According to Minnesota Golf and Living, “Anyone can put on a charity golf tournament. Not everyone can produce a first class event that raises a lot of money and one that golfers return to year after year. There are over 1,000,000 golf events in this country each year. The average golf tournament in the US raises $5,000.”
Here at Do Good Events, we are gearing up to help nonprofits raise much more than that at their golf tournament fundraisers!
Is your organization considering a golf tournament event to raise funds? Read our expert tips first!
1. Lay the foundation
Before all else, make sure your planning committee agrees on your goals for the event and that a golf tournament is a good fit for your organization. Consider net revenue, number of golfers, timeline of the day, and beneficiaries.
2. Select your venue
Take time to outline where your golfers will be coming from and the ease of finding your tournament location. Consider the zip codes your organization serves and try to host your event in the communities you impact.
3. Host your sponsors
Sponsors are a key to raising funds at any event, and standard acknowledgement for a golf tournament includes recognition via signage on the course. Go beyond the norm by having a committee member greet sponsors upon arrival and introduce them to other golfers, increasing their impact and value to your organization. Consider visiting foursomes at a midpoint on the course with a snack and cold water.
4. Take non-golfers into account
Be creative in providing options off the course. Encourage participation before the tournament at a luncheon or after the tournament at a social with auction items and a program.
5. Incorporate additional ways to give
The costs in hosting a golf tournament are high, so incorporating ways for players to engage with other giving opportunities at the event is crucial to meeting your goal. Consider charging for mulligans or hosting games on the course. One of our favorites: Pay $10 for the golf pro to hit your next shot!
6. Remember the importance of high-quality play.
Keep tournament flow at the forefront of your planning. Don’t allow more golfers than the course can handle – if the speed of play is slow, you may lose golfers that otherwise would have attended your post tournament event. Ensure scorekeeping is accurate and immediate.
7. Promote early, promote often!
A save-the-date should be sent 120 days prior to the tournament. Equip all volunteers, board members, staff, etc, with promotional materials. At the conclusion of your tournament, announce next year’s date.
As always, Do Good Events would be proud to collaborate with your organization in planning your upcoming golf tournament! Get in touch today!