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!

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.

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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 Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

Sponsorships are the backbone of charity golf tournaments, generating critical revenue, providing added value for golfers, and helping cover tournament costs. But for sponsors, simply slapping their logo on a banner or cart sign isn’t enough to keep them coming back year after year.

To truly partner with your businesses and maximize their participation in your tournament, it’s important to think beyond just the dollars they contribute. Sponsors want meaningful, measurable ROI and authentic connections with your cause and your audience.

These strategies will help you purposefully and effectively engage sponsors before, during, and after your tournament to create a win-win partnership that drives results on both sides.

Before the Tournament: Lay the Foundation

Engaging sponsors starts well before they commit to supporting your event. Laying the foundation and determining your engagement strategy before starting your sponsor outreach helps set your tournament up for success.

Start with a Strategic Fit

Not every business will be the right fit as a sponsor for your tournament. As you create your prospect list, focus your outreach on companies that:

• Align (or at least don’t contradict) with your organization’s mission or values

• Want to reach your tournament’s audience, such as golfers, community members, or supporters

• Want visibility or engagement opportunities

Your pitch should explain how a sponsorship helps them achieve their goals, whether it’s increased brand awareness, lead generation, community goodwill, or supporting a cause that’s important to their employees and/or customers. Don’t be afraid to start the engagement when making your pitch but asking them what they hope to gain from sponsoring your tournament.

Hole-in-one contests give sponsors great visibility and the chance to engage with golfers.

Offer Customizable Sponsorship Packages

Sponsors want options that help them achieve their goals. Move beyond the standard sponsorship tiers and provide customizable packages that meet the sponsors’ needs. Some ideas:

• Hole-in-one contests where the sponsor can be present on the hole to interact with golfers

• Co-branded or sponsor-branded swag or giveaways in golfer gift bags

• On-course games run by representatives from the sponsoring business

• Digital sponsorship exposure on your event website, mobile app, and digital marketing campaigns

• Pin flags bearing the sponsor’s logo that are framed as keepsakes

• Naming rights for the tournament or a component (such as a happy hour, banquet, lunch, or auction)

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Free GuidE

Sample Charity Golf Tournament Packages

Get ideas to build sponsorship packages that businesses want.

Get the Guide

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Every package should include both pre-event visibility for the sponsor’s brand (think social media posts, their logo on the event website and live-scoring app, and email mentions) and on-site presence (which could be their logo on signage or the chance to set up a table on a tee box or speak at the awards ceremony).

Communicate Early & Often

Sponsors are making an investment in your event through their dollars and associating their brand, so it’s essential to keep them in the loop. For example:

• Send a welcome email or set up an onboarding call

• Detail what assets you need from them (logos, website links, messaging, swag, etc.)

• Share a timeline of key dates, such as deadlines for submitting assets or names of golfers playing in the tournament

• Offer a preview of exactly how their sponsorship will be recognized

• Ask what else you can do to help them prepare for the tournament and help them meet their goals

Effectively communicating with sponsors helps move beyond the sponsorship beyond a transaction to a true partnership.

During the Tournament: Maximize Exposure & Engagement

Tournament day is the chance to put your best foot forward with sponsors and deliver a memorable experience that makes them feel taken care of and want to return in the future.

Deliver a Polished, Professional Experience

Sponsors will notice the little things and want their brand presented in the best possible light. You’ll want to make sure that:

• Their logo looks great on all printed materials

• Signage is correct and well-placed

• On-site reps are greeted and supported throughout the tournament

• They have the materials they need to engage with golfers and stay comfortable during the event (such as a tent, table, or power source)

Work with the sponsor to provide opportunities for them to interact with your tournament’s golfers.

Create Opportunities for Interaction

The best sponsorships go well beyond brand awareness to spark real engagement with golfers. You can help sponsors stand out by providing opportunities for them to interact with participants and create positive impressions that last beyond the 18th hole, such as:

• Running fun games or contests on assigned holes

• Providing branded snacks or drinks (or perhaps staffing the beverage cart)

• Giving product demos or free samples

• Holding raffles or giveaways that collect golfer information for follow-up

Highlight Sponsors in Real Time

Use your social media channels and push notifications in your live scoring app to recognize sponsors throughout the tournament. The goal? Boost the sponsor’s exposure (beyond those at the golf tournament) and show appreciation in real time. Here are some ideas:

• Tagging sponsors in Instagram stories or Facebook posts

• Sharing photos of the sponsors’ reps or logo placements

• Encouraging golfers to visit sponsor activations and post on their social platforms with a custom hashtag

• Sending custom sponsor messages via push notifications for top-dollar sponsors
  

After the Tournament: Show Value & Build the Partnership

Sponsor engagement doesn’t end when the tournament does. Keeping sponsors engaged with your organization is an opportunity for broader support and retention for future golf tournaments.

Say Thank You & Show Impact

Do more than a generic form letter or thank-you email. Send a handwritten note or make a personal phone call to thank them for their support of the tournament. Share the tournament’s impact and outcomes and how their support helped make it possible.

Deliver a Sponsorship Report

A personalized sponsorship report demonstrates the ROI from sponsoring your tournament. It should include:

• Basic tournament information (date, location, logos, event website link)

• Data like the number of golfers, sponsors, and volunteers that participated

• Social media metrics like reach and engagement on posts that mentioned the sponsor

• Email open rates or clicks for campaigns that included the sponsor

• Photos and screenshots of logo placements, on-site signage, or reps in action

• Golfer feedback

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Free GUIDE & Template

Golf Tournament Sponsorship Report Template

Wow your golf tournament’s sponsors! This free guide includes tips and templates to help you prove the ROI of your tournament to sponsors.

Get the Template

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Ask for Feedback

Give sponsors the chance to share what they liked, what could be improved, and what they’d like to see in the future. Their input can shape future tournaments and help deepen the relationship with the business.

A short post-event survey or quick debrief call shows you’re invested in their success, too!

Stay in Touch Year-Round

Don’t wait until next year’s tournament to reconnect with sponsors. Keep them engaged throughout the year so they can see the work they helped support. Some low-lift ideas:

• Make sure they receive periodic updates about your work, such as your quarterly newsletter or annual report

• Invite them to participate in other events or networking opportunities

• Give them early access or first right of refusal for next year’s golf tournament sponsorships

• Give shoutouts on social media for ongoing support

By maintaining and strengthening the relationship, you’ll keep your mission top-of-mind and make next year’s “yes” even easier.

Final Thoughts

Charity golf tournaments are important tools that do more than just raise money—they help build lasting partnerships. When you treat your sponsors as partners, and not just sources of revenue, they’re more likely to invest at higher levels, return year after year, and even become advocates for your cause.

Streamline sponsorship management and boost visibility with GolfStatus!

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by Jen Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus

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

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

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

Tech Makes Prep & Planning Simple & Efficient

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

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

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PRO TIP:

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

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You Can Start Promoting THE Event Right Away

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

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

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

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PRO TIP:

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

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SAVE TONS OF TIME WITH AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS 

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

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

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PRO TIP:

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

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Fall is Great for Golf

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

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Pro Tip:

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

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

a fast start is possible

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

in the next week:

• Connect with GolfStatus

• Form a planning team

• Look at potential tournament dates

in the next two weeks:

• Set a fundraising goal

• Reach out to potential host golf facilities

• Get a handle on revenue and expenses

in the next three weeks:

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

• Set team pricing

• Build sponsorship packages and determine pricing

• Launch your event website

in the next few months:

• Market the tournament

• Reach out to potential sponsors

• Build in revenue enhancers

• Stay organized

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

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Free Golf Tournament Fundraiser Checklist & Planning Timeline

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

Get the Guide

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resources are available to help

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

The right tech—at no upfront cost!

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

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GolfStatus’ on-staff PGA Professionals—Cash Dinkel, PGA; Jason Meininger, PGA; and Paul Murcek, PGA—have years of experience running golf tournaments from the facility point of view, in addition to working with nonprofits to plan and execute golf fundraisers. Their insights have been shared in our PGA Q&A blog series. This installment touches on how to narrow down and choose a tournament date and how to integrate live scoring into your event.

Cash Dinkel, PGA

Jason Meininger, PGA

Paul Murcek, PGA

Q: What’s the best way to negotiate a good price with the golf facility?

Paul Murcek: In my experience, most facilities don’t do any kind of negotiating on price. If you are able to get them to negotiate at all, that’s a win for your nonprofit, in my opinion.

Cash Dinkel: Since the pandemic, golf has exploded in popularity, with the number of rounds played annually setting records. Because golf facilities can fill their tee sheets with normal play, they may be less likely to give discounted prices to events. That being said, look at ways to bundle offerings from the facility to get a better price. For example, if you're getting food and beverage, player gifts, or anything else extra from the facility, it’s worth asking if you can bundle that into player pricing to see if you can get a better rate.

Jason Meininger: This can be difficult, as most courses have a set price they charge for outside outings like charity golf tournaments. And with the popularity of golf right now, it’s unlikely they will be willing to come down on price. My best advice would be to see if the course has a slow day during the week that’s typically not filled with an event, and see if they are willing to negotiate on price just to fill the tee sheet for that day.

If you’re using the golf facility for food and beverage, player gifts, or any other extras, you might be able to negotiate a better rate.

Q: What are some factors I should consider when choosing a date for my golf fundraiser?

Jason Meininger: First, check with the course on their availability. Spring and fall event dates may be more readily available—and can be the best options weather-wise to have a tournament.

Paul Murcek: Reach out to the golf facilities at least six or so months before your event date to get the best availability. Keep weather in mind—the best weather months for a majority of the country are June and September. Another thing to keep in mind is that these months generally have the most tournaments, so there could be added competition for golfers and sponsors.

Cash Dinkel: I’d say these are the biggest aspects to consider when picking a tournament date:

• Other local events: Check local event calendars to make sure you aren’t hosting your tournament on the same day as other large community events.

• Pricing: Pricing will be higher in the summer months and on weekends.

• Weather: Shoulder season (spring and fall) may be less expensive, but the weather can be unpredictable.

• Other organization events: If your organization hosts other fundraising events, make sure there’s adequate time between them to avoid donor fatigue.
  

Q: In your experience and opinion, what’s the best day of the week for a charity golf tournament?

Cash Dinkel: Friday. You may or may not get charged weekend pricing, but a lot of golfers are willing to take a Friday off and make it a three-day weekend, and you’re likely going to see higher participation. Monday is also a great day, but without the chance of weekend pricing and the same benefits as a Friday tournament for a three-day weekend.

Jason Meininger: If you can find a course with availability, I’d say a Friday afternoon or Saturday.

Paul Murcek: I agree with Cash on Mondays or Fridays and giving your golfers the opportunity to have a three-day weekend. That being said, Friday can be considered a weekend day and will cost more. If you are booking a tournament at a private golf facility, likely the only day available is a Monday.

Shoulder season—spring and fall—can be a great option for your charity golf tournament.

Q: How do I determine the tournament’s schedule?

Cash Dinkel: The golf facility can help you pick the ideal starting time and slot out the schedule. In the hot summer months, morning starts are ideal. During shoulder season (spring and fall), later starts help ensure the warmest temps for play. Once you have determined a starting time, you can build out the schedule for the day. I recommend allowing two hours for check-in, registration, and warm-up. Most facilities will allow volunteers to arrive two hours early to set up. Some golfers like to arrive early to give themselves extra time to warm up, mingle, or check out auction items or raffle prizes. It’s a good idea to schedule announcements for 15-20 minutes before the start time. Post-event timing depends on when the round finishes—most likely four-and-a-half to five hours to play the round. Any meal and awards can take place after golf concludes.

Jason Meininger: Definitely speak to the golf staff to see what the options are. Most likely, they will offer an early morning or early afternoon shotgun start. You can guesstimate that the round will take around 5 hours, so plan your meals and post-golf festivities accordingly.

Use your event website to share the tournament’s schedule with participants, as well as information about live scoring.

Q: I want to live score my tournament. How do I make sure my golfers participate in live scoring?

Jason Meininger: One way is to tell golfers that their team’s score will not count unless they use live scoring, or you could offer a separate, valuable prize to one of the teams that live scores.

Cash Dinkel: Overcommunicate to the field leading up to the event about scoring. Send multiple emails to registrants giving them instructions on what app to download and how to use the app to score. It’s a good idea to encourage them to download the app ahead of time, if possible. Also, make sure information about live scoring is communicated to players as they check in for the tournament and during announcements right before the start.

Paul Murcek: I say make it mandatory! Tell golfers that you won’t be accepting paper scorecards, and if they don’t live score with the mobile scoring app you choose, they aren’t eligible for prizes.

Communicate information about live scoring to golfers ahead of the tournament, including where to download the app, how to use it to submit scores, and where to find a team’s live scoring code.

Q: My host golf facility has its own live scoring software, but we’ve sold a leaderboard sponsorship, so I want to use GolfStatus’ mobile scoring. What should I do?

Jason Meininger: Simply have a discussion with the golf course and explain the situation. More than likely they’ll be willing to work with you in one way or another, either using your chosen platform or finding a way to add the promised logo placement to their system’s leaderboard.

Paul Murcek: Remember, you are the customer at the golf facility, so they should be willing to do what they can to accommodate. As long as it is not in the contract that you must use the facility’s software, then it shouldn’t be an issue. In the rare instance that you’re forced to use the golf course’s software, make sure they are aware of what you need to have done to meet what has been promised to your sponsors.

Cash Dinkel: This is something that should be communicated to the golf staff right away. As soon as you decide to live score your tournament, connect the golf course staff with the app and platform’s staff to ensure golf staff understands the tools they have at their disposal on event day. Stress to golf staff that you’ve sold sponsorship recognition through live scoring. If the facility is truly interested in helping you put on the best possible event, they will accommodate. If they aren’t willing to use the live scoring system, make sure they know they MUST add logos to the materials that you’ve promised your sponsor.

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Ask the Pros!

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

GolfStatus’ in-house golf fundraising experts, including Fundraising Specialists and PGA Professionals, are here to help your tournament raise as much money as possible for your cause. They’ll help you use GolfStatus’ software to drive revenue and save you and your team time, and offer suggestions and best practices to make your tournament a success. Get started with GolfStatus—with a free event website, revenue enhancers, golf event-specific tools, and much more—all at no upfront cost. Click below to book a meeting with our team to get started!