how to start a golf outing

Getting Started

• Set Goals. Start with why? ...
• Determine Your Audience. Who is your primary audience? ...
• Understand Your Required Resources. Planning a golf outing is like few other events. ...
• Create an Effective Planning Committee. ...
• Establish a Timeline. ...

Full Answer

How do you run a successful golf outing?

1 Figure Out Your Budget. Forewarning: The business of golf outings might seem overwhelming, specifically in the beginning phases. 2 Lock Down Some Sponsors. ... 3 Pick the Right Golf Course. ... 4 Build In Some Comforts And Contests. ... 5 Don't Let People Go Home Empty-Handed. ... 6 Have An After-Golf Plan. ... 7 Have Fun. ...

How do you start a golf tournament?

1 Figure Out Your Budget. ... 2 Lock Down Some Sponsors. ... 3 Pick the Right Golf Course. ... 4 Know the Makeup and Skill Level of the Field. ... 5 Determine Who's Running the Show. ... 6 Give Thought to Tee Times and Scoring Formats. ... 7 Make Sure There's Plenty Of Food and Drink. ... 8 Build In Some Comforts And Contests. ...

How do you attract golfers to your event?

At every event, golf tournament or otherwise, event goers love documenting their accomplishments and the fun time they had there. While expected, this also provides you with 1.) A great money making opportunity, and 2.) Yet another option you can include to entice golfers to go to your tournament.

Where can I find help organizing a golf outing?

Hazeltine offers a complete guide for organizing a successful golf outing. Whether you're planning your first event, or you're an old pro, you'll find helpful information here.

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What makes a successful golf outing?

There are many jobs, and splitting them up fairly is one of the best possible ways to make sure the outing is successful. This is especially important on the day of the event. You will need people to handle registration, be out on the golf course, and handle scoring and prizes as well.

Are golf outings 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 start a golf tournament?

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 golf outings make money?

Sponsors pay a fee to you in exchange for their company's visibility at the golf event, programs and in any press materials. The fees should at least cover the cost of the golf course or greens fees. That way ticket sales are mostly profit.

How much should I charge to sponsor a hole?

You can charge $130 to $150 per player. Remember that you are trying to create value, giving the golfers more than they pay for. STAFF INVOLVEMENT – Your organization staff should not be involved in the event during operating hours.

How much does a golf tournament cost to host?

PGA Tour fees vary more. Consider the courses on California's Monterey Peninsula. Pebble Beach can command $2 million for tournament week, while Spyglass charges around $300,000. Getting the opportunity to host a big-time event is both easier and harder than a club might think.

How do you make a golf outing fun?

Check out our best unique golf tournament ideas to add a fun and interesting twist that will leave a lasting impression on both attendees and sponsors alike.Hold a Hole In One Contest. ... Advertise a Million Dollar Shootout. ... Organize a Putting Contest. ... Charity Golf Tournament Contests.More items...

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 do you need for a golf tournament?

A Quick 11 Checklist for Planning Your Company Golf TournamentVenue. Consider location, amenities, level of difficulty, and distance away from your office. ... Committee. Don't overlook the importance of a tournament committee. ... Corporate & Vendor Sponsors. ... Date. ... Charity. ... Format. ... Food & Beverage. ... Entry Fee.More items...•

What are some good fundraiser ideas?

Cheap Fundraising IdeasScavenger Hunt. Send participants running all around town with an organized scavenger hunt. ... Karaoke Night. ... Donate a Drink for a Cause. ... Afternoon Tea Time. ... Comedy Night. ... Head-Shaving Fundraiser. ... Trivia Night. ... Yard Sale.More items...•

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 much is a golf foursome?

According to a Golf Channel survey, the median cost for an 18-hole round at a public golf course is $36 including cart. Private clubs are costlier with annual membership dues and additional fees and range anywhere from moderately-priced to six-figure initiation fees.

How do you make money golf scramble?

A scramble golf tournament offers numerous ways to raise money over and above players' entry fees.Sponsorships. Local businesses may be interested in helping sponsor your event, particularly if you can demonstrate that the participants are from a desirable demographic. ... Contests. ... Auctions and Raffle. ... Celebrity Involvement.

Are golf tournament sponsorships tax deductible?

A golf tournament whose net proceeds are donated entirely to charity is eligible to qualify for the 100 percent deduction. Such an event would not fail to qualify solely because it offered prize money to golfers who participated or because it used paid concessionaires or security personnel.

What is a mulligan package?

Mulligans are also the most popular way to make extra revenue for an event, which will normally always go toward prizes and gifts. A typical tournament will allow people to purchase mulligans either individually, or by the package. For example, 1 mulligan for $5, or 3 mulligans for $10 (maximum is 3 per person).

Why do people go on golf outings?

You can always count on many opportunities to play in golf outings where the main goal is for the golfers to have fun and to raise some money for charity. Many different organizations will run golf outings to raise money for their cause.

What to do if you are not a golfer?

If you are not a golfer, call the person you know that loves golf the most and ask for some guidance on your local courses and food.

What is the best golf format?

The best format that I would highly recommend is the scramble format. It is the number one format for golf outings and allows golfers of all ability levels to play pressure free and to enjoy the team camaraderie that is developed by the foursome.

How many golfers are there in a foursome?

If you can find 30 people to organize and gather a foursome for the outing you have reached your 120 golfers.

How long does it take to get fed after a round of golf?

Many golfers want to have a good meal that sometimes includes steak or other quality dinner food. A golfer that leaves well fed after a 4-6 hour round of golf will leave happy. If this become an annual event people will remember the course, the giveaways, the fun games and the food and beverages.

How to get word out for a fundraiser?

Get word out via social media outlets, email and word of mouth. You will also want to advertise to potential sponsors that might be wiling to help make the event better through different donations such as money, prizes or other contributions such as volunteers to help work the outing.

Why sell strings on putting green?

Sell certain size strings to be able to move your ball that distance closer to the hole. Great to use on the putting green and teams have fun with this on when to use it. It also helps teams score better.

What is golf outing?

Planning a golf outing is like few other events. It's part golf tournament and part gala and requires a tremendous amount of organization and planning, so having strong partners is critical. Your organization may have existing resources to help with planning, promotion, and execution, and if you've managed this event in the past, you know what to expect.

What is a corporate golf outing?

Likewise, a corporate golf outing helps develop professional relationships and recognize key business partners. But planning a successful private golf outing requires some know-how. If you've never planned a tournament, it can be a daunting task. Hazeltine offers a complete guide for organizing a successful golf outing.

How to secure event sponsors?

Like any selling proposition, the key to securing event sponsors is to sell to those organizations that want what you’re selling. How do you find companies who are specifically interested in sponsoring events?

What to offer volunteers at a volunteer event?

Offer volunteers incentives to participate or appreciation gifts. These can include swag—like a special shirt or hat, VIP admission/access to the event before/after their volunteer shift, complimentary meals and beverages, and recognition.

What is the foundation for successful sponsorships?

Creating a partnership that is beneficial to both the sponsor organization and your organization is the foundation for successful sponsorships. Do you have existing relationships to leverage? Which organizations may have the same purpose as you? Don’t waste time on unsolicited letters and emails. Instead, leverage personal connections.

How to develop a budget for an event?

To develop a budget for your event, start by listing all the ways you plan to generate income. This could be sponsorships, participation fees, merchandise sales, auctions, etc. Be conservative in your estimates in order to keep your projections realistic.

Why are you having an event?

Start with why? Why are you having this event? Is the purpose of your event to raise money? Raise awareness? Perhaps it's to demonstrate client appreciation or simply to develop business relationships. Whatever the purpose, be clear on your primary objective for the event and make sure your effort is focused on that purpose. Next, if your event is to raise money for a charitable organization, set specific goals for how much money you would like to raise, or the level of participation you hope to achieve.

How to promote a golf tournament?

Design a media kit and send to various radio, television, and newspaper outlets to promote your golf tournament. Include general fliers and registration forms. If you have an established presence on social media, it is a good idea to use such platforms as Facebook, Twitter or other niche social networks, to promote your golf tournament. If a charity is organizing the golf event, using Kickstarter is necessary.

Why do you need to outfit your golf course?

Properly outfitting your golf tournament has multiple advantages, so be sure to not sacrifice quality to get low prices. Benefits include: free advertising on other courses, to connect your charity/business with great memories and name recognition in the tournament.

Why is 18 hole golf good for charity?

The 18 hole format is best for a charity golf event so that the participants will feel they are getting the most for their money, even when that money is going to charity. Plus, it opens up more holes for sponsorship.

What are specialty holes?

Specialty holes may include Closest to the Hole, Longest Drive, or Hole in One. Have a female and male winner for each and present prizes at ceremony. Create a golf tournament-planning folder. In the planner, you should include sections for participants, sponsors, food vending, prizes, and accounting.

How many players are in a group in a game?

Keep track of the groups and payments as they sign up. Typically, groups consist of four players. You may pair individual participants with other single players or groups who do not have enough players. Finalize your order for trophies, prizes, and memorabilia based on your final registration date numbers.

What is 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. The following steps will help you run a golf tournament successfully.

How many holes does a shotgun start?

Assign starting positions for the teams. Most tournaments have a Shotgun Start; this start has a team on each of the 18 holes and everyone begins at the same time.

How to promote a golf tournament?

If you really want a tournament that everyone knows about, you need to have a quality website. Hire a web designer, add all event information to the site, and really sell your story so you can give your site and your sponsors more exposure. Not only will this give your tournament the chance to be picked up by online search engines, it also gives you the ability to use online marketing strategies – such as Google Adwords and Search engine optimization – to really incentivize your sponsors and spread the word about your tournament! Other online marketing strategies to use in addition to your website include social media and email blasts, both of which can be utilized by your volunteer committee with little cost to your budget (though we’d recommend hiring a social media specialist to take over this section of the marketing.)

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 .

What is handicap golf?

Handicapped: Takes the average score of a golfer over par, minus 20%. Used to keep the field even. Good for tournaments that invite highly ranked golfers (competition events)

What is the $$$ part of a golf tournament?

Even more importantly, setting up these games is a basic part of almost every golf tournament. Most tournaments have them, and one that doesn’t is already lagging behind the curve. In other words, this part of your tournament is non-negotiable; here are a few ideas to get you started! ($$$ denotes games that can be utilized to make the tournament more money)

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.

What is a golf committee?

Your committee is what makes your tournament go. The people in this committee will help handle planning, manage key aspects of your tournament, and so much more. In other words, if you want your golf tournament to go off without a hitch, you need to have the perfect committee: This means picking and choosing committee volunteers that bring many valuable tools to the event!

What is the number 1 mistake you can make while creating a golf tournament?

The number 1 mistake you can make while creating a golf tournament is not giving your team enough time to put things together. If the last minute comes and you’re still scrambling to find sponsors, you’re not doing it right! So, before you really start in on the leg work, it’s time to create a timeline to keep your team on track. Remember to plan:

What is the best way to prepare for a golf game?

Idea 1: Have plenty of good and beverages available. Golfers of all skill levels enjoy the opportunity to not only enjoy the outdoors, but to eat some excellent food before, during and even after the round.

How long should a golf putt be?

As people are getting ready to head out to the course, pick a really long putt like 60-70 feet and give people three chances. Play a closest to the pin contest here and see who can either make the putt or get closest to the hole.

What to eat for a golf fundraiser?

Some ideas consist of a donut in the morning, a hot dog or sandwich at the turn and then a steak or rib dinner at the completion of the round.

How many yellow balls do you need to play golf?

Give each group one yellow ball. The rules are that each golfer on the team must used that ball every fourth hole and if the ball is not lost by the end of the round, the team receives some sort of prize.

How much does it cost to tee off a 400 yard hole?

Take a 400 yard plus hole and allow people to pay $5 to $10 per golfer to tee off from around the 275 yard distance. This is a fantastic way to raise money and gives a golfer a major advantage.

Where can you use strings on golf courses?

These strings can be used anywhere on the course to improve their lie or move closer to the hole on the green.

Is golf fun?

Golf is supposed to be fun, right? Yet, we often get frustrated on the course with game. Our ideas below will help everyone have fun regardless of their skill level or how they perform that day.

Invite too few people

There is generally a pretty high maximum number of players allotted per outing, so inviting more people, rather than fewer, is definitely the best bet. Cast a wide net with invites. It’s fine to not sell out an event, but ideally, you’ll have a packed house.

Miss an opportunity to generate more donations during and after the event

If the event is a charity outing, guests likely paid admission that will go toward the organization’s cause. But, that doesn’t mean guests won’t want to contribute more. Additional donations should not be pushed, but there can be fun ways to generate more donations, like raffles, putting competitions or silent auctions.

Make a golf outing the only event held by an organization in a given year

Some people simply do not golf, and as a result, wouldn’t be interested in attending a golf outing even if they support the organization. Host other events throughout the year – even if they are small – that appeal to people who may not come to the golf outing.

What is the purpose of a golf outing?

Since the purpose of most golf outings is to raise funds, you need to have a budget. below are some of the factors you need to consider as you draft a preliminary budget. This will be a useful staring point for your discussions about costs and packages with golf courses. Revenue: • Golfers • hole sponsors • Major Sponsor • Mulligans • Raffle • Auction

Why do you put your organization in charge of a golf outing?

your organization put you in charge of a golf outing because you’re either a veteran of these events, or you missed the last meeting when they selected a committee chair. lucky for you, the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association has put together this handy guide to help you in your newfound task. The purpose of this guide is to help you: • Raise funds • Assure participants have an enjoyable experience • Make life easier for you and the golf course operator

What is TPI golf?

TPI Golf provides Golf Outing Products and Services, Hole-in-One & Contest Prize Coverage, Outing Planning and Consulting, Sponsor Signs, Banners, Pin Flags, Etc. TPI Golf Is Excited to now offer our EMP (Event Management Platform). Our mission is to offer a platform that makes the event planning process easier & faster for the thousands of coordinators that are spending to much valuable time on manual busy work . As event coordinators and participants of golf tournaments ourselves, we know all too well how difficult the tournament planning process can be. From planning to Registration & donation tracking to looking ahead to your next event, we’ve got you covered.

What is a scramble golf?

For larger outings, most golf courses will encourage you to play a scramble format. A scramble is when a foursome acts as a team to shoot the best score. everyone hits their ball off the tee, then as a team, they select the ball in the best position and each player hits a shot from there. The team continues to do this until they finish the hole. The advantage of a scramble format is that it allows players of all different skill levels to enjoy the outing while contributing to the team score. Additionally, for larger groups, a shot-gun start is most popular To have a successful outing, you need to compare and select the course that fits your organization’s needs and style. in addition to availability of dates and the outing format, below are some critical factors you should consider. group you expect. Many courses can put together a package of golf, cart, and food on a per person basis. When a meal is being served following golf, it is suggested that food service begins when two– thirds of the golfers are in. Whether it’s a continental breakfast, lunch at the turn, or dinner after the event, most successful golf outings include a meal service at some point in the day. Make sure the course you select has adequate accommodations and menu for the size and type of

How long before a golf outing can you book?

Since the space for golf outings is in high demand, many organizations book their event 9-12 months prior to the event.Therefore, before you contact a course for availability of dates, your organization should select several different dates.

What to include in welcome packet for golf?

Also, consider the experience of the participants. if many who will be playing are not “golfers” you might want to include a brief list of golf etiquette in the welcome packets, i.e. replace divots, keep pace with the group in front of you, etc. Send out an e-mail “know before you go” to all registered attendees including directions to the course, dress code & schedule for the day. help your attendees come pre- pared for a great day.

Why do all foursomes start at the same time?

because all players start and finish at the same time. because each foursome starts from different holes, this restricts the number of non-outing golfers a course can accommodate . Most facilities have a minimum number of golfers for shot-gun starts. Some courses may also have restrictions on the starting time for shot-guns. Once you and your committee have a rough budget, selected a range of dates, and agreed on a format, it’s time to select a course.

What to do prior to a golf event?

Gear – Setting up your golfers with custom golf gear prior to the event ensures that everyone has something to wear and gives your event a sense of professionalism and swagger. Deck out your group in custom embroidered golf polos and golf hats from the top brands in golf to make your attendees feel like they’re one of the pros!

What to do after golf?

Plan for After Golf. Your attendees will be hungry and thirsty after their round, so a banquet or dinner is a perfect way to wrap up your event . The nineteenth hole is an age-old tradition in golf, so plan a half hour for golfers to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as they trickle in from the course.

How to make sure all ducks are in a row?

In the weeks leading up to your golf outing there are a few tasks you’ll want to tackle to make sure all your ducks are in a row. Schedule Tee Times. Tee times need to be determined in advance of the event. If you are doing a shotgun start, make sure that everyone knows what hole they are teeing off at.

How to choose a golf course?

Selecting a Golf Course#N#This might just be the most important step in the planning process. Whiffing on golf course selection can tank your event in a hurry. Here are a few things to consider when picking out the perfect host course: 1 Location – Unless you are providing everyone with transportation and accommodations, it is wise to select a course that is close to your office. 2 Price – Selecting an overly expensive course can tighten your event budget and limit what you can do in terms of additional activities or prizes. 3 Difficulty – All courses are not created equal. Some courses are especially long or difficult, so be sure to have a general idea of the skill level of your team. 4 Accommodations – Will you need the golf course to provide meeting space, dining space or food service? Make sure the course you choose fits your needs!

What are some prizes for a golf tournament?

The most common prizes for these on-course type events are typically custom logo electronics, golf gear, or outdoor products. Want prizes that people will actually want? Putting your corporate logo or the logo for your golf tournament on anything from speakers to coolers is a perfect way to commemorate your event. Or how about a custom embroidered golf bag for under 100 bucks?! For smaller prizes, check out our custom logo golf accessories for items like golf towels, ball markers, golf gloves and more.

What to consider when picking out a host golf course?

Whiffing on golf course selection can tank your event in a hurry. Here are a few things to consider when picking out the perfect host course: Location – Unless you are providing everyone with transportation and accommodation s, it is wise to select a course that is close to your office.

What is the first step in planning a golf event?

The first step in planning a golf event is, well, planning. Without proper organization events like this can go off the rails quick. Before you get moving, you’re going to want to assemble your team and assign roles and responsibilities.

1 – Select The Date

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2 – Call Multiple Courses and Select The Course

3 – Advertise

4 – Call Sponsors

5 – Determine Format

6 – Determine Games and Fundraising Opportunities

7 – Confirm All Details

8 – Provide Clear Instructions

9 – Give Away Prizes

10 – After Golf Fun

Getting Started

Budget

Sponsorships

Volunteers

Promotion

Tournament Details

Event Experience

• Arrival/Greeting
  The first impression is important. Helpful signage and friendly greetersset the stage for a great event. Welcoming and directing players is an important job, and a good way to utilize volunteers. Arrange to have a central check-in/registration table. As guests arrive, you take the opportunity t…
• Food and Beverage Planning
  You may have the option to provide food before, during, and after your golf tournament. Some events use unique and high-quality foods to differentiate themselves from other golf tournaments. Be sure to allow for enough time between arrival and tee-off if you provide a pre-event meal. Bec…

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