how to put on a small golf tournament

Here's a short list of easy offerings: Taking a group's picture before tee-off; having name plates on golf carts; mementos like a hat, marker or sleeve of balls; tickets for one or two free drinks; long-drive, closest to the pin, longest putt contests; team awards for first, second, third place; split-the-pot.

Full Answer

How to set up a golf tournament?

Steps 1 Set a tentative date to hold your event. Include a secondary date in case of rain the day of the event and you cannot play. 2 Contact a golf course. Make sure to sign a contract with the course so you know what to expect when it comes to fees and what the course will ... 3 Create a golf tournament-planning folder. ... More items...

What is a a golf tournament?

A golf tournament is a great way to host corporate clients or as a fundraising event. Work closely with the golf course for your tournament planning, especially if you have never been in charge of a golf event.

How to run a charity golf tournament?

How to Run a Charity Golf Tournament: Free Updated Checklist. 1 Set your goals. Set achievable goals for your organization. Setting goals with specific numerical targets is a great way to keep your fundraising team ... 2 Choose your venue and schedule a date. 3 Secure sponsors. 4 Market your golf fundraiser. 5 Open up registration.

How to make money playing golf tournaments?

You can also set up a snack and beverage station at your 9th hole, or have a mobile station rolling around to serve people. Grabbing a beer and a bite in the middle of the round will be fun for golfers, and help you make some more money. Crowded tournaments that don’t use shotgun starts can be a drag for golfers.

How do you put together a golf tournament?

InstructionsAnnounce the tournament several months in advance. You want to interest enough players. ... Choose a format. ... Utilize flights. ... Consider a shotgun start. ... Decide whether there will be a cut. ... Post scores and provide trophies, as well as prizes.

How do you hold a mini golf tournament?

How to Organize a Mini Golf TournamentChoose your course(s) ... Invite your players. ... Organize teams. ... Decide on your start: shotgun style or tee-off time? ... Gather prizes. ... Order a trophy. ... Prepare golf themed snacks.

How much does it cost to sponsor a golf hole?

Hole sponsor signs and/or custom golf flags are ideal ways to get added revenue at a very small cost. Events charge anywhere from $100 to $2,500 to be a hole sponsor.

How do I run a successful golf tournament fundraiser?

How to raise additional funds through your golf tournamentOffer a simultaneous skills workshop. ... Set up a cash bar golf cart. ... Create “mini-course” contests. ... Let players buy mulligans. ... Get corporate sponsors for a golf tournament. ... Sell nonprofit merchandise. ... Offer ticket packages.

How do I host a mini golf fundraiser?

Bringing in Funds for the Mini Golf FundraiserSell your event tickets with any merchandise or perks included for participation. ... Ask local businesses and community organizations to sponsor a hole for a reasonable price (such as $50 or $100 per hole) and provide signage acknowledging their contribution.More items...

How can I make my mini golf more interesting?

Creative Ways to Enjoy Mini GolfHole 2: Introduce some competition by dividing your group into teams of two. ... Hole 6: Raise the challenge bar. ... Hole 7: Turn around, face backward and putt the ball through your legs.Hole 8: Try sideways soccer. ... Hole 9: Hold the club like a pool cue and guide it in.More items...•

How do I set up a golf tournament fundraiser?

If you're ready to plan your charity golf tournament, read on for tips to get you started!Set a fundraising goal. ... Pick a format. ... Find your venue. ... Don't just rely on donations. ... Look for sponsors. ... Build your event website. ... Promote your event. ... During your fundraising event.More items...

How do you start a golf tournament?

How to Run a Golf Tournament - The Basic StepsSetting Goals. There are a number of reasons to host a golf tournament: customer or employee appreciation, fundraising, competitive fun, and of course, networking. ... Selecting a Committee. ... Tournament Format. ... Golf Course/Venue. ... Promotion. ... Execution. ... Wrap Up.

Are golf tournaments profitable?

While charity golf events certainly raise a pretty penny, they are one of the most expensive fundraisers you can organize. For that reason, "Golf Digest” reports the average net profit for charity golf tournaments is a mere $5,000.

How do you sponsor a golf tournament?

Who Should I Reach Out to for Golf Tournament Sponsorship? Create a list of potential prospects. Start by having committee members write down potential sponsors in their network including friends, family, and acquaintances. Don't be afraid to reach out to customers and clients to support your event, too.

How long does it take to plan a golf tournament?

As a general rule of thumb, you should allow at least six months for planning and promotion. You also want to schedule your golf tournament far enough ahead so that attendees can plan it into their schedules.

How do I get sponsors for my golf outing?

Make the ask This is as simple as clearly listing your sponsorship opportunities on your event website so it's easy to find sponsor options and commit to supporting the outing. This makes sharing options with potential supporters as easy as sending a quick link.

What is the foundation of a successful golf tournament?

Every successful golf tournament’s foundation is a strong plan, which means you need to pull out all the stops and do everything you can to make sure your tournament is fully visualized WELL before you start carrying out the leg work .

Why do golf tournaments end in financial disaster?

Unfortunately, golf tournaments often end in financial disaster, and mostly because organizers do not manage the budget correctly! Your goal should always be to have more money come out of the tournament than goes in: that means creating a budget, sticking to it, and making credible goals for monetary gains.

What are the different tournament formats?

These include Pro-Ams, Night Golf, and Golf-A-Thons. Each bring more to the table, and thus allow for higher fundraising possibilities.

Why is handicapping important in golf?

It also opens up your playing field to non-golfers, potentially improving your registration rates! Handicapping. Handicapping allows for all golfers to enjoy themselves and compete, regardless of their skill level. It can, however, be difficult to set up in a tournament.

Why are golfers more likely to take part in a golf tournament?

Golfers will be more likely to take part if they have a relationship with the person, business, or organization that’s hosting the event. The one thing you will want to promote is your sponsors. Making sure signage and displays for sponsors are done correctly is crucial in getting them back in the years to come.

Why do you host a golf tournament?

There are a number of reasons to host a golf tournament: customer or employee appreciation, fundraising, competitive fun, and of course, networking . You’ll want to determine the overall purpose of this event. Setting goals are an important step when trying to accomplish anything in life. Running a golf tournament is no different.

What is sponsorship in golf?

Sponsors are a large part of every golf event, so it’s essential that you maintain a strong working relationship with these partners. Registrations: Make sure you assign a committee member to be in charge of registrations.

Can mini golf tournaments be simple?

A mini golf tournament can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be…mostly because you’re essentially making it up as you go along. That being said, here’s a little bit of inspiration to set you on your way.

Is mini golf fun?

Mini golf is fun. And a lot more affordable for a family than the traditional version of the game. One thing I’ve learned about mini golf over the years is that it is definitely more enjoyable in a group setting. If you’re hosting a birthday or anniversary party, a reunion, or some sort of big gathering this year, ...

Does Sandspit have a mini golf course?

Sandspit Amusement Park has its own miniature golf course, so if you’re spending some time there, it might be a great option for your tournament. You can also purchase admission to just play the mini golf course. And for something a big different, there’s Black Magic Indoor Black Light Mini Golf—a perfect option for rainy day golf tournament fun, ...

What is circle the date golf?

There are three types of circle-the-date holidays for golfers: The final item might be the most cherished occasion, for not everyone gets the chance for a golf getaway, or is good enough to compete at their course's competitions. Outings are a one-day respite from work and responsibility, offer a group dynamic often foreign to ...

What is the chief avenue for profit for golf courses?

Alcohol sales are the chief avenue for profit for courses, as green fees usually cover the cost of course maintenance, so this is one arena where you are at the course's whims. Talk to a course representative about what you can and cannot do regarding concessions prior to the event.

What is hole patronage?

Hole patronage is the standard, with a company paying a certain amount to advertise on a tee box or near a green. It's also typical for entities to sponsor an entire tournament, with their business promoted near the clubhouse or stamped on any correspondence associated with the event.

Is playing a prestigious course low on the priority list?

Many of your entrants are participating for a cause or are there for the companionship; playing a prestigious course is low on the priority list. If the majority of your field is comprised of a more skilled variety, feel free to play the course of your choosing.

Is it a stroll in the park to set up a golf outing?

However, getting to that day is not a stroll in the park, as setting up a golf outing can be a production. This is especially the case for non-golfers, as many outings, particularly of the charity variety, are put together by folks not necessarily familiar with the sport. Fear not.

Why do you host a 9 hole golf tournament?

Hosting a 9-hole tournament can bring a lot of newer golfers to your event and help you convert them into regular customers. This format is also much more family-friendly as most kids won’t be able to complete a long round. 9-hole tournaments are also attractive to businesses who are looking to have team events.

What to do at the 9th hole of golf?

You can also set up a snack and beverage station at your 9th hole, or have a mobile station rolling around to serve people. Grabbing a beer and a bite in the middle of the round will be fun for golfers, and help you make some more money.

How many holes are shotgun starts?

Shotgun starts place tee times on every one of the 18 holes, so you won’t have a pile-up at the first one. If people don’t notice how smoothly you ran a tournament, you did a great job. Shotgun starts are one of those small things that will make your event so much more enjoyable.

What are some examples of text messages for golfers?

Some examples of SMS messages you can send include: A promo deal on drinks at the clubhouse.

How many sponsors per hole?

Businesses are always looking to get their name out in front of consumers. You can get one sponsor per hole, charging them money in exchange for putting up banners or whatever other marketing tools they’d like to use.

Can you eat at the end of a golf tournament?

Chances are that you’re going to have an event at the end of your tournament where people can sit down and eat a meal after a long day of golfing. However, attendees will most likely be hungry and thirsty throughout the day, so allowing golfers to order ahead of time as they go through the course will allow golfers to eat when they please. This will also make the life of your kitchen staff much easier by stretching out the demand for meals.

Can you sell mulligans to golfers?

You can “sell” mulligans to tournament attendees to scrape some extra revenue or donations out of the event. This will also add a fun aspect to your tournament that golfers don’t usually get to experience during their regular play.

What is a golf tournament?

A golf tournament provides an excellent opportunity for golfers of all levels to compete and socialize in a friendly environment. Many golf enthusiasts live for the chance to participate in a tournament--the hours that they spend on the practice range, the putting green, and playing practice rounds all culminate in this exciting event.

How many holes do you play in a shotgun golf tournament?

The players then play 18 continuous holes, regardless of where they started from.

What are the players responsible for?

The players are all responsible for keeping their own scores--and checking those of their co-competitors. They are also responsible for determining how handicaps should be used to adjust scores, based on the handicap ratings of the course's holes. Step 3. Consider a shotgun start.

How many rounds are in a stroke play golf tournament?

The most familiar tournament format is stroke play, in which the golfers play anywhere from one to four rounds and measure victory in terms of lowest overall stroke total. For a tournament of more than a few dozen players, stroke play is better than match play, in which players compete directly against each other.

How many holes do you need to cut in golf?

Most basic tournaments don't need one, but if you have a large number of players, you might need to establish a cut, usually after 36 holes in a 72 -hole tournament . Once all the scores have been turned in and checked by the players, the bottom half is eliminated.

Can men and women play in the same golf tournament?

You will want to have the better golfers playing together, so make sure that you have this information available when you put together the foursomes. There is no reason that men and women can't compete in the same tournament.

Do golfers need to verify their own scores?

Unless you have a staff of people helping with organization, golfers will need to verify their own scores and the scores of their playing partners, make decisions regarding handicaps and rules, and observe proper etiquette on the course.

How to do a golf fundraiser?

1. Planning and marketing your golf fundraiser. For a smooth charity golf tournament when the day rolls around, you need a plan and a team willing and prepared to pull it off. We recommend starting your planning months in advance. More involved tournaments with longer guest lists and a charity auction element will need longer.

Can golf fundraisers be used for charity auctions?

Golf fundraisers are often paired with charity auctions, offering nonprofits a variety of avenues to collect donations. Try incorporating mobile bidding options for your golfers while they’re on the course! But to hold a successful mobile charity auction, your bidders need to know how to participate.

What is a putting contest?

A putting contest is similar to both the hole in one contest and the million dollar shootout, however, a putting contest does not include long drives. Contestants will compete to make the qualifying putt for the chance to win a prize such as a cash, a new car, or vacation package. With the help from American Hole ‘n One, you can offer unique putting prize packages that attract golfers, generate additional sponsor revenue, and more. With our putting contest insurance, we’ll assume the risk and pay out your grand prize, for just a fraction of what a prize would cost you.

What is a hole in one contest?

Holding a hole in one contest is the perfect way to a big crowd to your tournament as contestants shoot to win big prizes! Golfers will lineup at your next golf tournament and test their luck as they try to shoot an ace. Should they make a hole in one on one of the designated holes, the contestant can win a prize like a vacation, cash, or even a new car!

Why is hosting a golf tournament important?

Hosting a golf tournament is an excellent way to treat friends, business colleagues, customers and members of your organization to a day of fun, fresh air, relaxation, friendly competition, networking and teamwork. Tournaments can also be used very successfully as a fundraiser for a wide variety of causes.

How much does it cost to register for a McKay Creek golf tournament?

Most tournaments make their money from sponsors, on-course games, raffles and auctions not the registration. Typical registration fees at McKay Creek are $18-40 for nine hole events and $48 to $75 for eighteen hole events depending on what is included (Cart, food, beverage, goodie bag)

Do tournaments have a budget?

Every tournament should have a detailed budget. For many of you raising money is the name of the game as most events are fundraisers! Creating and sticking to a budget will help your event be successful . Your budget should include some or all of the following expenses and incomes.

Do fundraisers rely on sponsors?

Fundraising tournaments rely on sponsors for a successful event. Simply offering a small sign and their name on the brochure is fine but the more you can offer the more they will pay. Companies are usually looking to increase their business and the event should be an effective marketing tool for them.