As golf continues to grow in popularity, it’s becoming an essential fundraising tool for nonprofits of all sizes. Technology has made planning and managing golf events more approachable and efficient, even for those who might not be familiar with the sport. As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking ahead at the trends and predictions for golf fundraising in 2025. Here are eight trends to watch for your 2025 golf event.

1. Partnering with sponsors will be standard

Sponsors increasingly want to be more than just logos on banners; they want meaningful engagement with your golf tournament’s participants. When pitching sponsorships to businesses, work with them to identify their goals for supporting the event and find opportunities for them to achieve the highest return on investment (ROI). That might look like branded booths and activities on tee boxes, special speaking appearances, sharing the tournament’s registration lists, or other opportunities for organic engagement. It will be important for tournament organizers to effectively collaborate with sponsors to ensure both parties meet their goals.

2. professionalism will be essential

Event attendees will expect a polished, professional experience in 2025. From your tournament website to signage, every touchpoint will matter more than ever before. High-quality, consistent event branding from the moment golfers hear about your event and register on your event site to when they receive their post-tournament thank you signal to them that the event is well-run. This professionalism can go a long way in attracting new supporters, retaining donors, impressing sponsors, and encouraging all participants to return in future years.

According to the National Golf Foundation, the female golfer population today is not only growing, it’s more diverse than ever.

3. expect more women to play in your golf event

Females now represent 26% of the golf market—a jump from 19% just a few years ago. This increase in female participation means it’s time to consider how your tournament might better appeal to women. A women’s-only flight or other women-focused offerings can help your tournament stand out, attract more lady golfers, and foster inclusivity in your event’s culture.

4. non-traditional golf events will become more popular

Another significant trend for 2025 is the increased popularity of non-traditional golf events, like mini golf tournaments, TopGolf, or indoor golf experiences. These events are especially appealing for organizations looking to add a second golf event that attracts new audiences, who want to experiment with golf fundraising on a smaller scale, or want a fundraising event with a shorter time frame than a traditional 18-hole tournament. Non-traditional events can also be more budget-friendly, making them an excellent option for organizations looking to diversify their fundraising. What’s more, indoor golf events let nonprofits connect with supporters during the cooler winter months when golf isn’t feasible.

A TopGolf golf fundraiser is an event option that can help nonprofits reach and involve new audiences.

5. golfers will want more than a round of golf

In 2025, expect golfers to crave unique, memorable experiences beyond a round of golf. Including tournament components like flights, cash prizes, on-course games or contests, raffles, or auctions make tournaments more exciting and memorable for participants. Elevated player gifts and prizes, on-course demonstrations, and live-scoring add to the overall experience that set your event apart and create lasting memories for participants.

6. hole-in-one insurance will be a must-have

A hole-in-one contest adds excitement and helps draw players to your event, but having the right insurance in place is essential so your nonprofit isn’t exposed to financial risk. Yes, the odds of a golfer getting a hole-in-one at your tournament remain low (about 12,000 to 1), but holes-in-one do happen and it’s not worth the risk to your organization. Hole-in-one insurance covers the cost of a big prize, like thousands of dollars in cash or high-end golf experience, in the rare instance that a golfer gets an ace. Offering fantastic prizes with the reassurance of insurance protection can help you confidently advertise this fun tournament add-on.

the ultimate guide to hole-in-one contests

Get the ins and outs of a successful hole in one tournament in this free guide! Download now to get comprehensive insights and actionable advice for nonprofits looking to incorporate a hole-in-one contest into their charity golf tournament.

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7. sponsors will want to show off their support

Sponsors in 2025 will look for opportunities to showcase their involvement with your cause, not just at the golf tournament, but also online and across their networks. Think through how you’ll work with sponsors to facilitate this—consider co-branding social media posts or creating shareable content for sponsors to post on their channels. These partnerships can increase visibility for both the sponsor and your event while aligning with each other’s goals to give back to the community.

8. team planning will drive success

Gone are the days of a one-person show organizing a golf fundraiser. The most successful events will be those organized by a team with a clear division of responsibilities. By involving multiple planning team members, you’ll ensure that all details are well-managed, from sponsorship outreach to volunteer coordination. Team planning can lead to a smoother experience for everyone involved and help create a stronger, more collaborative event environment. Plus, no one gets burnt out handling every task.

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final thoughts

By keeping these 2025 golf fundraising trends in mind, next year’s golf event will better resonate with participants, deliver value to sponsors, and boost your nonprofit’s fundraising potential. Using golf event management technology can make it even easier to achieve these goals, saving you time on administrative tasks, simplifying registration and payments, and providing tools to engage sponsors and participants. With streamlined technology and a focus on unique experiences, your nonprofit can host a golf fundraiser that raises more money and leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Make Your 2025 Golf Event the Best One Yet!

Get Started with GolfStatus at No Cost

Technology has transformed the way nonprofits and other organizations plan and execute charity golf events, by streamlining processes, increasing participant engagement, and raising more money for important causes. But for many nonprofit organizers, implementing new technology for your golf tournament may require approval from superiors or a board of directors. If you’re in this boat and ready to jump on board with time-saving tech, here’s how to successfully get buy-in from decision-makers.

1. Identify the problems technology will solve

Before getting into the weeds of the features and benefits of the tech platform, start by framing the conversation around the problems it will solve for your tournament and the planning team. Are you spending a ton of time manually processing registrations and payments? Are you bouncing between siloed tools and platforms that create cumbersome processes? Are you spending more time sending payment receipts than promoting your tournament or connecting with sponsors? Is it difficult to communicate with and engage participants?

Example:

“We’re currently manually processing tournament registrations and payments, which takes significant time and leaves room for error. Using a golf-specific event management software would automate this process, giving staff more time to focus on selling teams and sponsorships.”

2. highlight how technology boosts efficiency & revenue

A solution that increases efficiency and revenue from your golf tournament is sure to get the attention of decision-makers! Explain how a tool that’s built just for golf events can help increase the overall impact of your charity golf tournament by:

• Saving time. Automate repetitive tasks like registration, payment processing, donation receipts, registration closing dates, and more.

• Increasing engagement. Tech that includes communication tools and solutions like live leaderboards offer increased engagement with golfers and sponsors, which creates a stronger connection to your nonprofit’s cause.

• Raising more money. The right tech platform brings opportunities to drive revenue, like online donations, a round up feature at checkout, exclusive sponsorships, premium digital exposure, and add-ons.

Example:

“Golf event management software can save our planning team 40 hours or more and help bring in an extra $4,000 or more in additional revenue.”

3. share real-world examples from other nonprofits

Nothing drives home how well a tool works than showing how your peers have benefited from it. Show decision-makers how other nonprofits and events have successfully adopted tech for their golf events and the positive ROI they experienced. Seek out case studies, talk to other golf tournament organizers, or look at online reviews (such as Google or Capterra) to help make your case.

Example:

“The Golf Fore Kids Classic cut their administrative time in half by using golf event management software and sold out their sponsorships thanks to the extra digital exposure provided by the platform.”

4. provide a cost-benefit analysis

Many boards or leadership teams will likely have concerns about the cost of implementing a new technology—both in terms of the cost to use the software as well as staff time spent learning to use it. Prepare a cost-benefit analysis that outlines upfront costs, any additional fees or estimated costs, and the projected benefits to help alleviate financial concerns. Compare all costs to the potential revenue increase and savings on time and effort.

Example:

“The golf event software I’m exploring comes with no upfront cost and minimal processing fees, which we can pass along to golfers and sponsors. There’s no risk to us to try it.”

5. demonstrate how tech enhances the tournament experience

Your organization’s decision-makers will likely be interested in how any technology will impact tournament participants and the overall experience. Demonstrating how it will improve the experience for golfers, donors, sponsors, and volunteers is a key part of getting their approval. For instance, golfers and sponsors expect online registration with secure payment processing and a simple checkout process. Other experience-enhancing features might include live scoring and leaderboards, online donations, and a donation tracker.

Example:

“Golfers and sponsors will have a better experience with online registration, live scoring, online donations, and digital sponsor exposure, which increases the likelihood that they’ll come back year after year.”

6. Get them to see a demo or explore the software

The best way to convince your team? Let them see it in action! Book a quick demo so they can ask questions firsthand or share access to the software so they can explore it on their own terms. Either way, they’ll see the platform’s benefits and capabilities to ease their concerns about making the jump to a new tool.

Example:

“We can schedule a quick 15-minute call with an account rep to go over the highlights of the software and you can ask questions and have your concerns addressed.”

7. overcome red tape & bureaucratic hurdles

In many organizations, even the most beneficial changes can face obstacles due to red tape or bureaucratic processes. While it can be frustrating, you can take steps to navigate these challenges:

• Anticipate blockers. Understanding the processes will help you prepare for approval, particularly if multiple departments are involved. By identifying delays ahead of time, you can proactively account for them. These might include legal compliance checks, approval from finance or accounting, and a sign off from IT.

• Get the buy-in of key stakeholders. Decisions can be delayed when certain leaders aren’t fully on board. Talk with the necessary individuals or departments ahead of time to explain the benefits and address any concerns at the outset.

• Create a clear implementation plan. Provide a step-by-step plan with timelines and how the tech will be integrated with minimal disruption in the day-to-day operations and the overall tournament flow.

• Address concerns head on. Change can be scary, so think through potential objections and offer clear solutions that address concerns about switching to a new tech tool for your golf event.

• Be patient—but persistent. Overcoming red tape is an exercise in patience, but also in following through. Find a balance between keeping the tech proposal top-of-mind while allowing it to work through the system.

Example:

“I’ll work with finance and IT to get their blessing first, then create an implementation plan that includes ample time for staff training ahead of the golf tournament, and follow up regularly with department heads to keep this request moving forward.”

Other things to mention

• Support. They’ll want to know if there is a team of knowledgeable, responsive folks available to help troubleshoot, provide coaching, and assist you and your golfers—and if there’s any cost to access the support team.

• Security. You might discuss the tech provider’s security standard, such as PCI-compliance (for credit card transaction) and data privacy.

• Long-term benefits. Share how easy it is to copy an event each year so there’s no need to start from scratch. This takes advantage of processes and event infrastructure that have already been built, ultimately saving your team time.

Next Steps

Getting approval to implement new technology for your charity golf event comes down to clearly communicating its benefits, addressing concerns, and showing how it can lead to greater success for both the event and your nonprofit as a whole.

A platform like GolfStatus, which is built specifically for golf events, is a great option to streamline your tournament from top to bottom. It starts with an event website with integrated online registration and payment processing, built-in time-saving automations, and opportunities to raise thousands more dollars. Nonprofits and third parties planning charity golf events can qualify to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program.

Book a Demo to Get Started With GolfStatus!

It happens to the best of us—you’re sure all your i’s are dotted and all your t’s are crossed for your golf tournament, but as the day draws closer, unexpected issues and tasks may pop up and must be handled. Here are 10 commonly overlooked tournament details you might not be thinking of (but definitely should be!):

1. Event Website Updates

Your event website is the hub for your tournament. It can be tempting to set it and forget it, but it’s necessary to keep it up to date. As the tournament gets closer, ensure the sponsor and team package quantities remaining are correct, that expiration dates are applicable, and a registration close date is clearly stated and communicated to prospective sponsors and golfers.

2. Weather Plans

Weather is one of the few factors for your golf tournament that you have no control over. That being said, you can be prepared. Think through an inclement weather plan for all scenarios and work with the golf facility to determine a backup tournament date, if applicable. If the forecast calls for hot weather, ensure you have plenty of water on hand for staff, volunteers, and participants. If it will be uncomfortably cold, think about providing hot coffee or cocoa to keep participants warm. Above all, you’ll want to constantly monitor the weather leading up to the tournament and fine-tune your contingency plans and how you’ll communicate those to participants.

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Pro Tip:

GolfStatus’ tournament management platform includes a messaging feature that makes it simple to send emails or push notifications to registered golfers and sponsors with just a few clicks.

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3. Volunteer Management

Volunteers are a crucial part of your event. Make sure you’ve assigned and communicated clear roles and expectations to all volunteers and have a point person to manage volunteers throughout the tournament. Be sure to take care of them, providing food and beverage, chairs, a shade tent, or other items to keep them comfortable and feeling appreciated.

4. Golfer/Team Waitlist

If you have a cap on the number of individual golfers or teams that can play in your event, game plan how you’ll handle a waitlist. Many tournaments offer a waitlist so teams or individuals can fill a spot left by a cancellation or other circumstances. If your teams are getting close to sold out, determine if you’ll offer a wait list, how you’ll handle registration and payment with folks on the waitlist, or whether or not you’re able to accommodate additional teams by doubling up on holes (if allowed by the golf facility and keeping pace of play in mind).

5. Printing & Order Deadlines

Give yourself enough lead time to order any signage, banners, apparel, player gifts, branded merchandise, or other items to arrive in plenty of time for your tournament. Check with your vendors on production/turnaround times to ensure you’ll have everything you need for tournament day.

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Pro Tip:

Check out the GolfStatus Marketplace for trusted third party vendors on everything you need to make your tournament unforgettable, like signage, pin flags, auction software, hole-in-one contest insurance, and much more.

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6. A/V Equipment

Coordinate with the host golf facility to determine what A/V equipment they have available and what you’ll need to bring on your own. Equipment needs might include a microphone and portable speaker for the welcome; televisions to display live leaderboards (either inside or outside the clubhouse); laptop, screen, and projector for the awards ceremony or banquet; and any necessary cords for power or connections.

7. Day-of Supplies

Tournament day can be hectic, so plan ahead and make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need for a smooth event. These include items for registration, on-course games, signage, raffle prizes, auction items, and A/V items.

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The Complete Event Day Guide for charity golf tournaments

This free guide includes a tournament day checklist of everything you need for a smooth-running event, plus tips on live scoring, using your website to communicate with participants, and suggested reports and documents.

Download now!

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8. Food & Beverage

This deadline often sneaks up on tournament organizers. Whether the golf facility is providing all food and beverage or an outside vendor or caterer is supplying them, be sure to touch base with them to set a deadline to provide final numbers, confirm menus, and talk through the details of when and how food will be distributed. If you’re providing food and beverage for golfers and sponsors, it’s a good idea to ask for any dietary restrictions at registration.

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Pro Tip:

Food and beverage are prime opportunities for sponsorships. Consider a Lunch Sponsor, Beverage Cart Sponsor, Bar Sponsor, Drink Ticket Sponsor, Snack Sponsor, or other sponsor that helps cover the hard costs associated with food and drink.

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9. Parking

Most golf facilities have ample parking available, but you might want to verify plans for overflow parking if you’re expecting a sold out field of golfers along with sponsors, volunteers, staff members, and guests. The last thing folks want to deal with as they arrive for a fun day on the golf course is a full parking lot and no other options for their vehicle. Consider assigning a volunteer to direct traffic to maximize parking lot use, having a spot for golfers to drop their golf bags before they park, and ensuring there is accessible parking available.

10. Prizes & Giveaways

Don’t wait until the last minute to determine the prizes you’ll provide to the tournament’s champions, winners of on-course games, and contests, as well as golfer gifts. Give yourself plenty of production time for trophies or plaques, and seek donations for auction items, raffle prizes, pin prizes, golfer gifts, and other giveaways to save money on costs.

Stay Organized With Golf Tournament Tech from GolfStatus

Golf tournaments come with enough details to handle—the last thing you need is a clunky event management platform that requires workarounds to function for a golf event. GolfStatus is built for golf and makes it easy for tournament organizers to stay organized, save a ton of time, and easily collaborate with planning teams and the golf facility.

Nonprofits, charities, and third parties holding a golf fundraiser can qualify to use GolfStatus—with a free event website, online registration, client-only sponsorships, an A+ support team, and much more—at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program. Click below to get qualified and create a tournament in minutes!

When Dino Verelli’s father, Giovanni, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008, he found very little in terms of support or resources for pancreatic cancer families. Dino decided to take action to rewrite the story of this formidable disease. He launched Project Purple in 2010, fueled by a commitment to his father and the countless other patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer. Sadly, Giovanni passed away in 2011, but his memory is honored through Project Purple’s work to raise awareness, drive crucial research into early detection, and provide aid to patients and families battling pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer has just a 13% five-year survival rate. Its symptoms often don’t present until the disease has advanced and spread to other organs, making early detection—when the chances of successful treatment are the greatest—even more of a challenge. Vin Kampf, Program Director at Project Purple, lost an uncle to pancreatic cancer within just six months of diagnosis, inspiring him to join the Project Purple team.

“One of the most important things we do is build community,” Vin says. “It trickles down into our other areas of focus. Fostering a community of support helps patients connect with others who are in the same fight has been life-changing.”

Vin oversees the marathon program at Project Purple, which raises funds through individual runners in marathons and races across the world. The program has helped build the community that’s become so important to the organization, joining together with the pancreatic cancer patients, their families, and the institutions conducting crucial research into a cure.

Vin also loves golf. He’s played in a number of golf fundraisers and helps with a tournament organized by an aunt in memory of a cousin. He saw the fundraising potential and reach of such an event, and wanted to bring that to Project Purple. “Who doesn’t love being outside, being together with others working toward a common purpose, and connecting with them on new levels?” he says. He started to think about how a golf tournament might work for Project Purple—and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“All marathons were canceled, but we were able to move forward with a golf fundraiser,” Vin says. “It was the one fundraising event we could do safely.” They threw the first tournament together in just a few months for a fall event, then had a quick turnaround when they opted to move the tournament to June.

He used the organization’s CRM and multiple spreadsheets for the first two tournaments and ran into roadblocks. “It felt clunky and inefficient, and the registration site didn’t look good or work very well,” he says, and began looking for a better way to plan and manage the tournament that was structured to handle golf.

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“We really wanted the golf tournament to become a marquee event for us, and we needed a solution that reflected that.”

— Vin Kampf, Program Director at Project Purple

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Read the full case study to find out why Vin says GolfStatus was what was missing from the golf tournament that raised over $130,000 for pancreatic cancer.

It happens all too often—nonprofits looking to add a new revenue stream to their fundraising portfolio write off the possibility of a golf tournament because they have preconceived notions about such events. From misunderstandings about income potential to doubts about their true impact, these myths can deter organizations from jumping into golf fundraising.

Here are seven common myths about charity golf tournaments—and the facts that prove them wrong.

Myth #1: You have to know all about golf to be successful

Fact: You don’t have to be a golfer or understand the intricacies of the game to plan a lucrative golf tournament.

A deep knowledge of the game simply isn’t necessary. In fact, many successful golf tournament organizers aren’t golfers. What do they have to help them be successful? A golf-specific tool that helps them manage the intricacies of a golf event. The key here is using an event management platform that’s designed for golf and makes it easier for tournament organizers of all experience levels to plan, manage, and execute a lucrative golf tournament. You’ll want a software solution that lets you effortlessly collaborate with your planning team and the golf facility and has a knowledgeable, responsive support team to help you along the way.

Myth #2: It’s impossible to make money from a golf tournament

Fact: Golf tournaments have a ton of revenue potential.

Whether you hold an 18-hole golf tournament at an exclusive, high-end private golf club or a putt putt event at a local mini golf course, golf comes with a ton of fundraising potential. While there are certainly expenses associated with a golf event—such as facility rental, greens fees, cart rental, food and beverage, player gifts, and promotional expenses—there are even more opportunities to bring in funds. Sponsorships are where you’ll likely raise the bulk of your tournament’s money, but they can be supplemented by golfer registrations, add-ons like mulligans or contest entries, raffle tickets, auctions, on-course games, or donation appeals.

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Download a free budget template

This sample golf fundraiser budget spreadsheet helps charity golf tournament organizers outline, plan, and manage the event's budget. Simply add your tournament's specific information and get a clear overview of all revenue and expenses associated with the event, track vendor estimates, and instantly see a profit-loss summary.

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Look for an event management platform that comes with multiple avenues to raise additional funds, such as:

• Premium digital sponsorships

• The ability to collect donations on your event website

• The ability to pass processing fees on to registrants

• The ability for registrants to “round up” their order total

• Custom registration packages for mulligans, contest entries, raffle tickets, and more

An attractive, professional event website makes it easy to raise even more money from a charity golf tournament.

Myth #3: I don’t need golfers in my donor base

Fact: Golfers represent a highly desirable demographic of potential donors.

If you’re not holding a golf tournament, or worse yet, not collecting golfers’ donor data, you’re missing out on an affluent, influential demographic of the population. In general, golfers have a significantly higher than average net worth and annual income—giving them a higher capacity to give. Over half of golfers are between the ages of 25 and 55, an age group with a great deal of spending power and an interest in supporting charitable causes through a sport they enjoy.

What’s more, when golfers tap their networks to assemble a team for a charity golf outing, your donor base instantly expands, exposing even more people—and more potential donors—to your work and mission. Your tournament’s sponsors also present an opportunity to forge strong relationships with new or existing corporate partners for support beyond your golf event.

Myth #4: Golf Tournaments Are Outdated & Boring

Fact: Golf is more popular than ever.

The National Golf Foundation reports that 531 million rounds of golf were played in 2023, which surpasses the previous record high set in 2021. In general, rounds played are up 10% from the pre-COVID average between 2015 and 2019. Roughly one-third of the total population of the United States (over the age of five) interacted with the sport in some way in 2023, either by playing golf, following it on TV or online, reading about it, or listening to a golf-related podcast—which is up 30% since 2016.

Why are these numbers important? Because charity golf tournaments tap into golf’s surging popularity, meeting donors where they’re already spending time—on the golf course. When golfers are able to support a cause they care about or one they’ve just learned about because they played in a tournament, they’re more likely to come back year after year to engage with that organization.

Charity golf tournaments meet donors where they’re already spending time—on the golf course.

Successful golf tournaments also focus on the overall experience, providing a professional, memorable day for golfers and sponsors. There are a number of ways to add fun, excitement, and even extra fundraising to charity golf tournaments, such as:

• Contests, like hole-in-one, longest drive, closest to the pin, or putting

• Skins games

• Beat the pro contest

• Mulligans

• On-course games or challenges

• Live or silent auctions

• Demonstrations on tee boxes

• Post-golf entertainment

• Custom player gifts

• Live leaderboards

Myth #5: Sponsors Aren’t Interested in Supporting Golf Tournaments

Fact: Golf tournaments have a unique value proposition.

Golf events offer a unique blend of engagement, networking, and fun that other fundraising events simply can’t match, making them especially attractive to sponsors. Unlike traditional fundraisers, like galas, golf tournaments provide participants with a full day of an activity they enjoy. The nature of golf encourages interaction and relationship-building in an informal, relaxed setting, which can be especially beneficial for sponsors looking to connect with golfers on a more personal level.

Golf tournaments also present numerous opportunities for creative sponsorships and branding that are less intrusive—but more effective and memorable. The addition of the digital exposure and impressions provided by your golf event management platform gives sponsors multiple touchpoints to gain visibility and recognition throughout the event. Having a variety of sponsorship options also accommodates different levels of financial commitment, making it easier to attract sponsors with varying budgets.

Digital exposure adds a ton of value to golf tournament sponsorships.

Myth #6: Golf Tournaments Are Too Much Work

Fact: With the right technology in place, golf tournaments provide tremendous ROI for nonprofits and charities.

Yes, golf events come with a number of moving pieces and unique details to handle. But having the right resources at your disposal saves time, effort, and hassle. Technology specific to golf tournaments simplifies planning, management, and execution, with baked-in solutions that make it a breeze to:

• Promote your tournament

• Collect registrations

• Build and sell custom sponsorship packages

• Onboard sponsors and provide digital exposure

• Manage golfer and sponsor data

• Make hole assignments

• Collaborate with the golf facility’s staff

• Print day-of documents

• Run reports and track payments

Instead of siloed information across multiple platforms and spreadsheets, golf event management tech makes everything accessible with one login. And unlike traditional event management platforms that require endless workarounds to function properly for a golf tournament, you can handle golf-specific tasks like GHIN handicaps, team pairings, hole assignments, and live scoring with just a few clicks. The end result? A ton of time savings and more money raised for your mission.

GolfStatus’ in-house client success team is available with live support seven days a week.

Myth #7: There’s No One to Help Me

Fact: Tools, resources, and support are available to help you hold a successful charity golf tournament.

You aren’t alone! Help is available, from software solutions and tournament planning resources to troubleshooting and live support seven days a week. Nonprofits, charities, and third parties holding golf events to benefit a cause can qualify to use GolfStatus’ golf event management platform at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good giveback program. You’ll get a free golf tournament website, online registration and payment processing, live scoring and leaderboards, exclusive sponsorships and add-ons, and a dedicated client success rep there to help you every step of the way. Click the button below to learn more and get qualified for Golf for Good!

The Collin County Chapter of the Texas Tech Alumni Association had been defunct for several years when a group of local alums decided to resurrect it. As the chapter began to get back on its feet, the primary goal was to engage alumni and raise funds for a scholarship program. Though Sam Clark wasn’t a member of the initial board, he quickly volunteered to head up a golf tournament that would help the group reach their goals of alumni engagement and fundraising.

The goal of the golf tournament was not only to raise money for a scholarship program, but to build strong connections among the chapter’s alumni.

“It was basically a done-deal that we were going to have a golf tournament,” Sam says. “Everyone on the board plays golf or is a member at a country club and everyone knew it was a great way to raise money.”

Right off the bat, Sam had questions. Though he had played in charity golf tournaments, he’d never planned one from ideation to fruition. “I wondered how we should handle registrations, payments, leaderboards, pin flags, and so many other details,” he says. Another member of the chapter’s board, Russell Hall, had run several tournaments through GolfStatus, and told Sam it was just what he needed.

The newly-established annual Red Raider Cup provided fun and networking for Collin County Texas Tech alums.

Sam says much of the initial planning phase was determining the type of golf facility (public or private), price points (high end or mid-level), and a budget. After those were in place, the committee began to think about operations and processes, and that’s when GolfStatus came into the picture.

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“I honestly don’t know how we would have done it without GolfStatus,” Sam explains. “It would have quadrupled—or more—the work and time that went into the tournament.”

— Sam Clark, Tournament Organizer

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Download the full case study to get the full scoop on how GolfStatus provided Sam and the planning committee with a one-stop shop for their golf tournament—and how they were able to use the platform and leverage add-ons to meet their fundraising goals for a first-year event.

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Get qualified for golf for good

Texas Tech Alumni Association of Collin County was able to utilize GolfStatus’ golf event management platform at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program. You can get a free event website with online registration, access to exclusive sponsorships and add-ons, tournament planning guidance, and more at no risk. Click below to find out more and get qualified!

As golf season moves into high gear, tournament organizers like you are likely exploring avenues to boost revenue from your golf fundraiser. This blog series continues to outline various tournament components, add-ons, and strategies to raise as much money as possible from your golf tournament. Check out the other posts in this series:

BackSwing Golf Events

Hole-In-One Contests

On-Course Games

In-Kind Donations

This installment will explore a popular addition to golf tournaments: auctions. Auctions are a common—and lucrative—complementary activity that can have great ROI for your nonprofit.

Why is an Auction a Good Choice for My Golf Tournament?

Auctions and golf tournaments go hand-in-hand. Not only does an auction add an exciting, interactive experience to your golf tournament, but it encourages attendees to participate and contribute generously. An auction is another opportunity to engage with area companies and businesses when you solicit auction item donations. And, of course, auctions have the potential to generate significant revenue for your tournament and organization.

What Types of Auctions Work Well at a Charity Golf Tournament?

The vast majority of golf tournaments incorporate a silent auction. In a silent auction, participants write their bids on a piece of paper, or, more commonly, using an online bidding platform to submit their bid. Silent auctions work well with golf tournaments because of their flexibility, and thanks to mobile bidding platforms, golfers can place bids from anywhere on the course.

Another option is a live auction. Live auctions utilize a professional auctioneer who leads the bidding process, encouraging competition amongst attendees. One item is auctioned off at a time, in front of the entire group. Live auctions are particularly effective for high-value items or experiences, but can be time-consuming at the end of a long day on the golf course.

Finally, you can choose an online auction. An online auction extends the auction beyond the golf tournament itself, reaching a larger audience and broader participation.

Link out to your auction right from your golf tournament website.

How do i add an auction to my golf event?

An auction can easily be added to your tournament at any time. Of course, the earlier you plan for an auction, the more time you’ll have to procure items, promote the auction, establish bidding processes, and finalize the details. What’s more, a well-organized auction ensures a positive overall experience and can even encourage higher bids.

Much like your golf tournament, using technology will help it run smoothly and save you time and hassle, so start by choosing an auction platform. The most important feature is a mobile-friendly interface so golfers can browse auction items during the round and place bids right from their phones. It’s also a good idea to enlist volunteers to help with auction setup, answer questions and assist folks with bids, and finalizing payment and item pickup at the auction’s conclusion.

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Pro Tip:

Use your GolfStatus event website to promote your golf tournament’s auction, highlighting top-tier items and recognizing donors.

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ADD AN AUCTION TO YOUR GOLFSTATUS EVENT WEBSITE

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How can an auction boost my tournament’s revenue?

A combination of desirable items, low overhead costs, and a smooth experience can significantly increase your golf event’s overall revenue and further your nonprofit’s impact. Here’s what an auction can do:

• Attract New Participants. An auction can draw a wider audience to your tournament, including those who may not be interested in golfing but want to support your cause another way. Spouses or guests of golfers or sponsors may be eager to attend an auction, but not the rest of the tournament.

• High-End Items Encourage Higher Bids. Competitive bidding, especially in a live auction, can drive up the final sale price of items, leading to increased fundraising.

• Donated Items Drive Costs Down. Seek as many donated items as possible to keep overhead costs low. Items purchased outright or on consignment come with a cost that eat away at your overall take from the auction. Engage your donor base, partners, vendors, and sponsors to solicit auction item donations.

• Offers Multiple Income Streams. In addition to team registrations, sponsorships, contests, mulligan sales, and other add-ons, an auction provides yet another source of income for your tournament, diversifying your fundraising efforts.

• Adds Excitement and Engagement. Auctions add more fun and excitement to your tournament, encouraging golfers, sponsors, and guests to stay longer—and spend more.

What Items Should I Offer in my Auction?

One key to a successful auction is offering items that are appealing, attractive, and valuable to your audience. Some popular auction items generally include:

• Experiences. VIP tickets to sporting events, concert passes, exclusive golf packages, vacations or travel packages, dining experiences.

• Memorabilia. Autographed sports gear, collectibles, pieces of art, branded merchandise, golf equipment.

• Luxury Items. Designer goods, handmade jewelry, high-end electronics, gourmet food baskets, high-end spirits or wine baskets.

• Local Business Services. Spa packages, local dining experiences, home improvement services, golf lessons, local boutique packages.
  

Hole #18 at Victoria National, part of the Dormie Network.

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Pro Tip:

GolfStatus’ giving partners at Dormie Network Foundation offer in-kind donations that level up nonprofits’ fundraising efforts. Learn more and request consideration at dormienetworkfoundation.org.

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What are some best practices for my golf event’s auction?

• Start Planning Early. Begin organizing your auction well in advance of the event. Secure high-quality items and experiences that will appeal to your audience.

• Set Clear Guidelines. Clearly outline the auction rules, including bidding increments, payment methods, and pick-up procedures, to avoid confusion and ensure a seamless process. Be sure to communicate these to your bidders before the auction begins.

• Utilize Technology. Consider using online bidding platforms for silent or virtual auctions to streamline the process and reach a broader audience.

• Leverage Sponsorships and Donated Items. Partner with local businesses for donated items or experiences, reducing costs and fostering community involvement. You’ll improve fundraising outcomes as a result!

• Engage Attendees. Provide frequent updates and reminders about the auction during the tournament, highlighting selected items to keep attendees engaged.

• Recruit Volunteers. Recruit the help of volunteers to assist with auction setup, bid tracking, and attendee support during the event.

• Follow Up with Bidders. After the auction, promptly reach out to winning bidders to confirm payment and item delivery, and thank them for their support. Be sure to add them to the invite list for next year’s golf tournament.

Auctions by golfstatus

In addition to industry-leading software for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, GolfStatus offers an auction add-on. The GolfStatus in-house team will work closely with you to set the auction up on the platform and activate the “Auction” tab on your golf tournament website so you can start collecting bids alongside golfer and sponsor registrations. Curious about how GolfStatus can help save time, raise more money, and streamline your auction? Click below to get in touch with our team.

Golf may not be the biggest thing in football-focused Klein, Texas, but the boys and girls golf teams are talented, passionate, and growing. “The kids get so much out of being on the golf teams,” says Andrea Vickers, president of the Klein High School Golf Booster Club’s board. Klein High School provides some funding for the teams, but unfortunately, doesn’t have the budget to fully subsidize all the teams’ expenses and needs.

The Klein High School Golf Booster Club helps fill the funding gaps between what the school provides and what the student athletes need to be successful.

That’s where the Golf Booster Club comes in. The club wants to make sure any student that wants to play golf for the BearKats has the opportunity to do so and has the tools and equipment needed to be successful. The combined team of nearly 30 student athletes is becoming more competitive in local and regional tournaments and getting more kids excited about golf.

Filling the funding gap between what the school provides and what the student athletes need requires significant dollars. “Golf teams can’t just go play in the school gym or football field,” Andrea says. “We have to go to area golf courses and that gets expensive.” Other team expenses include entry and travel costs for tournaments, plus greens fees for practice rounds, uniforms, and balls for each golfer.

The Booster Club launched a golf tournament to help raise funds to cover costs like travel fees, tournament entry, and equipment.

Three years ago, the booster club decided to launch a golf tournament as the best option to raise as much money as possible. The first tournament was successful in terms of dollars raised, but the time and administrative burden on Andrea, her husband, and the rest of the planning team was significant. “We’re all busy parents that work full-time and shuttle kids to and from activities, so we really needed to get away from manual, time-consuming processes,” Andrea says. They used an online platform to manage registrations, but one that required much more time and attention than the team had to give. “It was loosely organized chaos!” Andrea says.

Read the [full case study] to find out how GolfStatus’ tournament management tech—which Andrea and her planning team were able to utilize at no cost through the Golf for Good program—streamlined the tournament from start to finish and prevented a whole bunch of stress.

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Planning a Golf Tournament?

Whether you have a tournament on the calendar or are just exploring the possibility of a golf event, GolfStatus can help! With easy-to-use technology, tournament planning resources, and an industry-leading support team, you’ll be set up for success. Click the button below to learn how you can use GolfStatus at no cost through the Golf for Good program and get qualified!

You’ve decided to hold a golf fundraiser—great! But…now what?

The decision to move forward isn’t one to be taken lightly. You’ll invest time and effort into putting on a great golf event, so you want to make sure you get started on the right foot. Work through the six steps in this quick start guide to launch your golf tournament toward success and start collecting registrations and selling sponsorships as soon as possible.

1. do your research

As you may have suspected, a golf tournament comes with a number of pieces and parts to wrangle. Before you jump into planning, it’s a good idea to do some background research so you have a better understanding of what you’re getting yourself into—and how to maximize the fundraising potential of your tournament.

Don’t worry—you don’t have to be a golf expert to pull off a successful golf tournament! There are a myriad of free golf tournament planning resources at your disposal, so take full advantage of the help available.

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fundamental tournament planning resources

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2. select your tech provider

Technology is a game-changer when it comes to planning and executing a great golf fundraiser. The right tech tool should streamline your golf tournament from start to finish, saving busy organizers like you time and effort. How? By automating time-consuming tasks, keeping you organized, and providing a seamless experience for golfers and sponsors to register, purchase packages, or make a donation.

The key here is a platform that’s designed for a golf event and caters to the unique needs of nonprofits and charity golf tournaments. The last thing you want is an expensive, underpowered, overly complicated platform that requires workarounds and adaptations to function. Look for these must-have features:

• Professional, responsive event website

• Online registration with secure payment processing

• Intuitive interface

• Communication tools

• Web-based for easy collaboration

• Broad sponsor exposure and offerings

• Live scoring and leaderboards

• Ability to collect donations

• Robust reporting

• Seamless data exports

3. reach out to area golf facilities

Next step is securing the host golf facility. A simple Google search for “golf courses near me” will help you identify possibilities. Keep your organization’s audience and donor base in mind when choosing a golf facility. Would they be interested in paying a premium to play at a high-end, private club? Or is a public, lower-cost facility more appealing and practical?

• A public golf course is exactly what it says—open to the public. Anyone can play a public course and no membership is required. Public courses can be owned and operated by a municipality, such as a city, or a private entity. The fees are typically lower than private clubs, but may not be as well-maintained or challenging for avid golfers.

• A private golf course requires a membership to play. Private clubs are, in general, more expensive than public courses but may be more difficult to book an event, unless you have a connection who’s a member. On the flip side, a fundraiser at a private club can be a big draw for golfers who don’t typically have access to such a facility.

• A semi-private golf course is open to the public, but also offers memberships that come with perks not available to everyone. Greens fees should land somewhere in between a public and private club, and can be a nice alternative to either a public or private golf club.

Call around to golf courses in your area or browse course websites to get more information about their rates and costs for outside events and charity tournaments. Remember, a golf tournament essentially fills the facility’s tee sheet for most or all of the day, so it’s in their best interest to work with you to provide a good rate.

4. lock in a date

It’s a good idea to have a general time of year in mind for your tournament, whether it’s spring, summer, or fall (or even winter, if you live in a warmer climate), before you connect with golf staff. Do some research to identify other community or nonprofit events that might compete with yours for registrants, then work with golf staff to hone in on a date that works best for your organization and the course. They can also help advise you on the tournament’s format, start time, pairings and hole assignments, and any post-round banquet space.

Generally speaking, weekends and holidays will be more expensive to host an event than a weekday. Consider whether or not golfers and sponsors will be willing to commit to attending a golf event during the work day or on the weekend.

5. Launch an event website

An event website is a major key to the success of your golf tournament. Once you confirm the date and golf facility, go ahead and launch your site! You’ll get the event on supporters’ radars sooner rather than later. Simply share the link on your social media channels, in emails, on your organization's website, and anywhere else your target audience can be found online.

Use photos, videos, and compelling text to share your organization’s story and why people should support your mission. Provide tangible examples of what the dollars raised from the golf tournament will do for your work—this creates a strong connection between golfers and your organization.

6. fill in the details

As soon as you nail down additional tournament details—such as team and sponsor packages, any contests or games, an auction or raffle, or special guests—add them to the event website right away where folks can check back for updates and register for the event.

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what’s next?

Now that your tournament is launched and live, shift your focus to filling your field of golfers and sponsors. Marketing your event is the longest phase of tournament planning, so leverage these free resources to create a roadmap to a sold out event.

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Get a Free Golf Tournament Website (And More!)

A successful golf fundraiser starts with a professional event website. It’s the home base of your tournament, and where people can find out more information about the event and your mission and commit to participating. Nonprofits (and third parties holding a golf tournament to benefit a nonprofit or charity) can qualify for a free event website and access to GolfStatus’ golf event management platform at no upfront cost. You’ll save a ton of time and effort and raise even more money. Plus, GolfStatus is backed by a best-of-the-best in-house support team who’s there to help you every step of the way. Click below to learn more and get qualified!