatus’ team of golf fundraising experts is there to help every step of the way, from building your registration form to going live with your website to answering questions.

Sample Golf Tournament Registration Form

Using an online golf tournament registration form and an event website are game-changers for your fundraiser.

Golf Tournament Registration Form

Effortlessly collect golfer and sponsor details, shirt sizes, meal preferences, and more with an online registration form.

Collect Golf-Specific Information

A purpose-built platform makes it easy and seamless to collect golf-specific details, like handicap and GHIN, on your golf tournament registration form.

Golf Tournament Website

Your golf tournament registration form should be part of an attractive, intuitive event website.

Registration Packages

Site visitors can browse packages and register with just a few clicks—instead of filling out a paper form.

Confirmation Receipt

Online registration automates sending confirmation emails and receipts.

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Sample Websites With Golf Tournament Registration Forms

AG Foundation Annual Golf Classic

Small, First-Year Tournament

17th Annual Chenega Golf Invitational

Established, Mid-Sized Tournament

Desert Financial Golf Tournament

High-End, High-Grossing Tournament

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Final Thoughts

Your golf tournament registration form does more than just collect names and payments. A clean, intuitive online registration experience signals professionalism, builds trust with golfers and sponsors, and helps your tournament start strong.

By using a golf-specific event management platform to power your golf tournament registration form, you simplify the process, reduce manual work, and gain real-time visibility into registrations and revenue. From capturing donor data and managing sponsorships to selling add-ons and tracking inventory, everything lives in one place—saving your team valuable time and minimizing tournament-day headaches. A well-built golf tournament registration form helps you work smarter and creates a better experience for golfers and sponsors.

Streamline Golf Tournament Registration

Securely collect and manage golfer and sponsor information 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.

When it comes to fundraising events, there are plenty of event management platform options out there: CRMs, event-specific platforms, ticketing platforms, peer-to-peer platforms, and more. But how will these work for your golf fundraiser? Can they handle the specific nuances of a golf tournament? Will they make your life easier—or require workarounds and adaptations to make it function the way you need it to?

A purpose-built solution is a must-have to make the most out of your golf tournament’s fundraising potential.

The last thing you need is costly, complicated software for your golf event that drains your time and resources instead of driving fundraising. As you evaluate software options for your golf event, here are 10 tips for choosing the right platform.

1. Use a Purpose-Built Solution

No other fundraising event comes with the level of specificity required for a golf tournament. Generic event management platforms simply don’t have the capacity to handle the unique components of a golf tournament, like team pairings, event formats, hole assignments, handicaps, live scoring, and flighting. Your chosen solution should be built just for golf, with baked-in features to manage everything from registration and payments to sponsor exposure and live leaderboards.

2. User-Friendliness is Non-Negotiable

When tech isn’t easy to use and learn, your attention shifts from the critical tasks of attracting golfers, connecting with donors, selling sponsorships, and providing a great experience to troubleshooting software issues, finding workarounds, and generally wasting your time. Your tournament management software should be intuitive so anyone on your staff or planning team can create an event or duplicate an existing tournament with a few clicks and make changes, additions, and updates quickly and easily. A web-based platform with shared access lets you, your team, and even golf course staff access up-to-the-minute information.

3. Look for Tools to Boost Revenue

If the goal of your golf tournament is to raise money, you’ll want a platform that comes with baked-in tools that help facilitate fundraising, including the ability to collect donations (plus a way to set a donation goal and track your progress), the option for registrants to cover any fees, and easy ways to receive your funds during planning or after the event. Look for a provider that offers tournament add-on options to drive thousands of dollars in additional revenue, like:

• Hole-in-one contest insurance

• Custom pin flags

• Hole signage

• Exclusive sponsorship opportunities

Look for a provider that offers tournament add-ons that help boost revenue, such as hole sponsor signage.

4. Save Time & Effort at Every Stage of Planning

Technology can certainly automate time-consuming tasks and manual labor, but poorly designed software or tools that aren’t quite what you need can quickly offset the time-saving benefits of technology with additional training, troubleshooting, and complicated workarounds. Choose a solution that’s both powerful enough to meet your needs and simple enough that you won’t spend hours training staff, trying to work out adaptations, and fixing problems. Look for features that ease common tournament planning pain points, like online registration, pre-formatted documents and printouts, hole assignments, live scoring, and sponsor onboarding.

Any software solution should keep you organized by tracking golfer, sponsor, and donor information in the platform’s backend, and you should be able to easily export donor data for seamless inclusion in your nonprofit’s donor database.

5. Expect a Free, Professional Event Website

Experienced tournament organizers and event planners will tell you that every fundraising event you hold should come with an event website. When evaluating event management software, ensure that it can generate a clean, sleek, well-designed event website where golfers and sponsors can find more information, register a team, purchase a sponsorship, and pay securely. The event site serves as the home page for the tournament and presents your organization and sponsoring businesses in a professional light, with user flows that make it easy to complete transactions.

An event website simplifies everything from promotion and marketing to registration and sponsor exposure.

What’s more, with an event site, promotion becomes as easy as sharing a link in email campaigns, social media, your organization’s website, and even on printed pieces with a QR code. This way, folks can commit to your tournament right when they hear about it, instead of filling out a paper registration form and finding a stamp to mail it back.

6. Elevate the Experience for Golfers & Sponsors

The best software lends a professional experience to every aspect of your tournament and gives it instant credibility, which can be especially helpful for first-year events. Processes and materials that look outdated or unsightly can cheapen your event, which can influence the caliber of players and sponsors it attracts. The ultimate goal is to provide a professional experience from the moment someone hears about your tournament and visits your event site to when they submit their team’s score on the live scoring app.

7. You’ll Want Live Scoring (Trust Us)

A golf-specific feature—sometimes underrated and underused by tournament organizers—to look for in your tournament management software is live scoring. Teams input their scores on a mobile app, which syncs in real-time to live leaderboards. Golfers can see hole-by-hole standings, organizers can follow the round’s progress and keep the overall event moving smoothly, and golf staff can quickly finalize the tournament’s results because there’s no need to hunt down paper scorecards. Look for a solution that offers professional, glitch-free live scoring with a leaderboard sponsorship that offers digital exposure that can be sold at a premium.

Live scoring and leaderboards engage golfers throughout the tournament and offer sponsors additional digital exposure.

8. Don’t Break the Bank

With limited budgets, nonprofits need solutions that work well and don’t cost a fortune. Software that’s so expensive that it forces you to limit resources in other areas isn’t actually saving time or money. When choosing a tournament software platform, certainly consider baseline costs, if there’s a cost per user or for support, and look out for hidden fees, any upcharges, and tricky contracts. Many solutions offer extremely limited access at no cost and then charge substantially more for necessary features. Look for straightforward pricing, fees, and payout procedures.

9. The Golf Facility Should Love It, Too

Staff at the host golf facility stand to benefit from tournament management software as much as you and your planning team do. You should be able to share access to the platform with golf staff so they can assist with finalizing hole assignments, flighting, tie-breakers, and other golf-specific tasks.

Look for pre-formatted printouts, like scorecards, cart signs, and alpha lists, so golf staff can literally just hit “print” instead of having to create these pieces from scratch, saving them hours and allowing them to provide better service to you and your tournament’s golfers. Some golf facilities have an internal system in place that they rely on to manage and execute outside events and live scoring, but at your request, they may be willing to accommodate whatever platform you decide to use.

10. Demand Free, Responsive & Knowledgeable Support

Failure to provide adequate support is, unfortunately, common among software providers, so look at the level of support provided when choosing a tournament management tool. Be sure to ask about the support you can expect to receive:

• Are support staff in-house or outsourced?

• As a user, do you have immediate access to the support you need leading up to, during, or after your event?

• Is support available seven days a week?

• What tools are available to assist your team and the golf facility in the evenings and on weekends when events are in full swing?

Bonus points if the support team includes PGA Professionals who know the ins and outs of golf events and fundraising specialists who can provide guidance and coaching on format, pricing, and fundraising enhancers.

Your software solution should come with responsive, expert support with no additional cost.

Get Started With the Industry’s Leading Tournament Management Software—At No Upfront Cost

GolfStatus’ mission is to help nonprofits tap into golf’s giving power by providing tools, resources, and support to plan and execute lucrative golf fundraisers. Get started with a professional event website, online registration and payment processing, live scoring, exclusive sponsorships and add-ons, and live support seven days a week at no upfront cost. Connect with the GolfStatus team to make your next golf event the best one yet!

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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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.

After two years of success, the Putt Putt Fore Puppies mini golf tournament came back for an even bigger and better year three! Planned by GolfStatus staff, Putt Putt Fore Puppies brings the community together to raise funds for Capital Humane Society (CHS), which cares for homeless pets in Lincoln, Nebraska, and helps them find their forever homes.

2025 Recap

• Golfers / Teams: 200 / 50 

• Courses: 3 of 3

• Sponsors: 28 (plus 9 Pet Spotlights)

• Outcomes: Nearly $13,000 donated to CHS

  • $2,000 raised on tournament day

The 2025 Putt Putt Fore Puppies Mini Golf Tournament was another resounding success! While the final amount donated to Capital Humane Society was less than in 2024 (2024’s event benefited from a very generous day-of donation that skewed the final numbers), the tournament actually raised more than in previous years. Here’s how we boosted overall revenue:

• Sponsorships. New packages were added (Tennis Ball Pet Toy Sponsor, Doggie Bandana Sponsor, Drink Ticket Sponsor, Trophy Sponsor), and prices were slightly increased to drive income. 

• Team packages. Two team packages were offered—an “all-in” package and a standard package. Both included t-shirts, dinner, gifts, a drink ticket, and a round of mini golf for each golfer, but the all-in package includes entry into on-course games and 12 raffle tickets. Pricing was increased to cover costs and better reflect the experience.

• Pet showcase. Pet owners had the opportunity to purchase a “sponsorship” to show off their beloved pets on the event website and signage at the tournament. Pet owners got to take their pet’s sign home at the end of the day!

• 50/50 ball drop. Attendees purchased numbered balls for $10 each, giving them the chance to win half of the total dollars raised from the ball drop. Over 50 balls (out of 100 possible) were sold, and all 100 were dropped on one of the holes before the shotgun start. Two balls made it in the hole, and the winners split the pot with CHS. One winner donated half of his winnings back to CHS! This was a relatively late addition to the tournament, with limited time to promote it ahead of event day. Because it was well-received, the planning team will continue it in 2026 and start selling balls when registration opens.

• Merch. A merch sales table was another new addition to the tournament, including ball markers and magnets featuring Pete, the Putt Putt Puppy; stickers with the event logo and likeness of several of the pet spotlight animals; and additional event t-shirts. 

• Additional raffle prizes. This year’s raffle was extremely successful due to the quality and quantity of prizes. Attendees purchased more raffle tickets for the chance to win high-dollar prizes, including an espresso machine, photography packages, gift cards, attraction tickets, and more. And since all prizes were donated, there were no overhead costs.

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2025 Changes

Based on feedback from last year’s participants, the planning team implemented a few changes for the 2025 tournament. 

• New planning team. Planning team members included: Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer; Payton Prall, Digital Media Manager; Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager; David Li, Graphic Designer; Dane Stahr, Product Designer; Ty Perkins, Account Manager; Paul Sanger, Account Manager; Alex White, Fundraising Specialist; Brenden Holling, Client Success Specialist; Jack Burmeister, Client Success Specialist; Cash Dinkel, Director of Client Success; 

• New schedule. Additional time was built into the schedule to accommodate the extra time required to complete the Backwoods Course and the raffle drawing.

• New tournament day layout. To better facilitate golfer check-in and avoid bottlenecks around the registration area, the layout was revamped. We leveraged some additional green space at Adventure Golf for a smoother flow from check-in and add-ons to dinner, sponsors, and raffle tables.

• New on-course games. New game options were added to each course, including a pet putter (golfers putted with a dog toy, tennis ball launcher, or pooper scooper), alternative ball (putting with the tennis ball dog toy instead of their golf ball), and animal trivia.

Past Tournament Recaps

Here’s a quick rundown of what the tournament accomplished in its first two years:

Year 1: 2023

• Golfers / Teams: 164 / 41 

• Courses: 2 of 3

• Sponsors: 21

• Fundraising Goal: $3,000

• Outcomes: $9,200 donated to CHS

  • $1,100 raised on tournament day

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Year 2: 2024

• Golfers / Teams: 216 / 54

• Courses: 3 of 3

• Sponsors: 31

• Fundraising Goal: $12,000

• Outcome: $15,000 donated to CHS

• $5,500 raised on tournament day

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Thank you sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Flag Sponsor

Golf Ball Sponsor

Doggie Bandana Sponsor

Tennis Ball Pet Toy Sponsor

Flag Sponsor

Dinner Sponsor

Music Sponsor

19th Hole Sponsor

Swag Sponsor

Trophy Sponsor

Batting Cage Sponsor

Hole Sponsors:

Signage Sponsor

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