Posts tagged live scoring
Product Alert: GolfStatus Rolls Out Enhanced Golf Tournament Event Websites
 

GolfStatus’ golf tournament websites have been completely revamped, with new enhancements that give nonprofits advanced tools to streamline golf event management, engage participants, and boost fundraising efforts.

The updated site design reflects feedback and input directly from our clients and our commitment to continued innovation and improvement to help nonprofits raise mission-critical funds through golf. The new look was rolled out to all event websites powered by GolfStatus on January 20, 2025, and includes:

  • A clean, inviting interface. GolfStatus’ mobile-friendly websites engage site visitors and prompt action, whether it’s to register a team, purchase a sponsorship, or make a donation. A continued focus on mobile ensures organizations have the ability to collect funds from anyone, anywhere, anytime.

  • User-friendly navigation. The new look provides visitors with a more organized and consistent layout, clearly labeled buttons, and easy exploration throughout the site.

  • More opportunities to tell your story. The updated design gives tournament organizers even more space and options to share your cause through imagery, text, and video. Site updates can be made quickly and easily in the software’s back end.

  • Additional sponsor exposure. Sponsors enjoy increased visibility on the site’s home page that adds value to sponsorship packages.

  • Improved checkout experience. Registrants, sponsors, and donors will enjoy a more streamlined and intuitive checkout experience. A new page footer helps guide users through the registration process, showing them what information they need to complete before they can move forward in the process.

  • More visible donation calls-to-action. Organizations can take advantage of additional donation calls-to-action, specifically once registration for the event has closed, to further boost tournament revenue.

These updates complement the core functionality of GolfStatus’ event websites, designed with fundraisers in mind, that save time and offer revenue-boosting opportunities:

  • Online registration and donations with secure payment processing

  • Easy tournament marketing and promotion

  • Simple sponsor onboarding and premium digital exposure

  • Professional live leaderboards

  • The ability to quickly share tournament information and updates

As usual, GolfStatus’ in-house, responsive support team is available to help tournament organizers navigate the site’s updates and answer any questions with live support seven days a week.

 

get a free event website

Nonprofits can qualify for a free event website and no-cost access to GolfStatus’ suite of tournament management solutions through the Golf for Good program, a give-back initiative that supports organizations using golf to do good. Tournament organizers can book a demo with GolfStatus’ team to learn more and get qualified for Golf for Good or to get started in the software on their own.

 
 
Why Digital Sponsorships Are the Way Forward for Your Golf Event
 

Sponsor support is more important than ever for charity golf tournaments. As events evolve to meet participant and sponsor expectations and address logistical challenges, traditional sponsorships may no longer be enough.

Enter digital sponsorships—they’re adaptable, professional, low-risk, flexible, high-value, and easier to implement than you might think. Here’s how you can use digital sponsorships to elevate your charity golf tournament and deliver maximum value to your sponsors.

Two golfers high five after making a putt at a charity golf tournament.

THE VALUE OF DIGITAL EXPOSURE

Digital exposure offers your tournament’s sponsors an innovative way to engage with your audience that boosts each sponsorship's ROI. They also offer a great deal of convenience and flexibility for event organizers.

  • No overhead costs. Digital sponsorships don’t require the production of any physical materials, making them incredibly cost-effective and environmentally friendly. You won’t have to worry about meeting production deadlines or the extra stress of ensuring on-time delivery.

  • Adaptability. If your tournament date, format, or location change, the digital exposure built into your sponsorships can easily pivot to fit the updated plan.

  • Extended visibility. Digital assets like event websites, live leaderboards, and mobile apps ensure sponsors remain front and center for the duration of your event and beyond, guaranteeing additional impressions for the sponsor’s brand.

  • Added value. Digital sponsor exposure can—and should—be built into every sponsorship package, adding additional value for sponsors and improved fundraising outcomes for your nonprofit.

  • Plug and play. With the right event management software, when sponsors purchase a package via your online registration site, the sponsor’s logo should automatically populate into the appropriate locations in the platform, saving organizers time and effort.


PRO TIP:

When making your sponsorship pitch, highlight the value and reach of digital exposure. The additional value and impressions they’ll get as a sponsor of your tournament helps make it an easy sell.


digital sponsorship options

To take advantage of digital sponsorship exposure, you’ll need an event management tool that has such capabilities baked in. Look for an option that provides multiple touchpoints across the platform, giving sponsors broad visibility to your tournament’s field, including:

1. Event Registration Website Exposure

A robust event registration website is the main hub for marketing your tournament. When you share the site’s link across your digital channels—email, social media, direct outreach—and print channels (using a QR code to link directly to the site), sponsors get exposure with every click. The registration interface should include the ability for sponsors to upload their logo and messaging, giving them instant visibility on the site and eliminating the need for tournament organizers to spend time procuring assets from sponsors.

A screenshot of a GolfStatus event website showing digital sponsor exposure.

GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship offers premium visibility across the platform, including on the home page of each tournament’s event website.


2. Digital hole sponsorships

Your event management platform should include a complementary mobile app for live scoring. Not only does live scoring keep golfers engaged throughout the tournament, but it opens the door to sell digital hole sponsorships. Each time a player logs their score, sponsor logos or messages can be displayed, creating frequent, high-impact touchpoints. You have the option to sell digital hole sponsorships as a standalone option, or combine digital hole sponsor exposure with your existing hole sponsorships. Either way, sponsors benefit from added value and engagement.

3. live leaderboard sponsorships

Live leaderboards, much like a mobile scoring app, keep participants and any online spectators engaged while offering premium exposure for sponsors. These leaderboards can and should be shared via email, social media, and newsletters, driving additional visibility for the sponsor and your tournament. The leaderboard sponsorship offers ideal exposure and should be sold at a premium. Once the round concludes, you might use the final leaderboards as an opportunity to make a donation ask—invite them to make a donation that matches their final score (if their team recorded an 84, they would donate $84). Make sure live leaderboards include a donation option to make it easy for folks to make a gift, amplifying the tournament’s fundraising outcomes.

Live leaderboards and mobile scoring apps offer additional digital sponsor exposure and boost the value of sponsorship packages.


4. Mobile engagement

The mobile channel offers the chance for sponsors to reach players with yet another touchpoint. Look for a golf event software that lets you offer sponsors the opportunity to send timely, personalized messages or to offer giveaways through the live scoring app. These targeted interactions can significantly boost sponsor satisfaction and engagement—and the likelihood they’ll return in subsequent years.


PRO TIP:

When reporting to your sponsors after the golf event, include links and screenshots of the digital exposure your tournament provided.


WHY SPONSORS LOVE DIGITAL EXPOSURE

While signage, banners, and other sponsor recognition mediums certainly have their place, digital sponsorships provide unparalleled benefits, including:

  • Enhanced brand visibility. Through mobile apps, websites, and leaderboards, sponsor logos and messages reach broader audiences over a longer time period. As soon as a sponsor commits and their logo appears on your event website, the sponsor starts earning impressions with every site visit.

  • Targeted engagement. Sponsors have the ability to interact with participants at key moments throughout the round. Whether it’s through push notifications from high-dollar sponsorships or hole sponsor logos when a team enters their score in the live-scoring app, sponsors get engagement that’s second to none.

  • Shareable support. Sponsors can share the link to your event site through their outreach channels, demonstrating to their audiences how they’re supporting the community by being involved with your tournament.

  • Onboarding is simple. The actual process of becoming a sponsor is easy—sponsors browse your available packages, see examples of exposure, and purchase their package right on the site. There’s no need for time-consuming back and forth, removing barriers and making it simple for sponsors to commit and focus on maximizing their investment.

  • Enhanced professionalism. Above all, you want to make your sponsors look good. Digital exposure provides a level of professionalism that other forms of exposure simply can’t match.

Two golfers view live leaderboards on a television screen inside the clubhouse at a golf tournament.

Live leaderboards not only give your tournament a professional look and feel, but they offer a top-tier digital sponsorship opportunity.


Final Thoughts

Supporters want to know their contributions are going toward meaningful impact. Leveraging digital sponsorships ensures more dollars go directly to your cause, boost the value of sponsorship packages, and unlock new opportunities for your tournament’s success. Start by exploring golf event-specific event management options that offer digital sponsor exposure, attractive event websites, live scoring and leaderboards, and other tools to help you raise the most money possible for your mission.


hit the easy button with Golfstatus

GolfStatus’ full-service golf event management platform simplifies the implementation of digital sponsorships. It’s designed to help organizations of all sizes save time and resources while delivering premium sponsorship opportunities and a great overall experience. Plus, through the Golf for Good programs, nonprofit organizations can access this technology at no upfront cost.

Hit the Easy Button With GolfStatus

Book a Demo Today

 

 
Nebraska PGA’s Partnership with GolfStatus Saves Pros Time & Elevates Charitable Impact
 

Partner snapshot

The Nebraska PGA serves over 300 golf professionals in Nebraska, Western Iowa, and Southeast South Dakota. Based in Lincoln, the Nebraska Section is a resource for member golf professionals, offering services and opportunities that enhance the skills of its members and promote the overall vitality of the game. Its PGA REACH Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Section that supports local golf initiatives and charities.

The challenge

David Honnens, Executive Director for the Nebraska PGA, recognized a recurring issue at Nebraska golf facilities: the time burden that charity golf tournaments and outside events placed on PGA Pros’ time, often at the expense of other essential facility operations and member-focused activities.

These outside events, which are key to a facility’s bottom line, require staff to dedicate extensive hours to assisting tournament organizers with planning and management and internal event preparations. These events often lack streamlined communication and registration processes, leading to inconsistencies and gaps in planning, making it challenging for golf staff to gather the information needed for a successful tournament. What’s more, tournament organizers often come to golf facilities with limited golf knowledge, increasing the need for golf staff involvement and support.

A solution was needed to save Professionals time while also improving tournament organization and fundraising outcomes for the organizing charity.


There needed to be a way to bridge the disconnect between golf facility staff and tournament organizers and give Pros more of their time back,” says David. “A partnership with GolfStatus for charity events was the answer.
— David Honnens, Executive Director at PGA Nebraska

The solution

GolfStatus is built specifically for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. Its suite of tournament management and fundraising tools streamline golf events for nonprofit event organizers and offer new opportunities to boost revenue. The software is backed by an in-house support team of Client Success Representatives that include several PGA Professionals who understand the ins and outs of successful golf events.

GolfStatus’ tournament management software saves golf facility staff 20-30 hours per event.

Cash Dinkel is a PGA Professional who spent several years as tournament director at a Denver country club and now serves as GolfStatus’ Client Success Director. “We understand the golf staff have software in place for facility operations and member events. GolfStatus isn’t trying to replace that; we’re here to make outside events and charity tournaments more efficient for golf staff,” he says.

Golf facilities that are on board with GolfStatus as part of the partnership refer charity tournaments to the GolfStatus team, who help them build an event in the software and launch an event website. The client success team provides pre-event education and coaching, suggestions for revenue-boosting tournament components, and provides access to golf staff to access pre-formatted printouts and reports and make hole assignments and team pairings.

the results

Thus far, 17 golf facilities in Nebraska have signed on with GolfStatus and referred 157 charity events. Golf professionals earn a kickback for each event referred, with nearly $8,000 paid out to pros since the start of 2024. “Golf staff are being asked to do more on a daily basis, so anything the section can do to help improve a very visible part of their business is a huge plus,” says David of working with GolfStatus. “The financial kickback is great and GolfStatus gives professionals another tool in their tool belt to elevate these events all around.”

Four golfers pose next to a golf cart at an outside event at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, Nebraska.

Golfers at an outside event at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, Nebraska.

tiburon golf club sees success

Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha was one of the first golf facilities to sign on with GolfStatus through the PGA Nebraska partnership. A 27-hole club in Omaha, Tiburon hosts over 100 outside events per year, which means Club Professional Matt Wollom needs to find efficiencies for his team wherever possible. “Instead of getting 20 to 30 emails from the tournament organizer with updates, all the information is updated and accessible in the software’s back end,” Matt says. “It means less back and forth with them and less time and energy for my staff so they can provide great service to golfers.”

time savings across the board

David says Nebraska PGA Professionals have reported saving 20 to 30 hours per tournament by using GolfStatus, time that can be redirected toward other aspects of facility operations, income-generating activities, or member engagement. “Time is precious, and when golf professionals don’t have to spend their time doing back-office work or going back and forth with the tournament contact, it’s huge for us,” he says.

Matt says the events held at Tiburon who use GolfStatus also save time. “The tournament organizers, who don’t always know much about golf, end up having fewer planning tasks on their plate so they can go out and focus on raising money,” Matt says. “Plus, we’re not getting phone calls asking questions. GolfStatus takes care of it for us.”

GolfStatus’ Client Success Team includes PGA Professionals who understand the ins and outs of golf facility operations and golf tournaments.

Cash points out that GolfStatus’ goal in working with the Pros and the events is increased efficiency. “Event planners become more efficient because they’re not dealing with paper forms. Facility staff is more efficient because they can run reports and easily communicate with organizers,” he says. “Tournaments are easier to do and easier to maintain with GolfStatus, on both the organization and facility sides.”

better outcomes for host organizations

Events that use GolfStatus at partner golf courses have seen improved fundraising outcomes. It starts with no-cost access to the software for nonprofits. Offerings like the GolfStatus client-exclusive Technology Sponsorship, hole-in-one insurance and sponsorships, pin flag sponsorships, and exclusive donations from Dormie Network add up to thousands of additional dollars.


GolfStatus has everything these events need to raise money,” Matt says. “It gives them channels to raise extra money they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.
— Matt Wollom, Club Professional at Tiburon Golf Club

Golfers eat lunch as part of an outside outing benefiting a nonprofit.

Outside outings often come with additional components, such as luncheons, banquets, and auctions.

Tournaments often add an online auction component to drive additional revenue, which is good for both the host nonprofit and the golf facility. “We’re seeing a lot more online auctions at outside charity events, which can raise almost 200% more than a traditional auction,” David says. GolfStatus’ online auction service offers easy setup, bidding, and payment for nonprofit clients wishing to add an online auction component.

expanding the partnership to other pga sections

GolfStatus is expanding their partnership to include other PGA Sections around the country, helping boost efficiency for golf professionals and fundraising for charities. “GolfStatus speaks the language of nonprofits and charities, but also golf,” David says. “They’re an expert resource that helps golf professionals elevate every event.”

Cash says he hopes PGA Sections see GolfStatus as an asset to PGA Members and events. He says the GolfStatus team will work with each individual golf facility and pro to determine what tournament-related tasks can be taken off their plates, such as:

  • Meeting with the tournament organizer as a consultant

  • Helping the tournament maximize fundraising with exclusive sponsorships, tools, and partners

  • Building a registration and payments event website

  • Automating the creation of professional scorecards, cart signs, alpha lists, etc. so that golf staff doesn’t have to spend hours organizing data and formatting documents

A screenshot of the Millard Public Schools Foundation golf tournament website is displayed on a computer.

An event website automates registration, saving organizers and golf staff time and effort. Registration information drops in the software's back end where it's easily accessible for real-time management.

The specialized software and support GolfStatus provides fosters growth and streamlines golf tournament management, making it easier than ever for golf facilities to host impactful charity events while saving valuable time and resources.

get in touch

If your golf facility or PGA Section is interested in learning more about how GolfStatus can serve you, book a meeting with Cash Dinkel, PGA, Client Success Director. Nonprofits can get qualified to use the software at no cost by clicking here.

 
 
Nebraska PGA Supports Veterans Through Golf With Help from GolfStatus
 

Golf provides a unique opportunity for military veterans to connect with each other in an outdoor, healthy environment. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a program of the Professional Golfers Association, does just that, providing an outlet for veterans to boost their physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing.

Four veterans high five while participating in a golf tournament.

PGA HOPE is a free golf program for veterans and active-duty military personnel, led and taught by PGA Professionals. When they complete the program, the veterans are considered “graduates” and remain engaged with the program, and more importantly, with each other.

Seth Scollard, Assistant Executive Director of the Nebraska Section PGA, says the program has become about more than just golf. “Golf has almost become secondary. It’s camaraderie and takes their minds off of everything else for a couple hours each week,” he says. “As the program has grown, it’s really created a veteran community.” Graduates come together for a variety of activities centered around golf and more, including golf leagues, baseball games, and serving food at homeless shelters.


Golf has almost become secondary. It’s camaraderie and takes their minds off of everything else for a couple hours each week.
— Seth Scollard, Assistant Executive Director of the Nebraska Section PGA

The PGA HOPE Classic falls under the umbrella of PGA REACH Nebraska. It’s one of the section’s flagship programs, with over 250 active participants in its sixth year. PGA REACH Nebraska runs several golf events over the course of the year, with Seth as the point person for organization and execution. In the past, they offered a nine-hole event for PGA HOPE program graduates, but with more veterans involved than ever, Seth and his team decided to up the ante and create the 18-hole PGA HOPE Classic. The Classic added another tournament under the purview of the PGA REACH Foundation, and another need for a golf event-specific tool to manage and execute such events.

A veteran gets ready to hit a tee shot at a golf tournament.

“There are a lot of software options out there that cater to PGA Professionals and golf facilities, but when you look at charity events, there’s a different set of needs,” Seth says.

Read the full case study to find out how a partnership with GolfStatus bridges the gap between PGA Professionals and other golf facility staff and nonprofit tournament organizers, and helps PGA HOPE support veterans through golf.

 
 
Product Alert: Create a Tournament
 

GolfStatus meets tournament planners where they are, both in terms of planning status and their desired level of interaction with our team. To that end, we’re excited to roll out a new function that gives users who don’t want to wait for a product demo the ability to get started in the software right away.

Tournament organizers simply fill out the demo request form and follow the instructions provided via email on how to create a GolfStatus account, explore the software, and create a tournament on their own.

This option is great for folks who might be in a time crunch to launch their tournament’s registration, those who are happier exploring a platform independently instead of listening to a demo, or individuals who just can’t wait to get started. The platform will use the information provided in the demo form to create an organization and auto-populate basic tournament information. Once you create an account, you’re free to explore the platform and its capabilities!

It’s important to note a few necessary steps you’ll need to take after the tournament is created in GolfStatus to get it live and ready to accept golfer and sponsor registrations:


1. Create or add a round

At this point, you’ll enter your tournament’s format, date and time of the tournament, type of start (shotgun or tee time) and golf facility information to further flesh out the tournament’s details.

2. Set Your Tournament Status to Active

Now you’re cooking! Setting your tournament to active means it will appear in GolfStatus’ tournament listings and you’ll be able to sell packages once they’re created.

3. Update the Event Site Homepage

The event website is where you tell your story, so customize it with content, imagery, and media. Share what your tournament is raising money for, share photos or videos of your nonprofit’s impact, and explain to prospective participants what they can expect from the event.

The home page for a golf tournament website is displayed on a laptop.

4. Create Custom Team & Sponsorship Packages

Develop packages based on your event’s unique needs and goals! Common package types include team or individual golfer registrations, various sponsorship packages, and add-ons such as mulligans, dinner tickets, on-course challenge entry, or raffle tickets.

5. Explore Tools to Raise More Money

Maximize your tournament’s fundraising potential by learning more about GolfStatus’ revenue-driving opportunities, such as the Technology Sponsorship, Pin Flags, and Hole-In-One Contests. Browse the GolfStatus Marketplace for add-ons from trusted vendors and partners or purchase add-ons from the Revenue Enhancements tab in the software.

A pin flag on a golf course in the foreground and a man putting a golf ball in the background.

6. Connect with GolfStatus’ Team

It’s time to make sure all your i’s are dotted and all your t’s are crossed before you go live! Email the support team, use the chat bubble at the bottom right in the software, or book a meeting with an account manager to connect. Check in with them as much or as little as you like!

 

prefer to get a demo?

Of course, our team is happy to provide a demo that highlights how GolfStatus can help you hold your best golf event yet. You can book a quick 15-minute call or a full demo with one of our knowledgeable account managers, then work directly with a dedicated client success rep who can walk you through the software’s backend and provide coaching for a successful tournament.

You can choose your own path in how you work with GolfStatus. Click the button below to get started!

 
 
Putt Putt Fore Puppies is Back!
 
The event planning team poses in t-shirts from the tournament and a big check for Capital Humane Society.

Year two of Putt Putt Fore Puppies was a resounding success!

The GolfStatus and Dormie Network marketing teams had so much fun in the tournament’s first year—and learned so much—that we decided to do it all over again and crush our goals from 2023. Check out the 2023 planning blog to get the rundown on the mini golf tournament.

Putt Putt Fore Puppies raised money to support the pets looking for their forever homes at the Capital Humane Society here in Lincoln, Nebraska. See our journey here and on Facebook and Instagram!


Thank you tournament sponsors!

Sinclaire Hille Architects logo

Presenting Sponsor - Sinclair Hille Architects

Red Robin logo

Koozie Sponsor - Red Robin

Raising Canes logo

Swag Sponsor - Raising Canes

The Mercato and Certified Piedmontese logo

Certified Piedmontese - Dinner Sponsor

Unico Group logo

Golf Ball Sponsor - UNICO Group

Pinnacle Bank logo

Batting Cage Sponsor - Pinnacle Bank

Dormie Network logo

T-shirt Sponsor - Dormie Network

Belmont Veterinary Center logo

Grand Prize Sponsor - Belmont Veterinary Center

Firespring logo

Refreshment Station Sponsor - Firespring

Pillar Restaurant Group logo

Snack Sponsor - Pillar Restaurant Group

Regal Printing logo
 
Prairie Dental logo

Music Sponsor - Prairie Dental

 
 

Hole Sponsors:

 

3rd quarter / Post-Tournament update

We did it! The second annual Putt Putt Fore Puppies was an even bigger success than last year. Our goal was to donate $12,000 to Capital Humane Society, and thanks to the generosity of our networks and the Lincoln community, the event raised over $15,000 to help care for homeless pets!

event day & post-tournament recap

The tournament sold out, with 54 teams on all three courses at Adventure Golf. We made some changes to the tournament’s set up, moving check in and add-ons closer to Adventure Golf’s entrance to clear up a bottleneck we saw in that area from last year. Things ran smoothly for the most part, though we may add another station for folks to purchase add-ons next year to keep things moving. Over $5,000 went through our GolfStatus event website on tournament day for purchase of all-in games, raffle tickets, t-shirts, and donations, along with nearly $500 in cash. Golfers browsed raffle prizes, visited sponsor booths, decorated pet bandanas, interacted with adoptable dogs from Capital Humane Society, and enjoyed dinner while waiting for the shotgun start.

Emails were sent to all participants prior to the event reminding them to check their hole assignments and encouraging them to download the GolfStatus app ahead of time. Most teams were ready to go with the app, but QR codes were posted at registration and on the clubhouse for folks to easily download the app if need be.

We adjusted the day’s schedule based on 2023, allowing additional time for the teams on the more difficult Backwoods course to finish (even though it wasn’t quite enough time!). Thankfully, live scoring helped our team finalize the results on each of the three courses in just a few minutes so we could move onto awards quickly.

Overall, the event was a resounding success and Capital Humane Society was overwhelmed by the response to the event and the amount the tournament was able to donate. The planning team met to debrief and have some ideas to make the event even better next year! We sent out a post-tournament survey and will use those suggestions to improve for 2025.


3rd quarter update

The third quarter was a race to sell sponsorship packages, promote the tournament, recruit teams, and handle the final details to ensure a successful event. As we experienced last year, the bulk of the team registrations came in during the month leading up to tournament day.

Having a larger planning team than last year paid dividends in sharing the load of sponsor outreach, tournament prep, and day-of event execution. We continued to meet monthly but increased the frequency to bi-weekly leading up to the tournament. GolfStatus’ downloadable Timeline and Checklist kept our planning and task on target.

We crossed these major planning tasks off the list in the third quarter:
  • ✓  Finalized details, logistics, and hole assignments for on-course games.
  • ✓  Discussed a plan for inclement weather (which we thankfully didn’t need!)
  • ✓  Promoted the tournament through email blasts, posts on local event calendars, hanging up flyers in businesses in the area, sending flyers home with local elementary school students, and word of mouth.
  • ✓  Sent an email to last year’s participants with a promo code for $5 off registration on National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day on April 30
  • ✓  Sold all but two sponsorships, both of which already had their hard costs covered. Each team member reached out to their networks to promote available sponsorships.
  • ✓  Placed vendor orders for signage, koozies, golf balls, pin flags, and t-shirts.
  • ✓  Worked with our client success rep to make hole assignments and sponsor hole assignments.
  • ✓  Sent emails to all participants via the GolfStatus messaging tool to encourage them to download the GolfStatus app, purchase add-ons, and review hole assignments.
  • ✓  Coordinated with Capital Humane Society to have adoptable dogs on site at the tournament.

2nd Quarter Update

Planning has continued moving along smoothly. Getting the event website up and running was much simpler this time around, since all we had to do was copy last year’s event and update the specifics. We decided to offer two team registration packages, one that included a t-shirt for each team member at a higher price point and one that didn’t.

Each committee member was responsible for developing one or more sponsorship packages, which were added to the newly launched event website. We ran a registration promotion as part of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30, offering a promo code for $5 off registration, which was sent to last year’s participants via GolfStatus’ email tool.

We did run into one major hiccup which necessitated a date change. The event was originally planned for Friday, September 20, but when the Big 10 conference released the 2024 football schedule, we discovered a home Nebraska Cornhuskers football game the same evening as the tournament. In football-crazed Lincoln, we didn’t think we could compete with the Huskers, so the tournament was moved a week earlier to September 13. We made sure all promotional materials (including the event website, flyers, social media graphics, and email blasts) were updated and that we communicated with the teams and sponsors who had already committed. Adventure Golf continues to be a great partner, working with us to seamlessly move the event date.

Perhaps best of all, after learning about the animals in need of homes, one of our planning committee members decided to adopt a cat from Capital Humane Society!

David and Quynh, his new cat from Capital Humane Society!

Here are the tasks we handled this quarter:

1st Quarter Update

We kicked off planning with committee meetings in February and March to review lessons learned and ideas from the post-tournament debrief and start brainstorming for 2024. The planning committee welcomed several new members, with newer GolfStatus Account Managers and Client Success Reps joining in on the fun. The team now numbers 13, which means more people to share the workload. The decision was made to move the tournament to September, for a couple reasons. One, we hit the jackpot with weather last year—75, sunny, and just a slight breeze. October weather in Nebraska is extremely unpredictable, with more stable conditions in September. Second, Capital Humane Society had no events scheduled for September, so Putt Putt could fill that gap.

Thus far, planning has been easier, as we have actual data and last year’s experiences to draw from. We have a better understanding of costs, revenue, attractive sponsor packages, and how many teams to shoot for. We also have processes and assets in place to use down the road. What’s more, we could simply copy our event in GolfStatus’ backend so there was no need to start from scratch. Stay tuned for the website launch!

Here are the tasks we handled this quarter:
  • ✓  Finalized the planning committee
  • ✓  Set dates for all remaining committee meetings
  • ✓  Set a fundraising goal
  • ✓  Reviewed pricing options for facility rental and team registration
  • ✓  Brainstormed sponsorship and package ideas
  • ✓  Brainstormed revenue enhancers
  • ✓  Locked it in with Adventure Golf (September 20!)
  • ✓  Confirmed the date with the Capital Humane Society team
  • ✓  Divided up sponsorships among committee members
  • ✓  Worked on updating the event website so it can launch in April
  • ✓  Updated the tournament’s budget spreadsheet
 
Foundation Leverages Golf to Raise $90,000 to Support Local Public Schools
 

Every one of the 35 schools in the Millard Public School (MPS) District has benefited in one way or another from the Millard Public Schools Foundation (MPSF). MPS is located in Omaha, Nebraska and serves 23,000 students with 3,000 staff in kindergarten through high school. The Foundation gives roughly $1,000,000 back to the schools on an annual basis to allow Millard’s schools to work beyond their regular operating budget.

Staff and students pose with a welcome back sign in front of an elementary school.


MPSF has funded programs like after school childcare, advanced placement scholarships, food pantries at district high schools, support for Millard families in need, educator awards, and much more for over 40 years, helping students and educators thrive and the district become a district of choice for area families. “Ultimately our main mission is to support the district and make a difference in the community,” says Marilyn Chollett, Director of Development and Communications for MPSF.

One way the Foundation drives revenue is through an annual golf fundraiser. Marilyn has been part of the golf tournament for 15 of the event’s 30+ year existence and serves as the MPSF liaison to the event’s planning committee. “Golf is a great way to have fun and raise money for our work,” she says. “We want the tournament to be something where people can come and have a lot of fun and support our mission.”

Golf tournaments are lined up before the start of the Millard Public Schools golf fundraiser.

Golf is a great way to have fun and raise money for our work.
— Marilyn Chollet, Director of Development and Communications for MPSF

The tournament’s planning team changes every year, with Marilyn remaining a steady presence. She’s not a golfer, but keeps the committee on task and on track. It’s a significant investment of everyone’s time, so Marilyn has kept her eyes open for ways to streamline the tournament from start to finish.

When she came across GolfStatus’ booth at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) conference in New Orleans in April of 2023, she was intrigued by the user-friendliness of the platform, and the promise to save organizers time and help raise more money from golf events.

Read the full case study to learn how the MPSF worked with GolfStatus to identify new sponsorship opportunities and streamline the tournament’s operations to help raise over $90,000 for their mission.

 
 
Golf Tournament Honors Soldier & Raises Awareness for Suicide Prevention
 

Maxwell Tyeryar served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard, including a nine-month tour in Kuwait. He earned a Sergeant’s ranking and numerous service medals, including the distinguished Army Achievement Medal.

A man poses with his arms outstretched in front of a sunset.


But like many veterans, Max masked his internal struggle, and took his own life on January 29, 2022 at just 25 years old. Max’s father, Wes, launched Max Well for Life to honor Max and help support those who struggle with their path in life, along with the families and friends who have been impacted by the loss of a loved one through suicide.

Michele Mikk’s two sons were good friends with Max and he spent a lot of time with her family, so it was devastating to learn that he had taken his own life. After Wes organized a walk dedicated to Max, Michele’s sons approached her with the idea of a golf tournament. She immediately said yes, and the Max Well For Life Charity Golf Tournament was born.

Golfers pose on the green wearing Max Well for Life shirts at a memorial golf tournament.


Beyond raising money, Michele knew they wanted the golf tournament to bring people together and raise awareness about the struggles veterans often face. “Even if we’re able to help one person, it’s enough,” she says. Michele isn’t a golfer, but knew she didn’t have to be one to raise money with golf. Her two sons played golf with Max in high school, so as a golf mom, she knew enough to get started.


I don’t have to know how to play golf to raise money with it!
— Michele Mikk, Tournament Organizer

She’s good at handling details, but wanted an easy way to collect golfer registrations, sell sponsorships, and handle the bookkeeping side of the tournament—without being mired down with spreadsheets, checks, and emails.

A friend of Michele’s told her about GolfStatus, a software platform built specifically for golf fundraisers. She looked further into GolfStatus and found that it checked all the boxes—easy to use, attractive website, online registration, payment processing and golf-specific features.

Read the full case study to find out how the tournament brought people together in Max’ memory, and how GolfStatus helped establish processes, give the event much-needed infrastructure, and raise thousands of extra dollars.

 
 
Product Alert: New GolfStatus App Makes Live Scoring Easier Than Ever
 

The GolfStatus mobile app has been completely reimagined to make live scoring golf tournaments—from miniature golf events to massive, multi-day tournaments—easier and more seamless than ever before.

Screenshots from the newly updated GolfStatus app are shown on a smartphone.

What’s New?

  • Updated Design. The app has gotten a facelift, with a modern and updated look and feel that enhances usability.

  • Simplified Navigation. The app’s menus and features have been consolidated for quicker, easier navigation.

  • Enhanced Tournament Features. Easily find your upcoming tournaments and start live scoring your round with just a few taps. See starting holes and scorecards for all tournament rounds.

  • Light and Dark Mode. The app automatically defaults to light or dark mode, based on the set mode for the device.

  • Tournament Recommendations. GolfStatus will share tournament recommendations based on your location. You can also explore tournaments in your area and register right from the app.

  • Updated Map Views. Find golf courses in your area with ease using the updated map view. 

  • Additional Details & Tracking. Explore detailed scorecard breakdowns for all leaderboard types, plus the ability to edit scores and advanced stats and add notes as you play.

  • Elevated GPS. Customize your map settings to show the distance to the front and back of greens, fairway runouts, and bunkers.


Download the updated app today!

Learn how to use the app to
live score a tournament


Powerful, user-friendly &
no upfront cost

The GolfStatus mobile app remains free to download and is incredibly easy to use, with reliable live scoring for golf tournaments of all types and sizes and tools to track statistics for every round that help you play better golf. Tournament organizers and golfers can also lean on GolfStatus’ in-house support team to answer questions and troubleshoot any issues.

Two men look at their phones to live score a golf tournament using the GolfStatus app.

The GolfStatus app is part of its robust tournament management software that helps event organizers run better tournaments that raise more money. Qualifying nonprofits (or those holding a third party event to benefit a nonprofit or charity) can use GolfStatus at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program. Learn more and get qualified!