how to start and organize a memorial 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 organize a golf tournament?

Contact a golf course. In the planner, you should include sections for participants, sponsors, food vending, prizes, and accounting. Think ahead regarding the tournament format, handicapping systems (to equalize players' abilities), the signup process, how the registration table and the invitations will look like and of course budget.

How do you promote a golf tournament?

One of the easiest ways to promote a golf tournament is by emailing your current donor base. Include an online sign-up form where they can purchase tickets and make donations. When holding a golf outing, an excellent way to promote the event is also with updates.

How many fundraising ideas are there for a golf tournament?

Golf Tournament Fundraiser Ideas that Drive Revenue. Can’t decide on a golf fundraising idea? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these 18 ideas. Charity Golf Outing Games. Need something a little different for your next golf fundraiser?

How do I plan a smooth golf fundraiser?

We’ve outlined the essential steps to planning a smooth golf fundraiser, broken down into three main stages: Planning and marketing your golf fundraiser. Executing your fundraising golf tournament.

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.

How do you host a fun golf tournament?

Share PostPut a face and story to your fundraising.Run one-hole contests.Get more attendees with great email marketing.Promote your tournament through social media.Host a 9-hole tournament.Offer paid mulligans.Broadcast live scores in the clubhouse.Market to participants while they're on the course.More items...

How long does it take to plan a charity golf tournament?

Ideally, 9-12 months are required to plan your event. However, many first year events get started with as little as 3 months lead time.

How do charity golf tournaments make money?

27 Surefire Ways to Raise Money at Your Charity Golf TournamentRegistration Fee. Include more than just golf in your registration fee to drive up the price. ... Auction. ... Raffle. ... Dinner. ... Skins Game. ... Long Drive. ... Closest to the Pin. ... Putting Contest.More items...

How do you run a golf tournament checklist?

Golf tournament planning guide checklistTournament logistics. ... Fundraising vehicles. ... Offer 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.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 money can you make from a golf tournament fundraiser?

Golf tournament fundraisers are extremely popular in the nonprofit world. There are generally over one million golf outings a year. These events can bring in revenue from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the size of your organization.

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 do you Organise a golf charity day?

Consider advertising in relevant golf newsletters or magazines. List your event on any community or public calendars. Display posters at the golf club you are using (and other golf clubs in the area if they allow you) as well as community centres, local shops or libraries.

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).

How do you raise money at a golf outing?

18 Shots: Updated Golf Tournament Fundraiser Ideas for NonprofitsMulligans.Donation Appeal.Hole Sponsorship.Hole-in-One Contest.Putting Contest.Matching Gift Request.Pink Ball Contest.Logo Accessories.More items...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you use Kickstarter for golf?

If a charity is organizing the golf event, using Kickstarter is necessary. Make copies of the flier and form to disperse to the golf course as well as friends and family who can spread the word. Information can also be sent via email if it is a corporate event. Keep track of the groups and payments as they sign up.

Do you have to wait until the day of a golf tournament to collect entry fees?

Do not wait until the day of your golf tournament to collect entry fees. Get money in advance to reduce the risk of losing money if participants fail to show. All entry money should be non-refundable.

8 Steps on How to Start a Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Your team’s first job is to choose a location and date for your upcoming golf outing. Most event planners recommend you set your fundraising goals and budget before deciding on a site and date. But golf tournaments are a bit different because the highest cost of this type of event is the use of the golf course.

7 Exciting Golf Fundraising Ideas

Golf fundraising calls for creativity. While there are several fundraising games every nonprofit does at golf tournament fundraisers, you can stand out in the crowd if you look for ways to promote your mission or build on a theme.

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 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.

What is the biggest revenue stream for charity events?

For charity events, the biggest revenue stream is through endorsements. Sign-ups and entrance fees also do their part, but if done properly, these receipts should be just a fraction of the event's earnings.

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.

2. Consider Hiring a Consultant

Paying for consultant services might not be for everyone, but it is worth looking into. A consultant can potentially free up your time while also making your event more profitable. Consultants will often charge several thousand dollars or take a percentage of the event’s profits.

3. Recruit Volunteers

When planning any event, don’t try to go at it alone. There are numerous details involved in running a charity golf tournament, and you will burn out if you try to carry the entire load. Set your event up for success and recruit volunteers.

5. Finding a Golf Course at the Right Price

When it comes to finding the perfect golf course for your tournament at an affordable cost, it is possible to get the best of both worlds.

6. Time to Get Sponsored

If you want to make a profit on your charity event, sponsors are the way to go. To succeed in this area, you will need to show prospective sponsors that it is a win-win relationship. You will receive profits for your charity, but they will receive exposure to the tournament’s attendees.

7. Offer an Olive Branch to Your Sponsors

Once you have secured your sponsors, you will want to make sure you give them a good time at your charity outing. One way to do this is to offer the free participation in your event to the contact at the organization and perhaps a few additional team members.

8. Recruit Golfers

If you want to run a charity golf tournament, then you will need to have actual golfers committed to attending. One strategy to ensure you have a full tournament is to get nine of your committee members to invite a group of four golfers to join the tournament.

9. Networking & Promoting

You could invest some money to promote your charity event, but the best way to get the word out is through networking. Building solid relationships with golfers and sponsors in your community will get them to return each year you host the golf tournament.

How to plan a golf tournament for charity?

If you’re ready to plan your charity golf tournament, read on for tips to get you started! 1. Set a fundraising goal. When planning any fundraising campaign, the first thing you need to determine is how much you need to raise during your event. You’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you identify them and write them down, ...

Is it safe to host an outdoor banquet?

An outdoor banquet is still your safest option, but you’ll want to make sure your location can accommodate your guests safely in the event of inclement weather. And whether you host your event indoors or out, you’ll want to make sure you do a test run if you plan to livestream your banquet.

Is golf a fundraiser?

There’s never been a better time to learn how to organize a golf tournament fundraiser. After all, one in three Americans over the age of 6 played, watched, or read about golf in 2019, and that number went up in 2020. Golf has the distinction of being both a family-friendly activity and an activity that’s easy to make safe in the middle ...

Is golf a safe activity?

Golf has the distinction of being both a family-friendly activity and an activity that’s easy to make safe in the middle of a pandemic (yay for outdoor activities with staggered start times!).

Can golf courses host charity events?

Once you’ve determined your format and number of participants, you can start looking for your venue. Golf courses are used to being asked to host charity events, but some are better equipped to hold larger crowds and hybrid events.

How many volunteers do you need to play golf?

For those not acquainted with the intricacies of golf, make sure to enlist three or four volunteers, with at least one owning knowledge of the sport. If you're lucky, the host course will be able to provide tips for getting started.

What is golf scramble 2021?

Golf carts ready for a tournament. Posted on June 15, 2021. Golf scrambles and tournaments are a popular way to make money for your favorite charity or group. While the complexity of the tournaments can vary based on the size and the amount of money involved, there are a lot of things that every tournament has in common.

What is hole sponsorship?

Hole sponsorship is the standard, with a company paying a certain amount to advertise on a tee box or near a green. You may also be fortunate enough to find a "Presenting Sponsor," a business who pays a large sum to sponsor the entire tournament.

What can a host course do?

It is often useful to form a committee and assign tasks for certain parts of the tournament such as registration, giveaways, sponsorships, food & drink, course liaison, and any other items your event requires.

Do green fees cover golf course maintenance?

There are often laws regarding alcohol distribution and alcohol sales are a huge 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. Just check with your host course to find out their rules and preferences.

Is it a good practice to have all participants take something home?

Aside from the tournament winners, it is also a good practice to have all participants take something home. This can vary from event to event, but common thought is that the more people have to pay to play, the nicer the giveaway should be. And make it something the person will actually want.

Do you have to eat after a golf round?

As mentioned in the sample schedule above, having a meal after the round is often wanted, if not expected, at an event. Many clubhouses offer a banquet or party room or even a large tent outside. If it's at a reasonable cost, it's an option to consider. After playing golf for four hours, everyone is hungry.