by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

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

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

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

1. New Golf Tournament Sponsorship Option

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

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

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

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

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

2. premium visibility across the course

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

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

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

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

3. Elevate the Look & Feel of Your Tournament

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

• Build credibility with first-time golfers and supporters

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

• Differentiate your tournament from others in the area

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

4. raise more money

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

• Offer unprecedented visibility across the golf course

• Have a “wow” factor

• Give sponsors a unique way to stand out

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

5. extend the value beyond tournament day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

SAMPLE PIN FLAG SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

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

Entire Course Sponsorship: 18 Pin Flags

One package available.

• Exclusive branding on all 18 pin flags across the course

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

• Recognition on social media and email blasts

• Opportunity for social media collaboration

• Includes one foursome

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

Front or Back Nine Sponsorship: 9 Flags

Two packages available.

• Exclusive branding on nine pin flags

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

• Recognition on social media and email blasts

• Price point: $2,000 - $3,000+

Individual Pin Flag Sponsorship

18 packages available.

• Branding on one pin flag

• Company name and logo displayed on the event website

• Price point: $250 - $500 per hole

Bundled Hole Sponsorship

18 packages available.

• Individual pin flag sponsorship

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

• Company name and logo displayed on the event website.

• Price point: $600 - $1,000

---

Final Thoughts

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

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

The Right Partner for Pin Flags

Get Started With GolfStatus

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfStatus (@golf_status)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfStatus (@golf_status)

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

---

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfStatus (@golf_status)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfStatus (@golf_status)

---

partner snapshot

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

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

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

---

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

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

---

the challenge

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

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

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

the solution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the results

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

new sponsorship opportunities

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

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

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

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

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

live scoring

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

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

Showcasing the Mission

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

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

Meeting Goals

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

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

---

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

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

---

golf for good with golfstatus

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

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

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

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

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

why consider an off-season golf event?

extend your fundraising season & momentum

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

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

Reach New Audiences

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

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

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

Offer Accessibility & Flexibility

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

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

Engage With Supporters Throughout the Year

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

Three unique golf event ideas

1. Mini Golf Fundraiser

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

When to host:

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

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

How to make it successful:

• Charge a registration fee per player or per team.

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

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

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

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

2. top golf event

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

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

How to make it successful:

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Indoor golf simulator event

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

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

How to make it successful:

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

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

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

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

tips for hosting a winning alternative golf fundraiser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

final thoughts on unique golf fundraisers

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

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

golfstatus powers all types of golf events

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

Book a Meeting With GolfStatus

Get Started at No Upfront Cost

partner snapshot

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

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

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

---

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

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

---

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

the challenge

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

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

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

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

the solution

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

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

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

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

the results

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

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

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

technology boosts efficiency & professionalism

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

---

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

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

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

confidence for the future

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

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

---

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

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

---

golf for good with golfstatus

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

GolfStatus’ on-staff PGA Professionals—Cash Dinkel, PGA; Jason Meininger, PGA; and Paul Murcek, PGA—continue to share their insights and experiences in this ongoing PGA Q&A blog series. They’re back for another installment, this time talking about a popular revenue enhancer at charity golf tournaments—on-course games.

Q: We want to have games on some of the tournament holes. How many is too many? How many do you recommend?

Cash Dinkel: I would say keep it to six or fewer. Four is a great sweet spot. You don’t want to have too many games that it impacts the pace of play too much, but games can be a great way to earn some extra money from golfers.

Paul Murcek: I wouldn’t recommend doing more than six, especially if the games will slow down the tournament’s pace of play.

Jason Meininger: I would say between three and six games is about right. If you have too many, it will slow down the pace of play, and no one likes getting stuck waiting at a hole.

Q: What are some of the best on-course games you’ve seen at charity golf tournaments? What made them great?

Jason Meininger: A few I’ve seen work well at charity tournaments:

• Beat the Pro. On a par three hole, a Pro (could be the course’s golf pro, a professional golf entertainer, or other person) hits a shot and golfers pay to hit the same shot. They win a prize if their shot is closer to the hole. Golfers feel great if they can beat the pro!

• Air cannon. Golfers pay $20 (or other amount) to shoot the air cannon as their tee shot. This is really popular—it’s fun to shoot the cannon.

• Chip into a small pool. Golfers pay to hit a chip shot to land in the pool to win a prize.

Cash Dinkel:

• Use the Pro’s shot. Each team pays $20 or so and gets to hit their next shot from where the Pro hits their shot. This is very popular on par threes and par fives if the Pro hits the ball a long way.

• Closest to the pin, long drive, or longest putt contests. Sell a sponsorship to pay for the cost of the prize (and a little extra revenue), and the winners get golf shop credit or another prize.

• Beat the Pro. Another variation on what Jason mentioned is that each team pays $100 to go against the pro. If the team is closer than the pro on the tee shot, the team gets a one on that hole; if not, the hole is played normally. Another option is to give additional raffle tickets to teams who win.

• 50/50 putting contest. Set up a medium difficulty putt, maybe 20 to 30 feet. Golfers pay $20 per attempt with unlimited attempts. Everyone who makes the medium difficulty putt then gets to attempt a very difficult putt of 40 to 50 feet. If a golfer makes the difficult putt, they split half the entry fees with the host organization.

Habitat for Humanity of Columbus, Nebraska features a putting contest at their annual golf fundraiser, in which golfers use various building tools (two by fours, levels, sledgehammers, etc.) to putt.

Q: How about the worst on-course games? Why were they the worst?

Paul Murcek: Any game games where there’s too much time between golf shots. An example is where a golfer has to spin around and make themselves dizzy before hitting a golf shot. Although it is funny, it slows down play, and in the end, slow play is the biggest killer of repeat golfers and sponsors at a golf event.

Cash Dinkel: The String Game. No one wants to hold onto and cut a string throughout the day. Most people don’t grasp the game, and a lot of teams use it differently, making it not ideal.

Q: How do we maintain the pace of play with on-course games?

Jason Meininger: Bottom line—don’t overdo the games, or it will slow down the pace of play.

Cash Dinkel: Make them simple and easy to understand, and don’t do more than six. Games that are a part of normal play (like tee shots or putts) mean it won’t take more time than needed to play the hole.

Paul Murcek: I echo what Cash said about having games or contests that are part of normal play, like closest to the pin, beat the pro on a par three, or longest drive, to not affect the pace of play. Utilize volunteers who understand golf and suggest a window of no more than 15 minutes for a team to play a hole to keep a brisk pace of play (15 minutes per hole on an 18-hole golf course means a round of about four hours and 30 minutes).

When done properly, on-course games won’t slow down the tournament’s pace of play.

Q: Will golf course staff help run on-course games, or do I need volunteers?

Cash Dinkel: More often than not, your team will be tasked with staffing those contests. It’s a question to ask the golf facility, but I wouldn’t expect them to do that. They can usually assist you with setup.

Paul Murcek: You will definitely need volunteers or staff members from your organization. In my experience, golf course staff won’t help with on-course games in most cases.

Jason Meininger: Course staff will usually not run the games for you, so getting volunteers is the best option.

Q: Do golf facilities generally have any restrictions on the on-course games allowed? If so, what are they, and how can we work with the facility to make everyone happy?

Cash Dinkel: I’ve never heard of a golf course limiting on-course games. If there are concerns about pace of play or the need to protect the integrity of the course, they may say no to some on-course games. So make a point to communicate with the course what your plans are for games and contests, so there are no surprises on the day of the event.

Paul Murcek: Not to my knowledge, but every golf facility is different and may have different rules. Ask the pro if they have games that are not allowed.

Jason Meininger: I have never heard of a course restricting the number of on-course games, but like the other two said, be sure to talk with the golf staff to be sure.

---

Ask & Work With the Golf Fundraising Pros!

If you have a question for GolfStatus’ PGA Professionals, send it in an email to [email protected] with “PGA Pro Question” in the subject line!

Nonprofits, charities, and third parties holding golf events to benefit one can qualify to use GolfStatus’ tournament management software at no upfront cost. Our in-house team of golf fundraising experts, including PGA Professionals and Fundraising Specialists, is here to help save you time and raise the most money possible. Get started with GolfStatus by booking a meeting with our team—click below!

by Logan Foote, Sales and Education Director at GolfStatus

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

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

---

Table of Contents

What Are the Benefits of Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

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

What Are Some Best Practices for Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

Sample Golf Tournament Sponsorship Tiers

---

What Are the Benefits of Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

For Businesses

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

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

  • Average age: 46

  • Average household income: $125,000

  • Average net worth of golfers: $768,000

  • 33% are top-level managers

  • 25% own their own business

  • 83% own securities

  • 91% are homeowners

  • 83% regularly take vacations

  • 74% dine out at least once a week

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Nonprofits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Food & Beverage

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

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

• Wineries/vineyards

• Beverage distributors

• Sports and cocktail bars

How to Win Their Support

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

2. Healthcare

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

• Primary care physicians

• Dentists/orthodontists

• Chiropractors

• Physical therapists

• Surgery practices

• Dermatologists

• Other specialty practices

How to Win Their Support

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

3. Sports & Fitness

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

• Gyms/fitness centers

• Personal trainers

• Sporting goods stores

• Golf equipment stores

How to Win Their Support

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

4. Business-to-Business & Financial Services

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

• Financial advisors/wealth management services

• Insurance companies/agents

• CPAs/accounting firms

• Banks/credit unions

• Advertising agencies

• PR companies

• Technology companies

• Consultants

How to Win Their Support

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

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

5. Home Services

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

• Home builders

• Architects

• Real estate companies/agents

• Home remodeling companies/contractors

How to Win Their Support

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

6. Luxury Brands

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

• Jewelers

• High-end clothing brands

• Local boutiques

How to Win Their Support

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

7. Travel

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

• Car dealerships

• Car services

• Rental car companies 

• Travel agencies

• Hotels and resorts

How to Win Their Support

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

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

What Are Some Best Practices for Golf Tournament Sponsorships?

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Technology Sponsorship

• Pin Flag Sponsorship

• Hole-In-One Contest Sponsorship

Master sponsorship management with a specialty solution

Book a Meeting With GolfStatus

Sample Golf Tournament Sponsorship Tiers

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

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

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

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

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

Gold / Silver / Bronze Sponsor

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

Pin Flag Sponsor

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

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

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

Hole-In-One Contest Sponsor

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

Other Contest Sponsor

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

Beverage Cart Sponsor

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

Game Sponsor

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

Hole Sponsor (with or without a team included)

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

---

Sample Golf Fundraiser Sponsorship Packages

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

---

Get Exclusive Sponsorships With GolfStatus

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

Sponsors want results, so you need the right tools.

Book a meeting with GolfStatus for smarter sponsorship management!

About the Author

Logan Foote, Sales and Education Manager at GolfStatus

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

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

partner snapshot

In 2010, when Joe Merry was facing a long battle with cancer, his good friends Jacob Ferreira and James Fahey wanted to help. They organized a golf fundraiser to help cover his expenses while he was unable to work during cancer treatment, enabling him to focus solely on getting healthy during his recovery.

Hope Strengthens Foundation founders, from left: James Fahey, Joe Merry, and Jacob Ferreira.

While Joe went into remission and is cancer-free, Jacob and James realized that there was a pressing need for this type of help and support, and that their efforts were scalable. Hope Strengthens Foundation (HSF) was born out of Joe’s strength and courage and the desire to “do what we can to help people,” Jacob says.

They made a long-term commitment and strategy to provide the same support given to Joe to as many other people in need as possible. HSF’s mission is to provide critical financial support to individuals and families facing life-threatening illness, disability, or recovery from traumatic injuries.

the challenge

What was initially a one-off event evolved into a signature fundraiser for HSF to provide financial assistance for medical expenses, equipment purchases, travel costs, and other expenses, as well as scholarship programs to support students in need who are pursuing careers in healthcare. “We serve 50 to 100 families on an annual basis, primarily in New England, but have helped patients in 15 states,” Jacob says.

As the golf tournament grew, so did the complexity of managing its planning and execution. Manually collecting and managing team registrations, sponsorships, and donations placed a heavy administrative burden on Jacob and his team of volunteers. They needed a purpose-built solution for golf tournaments, one that would reduce the time spent on logistics and allow them to focus on what matters most: meeting urgent patient needs.

A dedicated event website made it simple to promote the tournament, register golfers, and sell sponsorships.

the solution

After researching donation platforms and event management tools, Jacob discovered GolfStatus. After watching a GolfStatus webinar and seeing a live demo, he was sold. “It was immediately clear that GolfStatus was built exactly for what we needed,” Jacob says. “The transition and onboarding were smooth, and it gave us everything in one place.”

HSF came on board with GolfStatus in 2022 to help:

• Automate team and individual registrations. Jacob says online registration has been a game-changer for the tournament, collecting information and payment in one easy step without any manual lift.

• Sell sponsorship packages and provide digital exposure. Sponsors could purchase their packages via the dedicated tournament website and upload logos and links, giving them instant exposure.

• Streamline planning. Jacob says, “The administrative lift before GolfStatus was so much higher. It’s easier now to just push the link out to our networks and let the registrations roll in.”

• Boost revenue with new sponsorships and add-ons. HSF leveraged GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship, pin flags, and hole-in-one insurance to round out its premium sponsorship offerings. They also received a donated Dormie Network Stay and Play package from the Dormie Network Foundation, which was included in the tournament’s live auction.

Hope Strengthens Foundation utilized GolfStatus’ branded pin flags offering.

GolfStatus became an essential planning partner for the golf outing, while backend support and customer service made the process even more seamless.

---

“The GolfStatus platform is exceptional, and the people behind it are just as exceptional.”

— Jacob Ferreira, Executive Director at Hope Strengthens Foundation

---

the results

The 2025 tournament marked its 13th year, raising over $56,000, which can immediately be put to use helping patients with care expenses. This take represents a 15% increase in sponsor revenue year-over-year, and the tournament continues to trend upwards in both turnout and dollars raised, due in part to GolfStatus’ solutions over the past few tournaments.

Jacob explains that the golf fundraiser, held each May, gets HSF through the first third of the year, which is mostly spent fundraising. “The golf tournament is a major pillar of our fundraising,” he says. His planning team is made up of about 10 volunteers who all love golf and love the sport’s ability to connect people and bring them together for an important cause.

The golf tournament is more than a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity for the community to connect around a cause and support patients.

more than a fundraiser

HSF’s golf tournament isn’t just a fundraiser; it’s a community gathering grounded in friendship, service, and impact. The field of golfers and sponsors typically return year after year and have evolved into regular donors to the Foundation.

By freeing up time, increasing efficiency, and supporting meaningful donor and participant engagement before, during, and after the tournament, GolfStatus lets Jacob and the volunteer planning team focus on enhancing the tournament experience each year. “Yes, the golf fundraiser is important for our mission, but the mission doesn’t happen without our supporters. A great experience is another way we can say thank you.” From a post-golf live auction led by NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque to a silent auction and heartfelt beneficiary stories, every detail of the tournament is intended to give participants the best possible memories of the event.

NHL Hall of Famer Ray Borque serves as the auctioneer at the post-round live auction.

What’s next?

Jacob says they’re always thinking about the tournament’s growth, but don’t want to dilute the player experience. They’re exploring adding a second course to double the number of golfers, but are being strategic so they don’t sacrifice the quality that participants have come to expect. The growth plan includes GolfStatus to continue to boost efficiency and drive revenue.

---

“Our partnership with GolfStatus has been instrumental in the tournament’s success. We can’t do it without the tech and expertise that lets us focus on our mission.”

— Jacob Ferreira, Executive Director at Hope Strengthens Foundation

---

From a mission standpoint, HSF will continue to strengthen its partnerships with area medical facilities’ patient service programs, including the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Pediatric Resource Program, Massachusetts General Cancer Center, and Home Base Veteran and Family Care in Massachusetts and Mass General Cancer Center at Wentworth Douglass Hospital in New Hampshire. Each hospital has a fund, subsidized by HSF, that supports patient needs identified by their care teams.

“Our goal is to quickly address the needs of these patients and families so they can focus on getting healthy,” Jacob says. “The golf tournament is a major driver to achieving that goal.”

golf for good with golfstatus

As a nonprofit, Hope Strengthens Foundation was able to utilize GolfStatus’ golf event management platform at no upfront cost. An event website made promoting the event, registering golfers, and selling sponsorships easy and efficient, and GolfStatus’ in-house client success team was there every step of the way to help make the golf tournament a success. Find out how you can take advantage of GolfStatus for your next golf event by booking a quick meeting with our team.

Get Started With GolfStatus at No Upfront Cost

Book a Meeting to Learn More

by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

There’s an important golf tournament to-do that often gets lost in the shuffle of securing a golf facility, promoting the event, recruiting sponsors, registering golfers, and finalizing details: branding. And while it might just seem like just one more task to cross off your list, branding plays a critical role in the success of your golf event.

Branding your tournament is a key factor in its success! Project Purple uses consistent brand colors and the organization’s logo in its golf tournament branding.

Branding your tournament is more than just slapping your logo on a flyer and calling it a day. Strong, consistent branding can elevate your tournament in big ways, building credibility, making your event more recognizable, helping attract sponsors and participants, and giving you a more professional, polished look. 

Let’s break down why branding matters for your tournament and how to build a cohesive brand—no design degree required.

Why Branding Matters for Your Golf Event

1. It Builds Trust

A clean, consistent visual identity helps people take your tournament seriously. When your materials look polished, potential sponsors, golfers, and donors are more likely to want to be part of it. They see that you’ve put care and thought into your event, and they can assume the overall tournament experience will reflect that, too.

2. It Creates Recognition

If someone sees your tournament’s logo on a flyer, then again on a social media post or in an email, and again on a t-shirt—guess what? They’re more likely to remember it! Branding keeps your tournament top-of-mind, helping grow participation and support for your mission.

3. It Makes Your Event Stand Out

There are a lot of charity golf tournaments out there. And while that’s certainly not a bad thing, it does make it a bit harder to stand out. That’s where branding comes in. Good branding makes your tournament pop. Whether it’s a clever logo, a bright color scheme, or a unique event name, these elements help make your tournament memorable.

4. It Improves Your Marketing

Clear branding makes it easier for you and your team to create marketing materials that look good and work well. From social posts to printed flyers to digital ads, branding helps ensure your marketing efforts are cohesive and easily recognizable by potential golfers, sponsors, and supporters.

Your Tournament’s Brand: What It Should Include

There’s good news for tournament organizers who don’t have access to a designer or a creative team: you don’t need a huge style guide or agency-designed logo to build an effective brand for your charity golf tournament. Simply start with these key elements:

Event Name

Give your tournament a name that’s fun, catchy, and theme or mission-related to help the event stand out and be remembered. Some examples from tournaments powered by GolfStatus:

• Fairway to Heaven Memorial Golf Scramble

• Survive & Thrive Golf Classic

• Drive Out Hunger Golf Classic

• Tee Off for Hope

• Habitat FORE! Humanity

• Putt Putt Fore Puppies

• Drive to Cure Cancer Golf Classic

• Drive for Hope Golf Outing

• Teeing Up Tomorrow

• Chip In for Children’s Charity Golf Outing

• Birdies for Bravery

If your cause doesn’t lend itself to a punny name, don’t sweat—simply including your organization’s name or mission in the name can be just as powerful for branding.

Your tournament’s name and logo should appear on all promotional materials, including your event website.

Logo 

Use your nonprofit’s existing logo or create a unique one for your tournament. Keep it simple, scalable (so it looks good no matter where or what size it’s used), and legible. If you choose to create a separate logo specifically for the golf tournament, be sure that it complements your organization’s overall branding if and when they’re used together.

Color Palette

Choose two to three colors and use them consistently in all materials. Online tools like Coolors or Canva’s color palettes can help you narrow in on colors that look sharp and work well together. Again, it’s a good idea to choose a palette that’s in harmony with your organization’s logo so they don’t clash when used in tandem.

Typography

Stick with one or two fonts that are easy to read. You don’t need anything fancy, but it’s a good idea to avoid ornate script or overly decorative fonts. Consider using bold or all caps for headlines, and a clean sans-serif font for body text.

Imagery

Use consistent imagery, such as golf-themed icons or graphics, mission-related photos, or high-quality shots from previous golf tournaments. Bonus points if you can feature people having fun on the golf course!

Assemble imagery from past years’ golf tournaments that emphasize the event’s brand, like the above image from a glow-in-the-dark golf fundraiser.

Branding Tips for Non-Designers

You don’t need to be a design pro to create a great-looking brand for your charity golf tournaments. Try these tips:

Use Canva (Or a Similar Tool)

Canva is a non-designer’s best friend. It’s free (with an upgraded paid Pro version), easy to use, and packed with great-looking templates for flyers, social posts, email graphics, posters, and much more. You can upload your logo, save your colors and fonts, and keep everything consistent across your tournament’s promotional materials.

Create a “Mini” Brand Guidelines Document

Put all your tournament’s visual elements, including logos, colors, fonts, and a few sample images, in one simple document. This makes it easier to keep everything aligned and share with volunteers, board members, or sponsors helping with marketing. You might also consider creating a shareable Google Drive folder (or other file sharing platform like OneDrive or Dropbox) where the guidelines document and all the branding elements are stored for easy access.

---

Free Templates

GOLF TOURNAMENT PROMOTIONAL FLYER TEMPLATES

Save time and create polished, professional-looking flyers to market your golf tournament with these free templates. These editable Canva flyer templates are designed to help you drive participation, boost event visibility, and make your tournament look great—no design skills required. 

Get the Templates

---

Stick to Your Chosen Colors & Fonts

Resist the urge to go rogue with your design choices! Consistency is what creates a recognizable brand, so use the same colors, fonts, and design style everywhere, from your promotional emails to your event signage.

Make it Legible

Design rule number one: If people can’t read it, it doesn’t work. Use high contrast (think dark text on a light background), avoid crowded layouts and clutter (white space is your friend), and don’t overuse fancy fonts to make all your pieces as readable as possible. 

Use Your Branding Everywhere

Include your tournament logo on player gifts like koozies to reinforce the brand and make your event more memorable.

You’ve gone to the effort of creating a brand for your event, so make sure you use it everywhere! It should be front and center on:

• Your tournament website

• Flyers and posters

• Social media graphics

• Sponsorship packets

• Event signage and banners

• Staff and volunteer shirts

• Cart signs and scorecards

• Swag and giveaway items

Branding & Sponsorship Go Hand-in-Hand

Your tournament’s branding doesn’t just help you look good—it can also help you raise more money. A strong, professional look makes your event more attractive to sponsors. It gives them confidence that your tournament will be well-run and their logo and brand will be presented in the best possible manner.

When pitching tournament sponsorships, consider using branded mockups when possible to show how their logo will appear on signage, cart signs, or social posts. The better your branding, the easier it is for sponsors to picture their brand alongside yours.

Final Thoughts

Branding your golf tournament doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple elements and a little bit of consistency, you can create a strong, professional visual identity that builds trust, attracts attention, and sets your event up for success.

Even if you’re not a graphic designer, tools like Canva and clear intention can go a long way. And remember: good branding isn’t about being flashy, it’s about being clear, consistent, and authentic to your mission.

Need help streamlining the rest of your tournament? GolfStatus makes it easy to build out a professional-looking event website (complete with your branding), manage registrations, and handle sponsor visibility all in one place.