Charity Golf Tournament Guide: Planning, Ideas & Fundraising Tips 

Start with a stronger intro that establishes this page as the complete resource for planning and running a golf fundraising tournament. Pull core planning content, logistics, committees, and timeline guidance from the main guide URL above. Consolidate all thematic, branding, and event-format ideas from the themes URL so the master page becomes the single destination for “charity golf tournament theme” searches. Pull all on-course activities, donation-driving games, and engagement boosters from the games URL and weave them into a “Boost engagement and donations” section rather than having a separate standalone page. 

Fold all revenue and profitability tactics from the margins URL into a section focused on increasing ROI, including VIP packages, sponsorship optimization, prize structure, cost controls, and upsells. Integrate expert insights, pro tips, and practical recommendations from the “tips from the experts” URL to add authority and strengthen the mid-page guidance. Combine all technology, mobile bidding, registration, scoring, ticketing, and software recommendations from the “key software features” URL into a technology and tools section that naturally reinforces relevance for event fundraising software queries. 

As one of the most popular types of charity events, golf tournaments let participants live out their PGA Championship fantasies — all while giving to a meaningful cause. As golf continues to gain popularity, a charity golf outing is an innovative fundraising option for your organization. 

Charity golf outings are a popular fundraiser for many nonprofits and associations. With interest in golf increasing by 30% since 2016—bringing the number of participants to 123 million annually—the annual golf outing has become a must-have event for many organizations looking to engage their supporters.  

In many ways, charity golf outings are a go-to for nonprofits. Golf enthusiasts may get a chance to compete on once-in-a-lifetime courses, all while supporting a great cause. When you plan your golf outing with careful attention to detail, you ensure that your event isn’t just about giving back—it’s about creating an enjoyable experience.   

Use these golf fundraising tips to discover how to use the green to earn a little green for your organization, including steps to plan and host a successful charity golf tournament, plus ways to raise money beyond the course. 

Golf Outing Logistics  

More than one in three people over the age of five have played golf. With the average golf outing raising nearly $80,000, a charity golf outing is a great opportunity fore your organization.  

Planning for your golf tournament should begin six to nine months in advance. The sooner you start creating event materials, finding sponsors, booking vendors, and selling registrations, the more successful your golf outing will be.  

Consider creating a golf tournament committee comprising staff and volunteers to coordinate the following: 

• Venue: Search for golf courses in the area to host your event. Country clubs and public greens traditionally offer external event reservations. Given your nonprofit status, negotiate lower fees or donation/sponsorship opportunities.   

• Date: Many country clubs close on Mondays, making this a prime day of the week to book your outing for a private course.   

• Budget: Typical expenses for renting a golf course include booking fees, a green fee per participating golfer, catering, snacks, beverages, golf cart rentals, and, sometimes, a staffing fee. (Always negotiate fees.)   

• Invites and promotion: Set up a dedicated golf fundraising event page where participants can register. Use multi-channel marketing (e-mail, text, flyers, and social media) and consider sending paper invites to select high-level supporters.   

• Tournament format: There are a handful of golf-fundraiser formats to choose from for your tournament. The most fundamental is an open green. Other golf tournaments pick a more coordinated approach, organizing “best-ball” or “scramble”-style outings for added competition and fun.   

The Best Format for a Golf Tournament Fundraiser  

Besides an open golf tournament with designated tee times, the “best-ball” and “scramble” are two popular formats for hosting a charity golf event. Here is how both formats work for golf fundraising.  

• Best-ball tournament: In a best-ball tournament, participants play all 18 holes with their own balls. However, at the end of each hole, the lowest score from the group — the best ball — is the only score that counts. Best-ball tournaments, therefore, necessitate teams. Individual groups of two, three, or four golfers can comprise a team to compete against others on the green, with all scorecards tallied back at the clubhouse.  

• Best-ball tournaments can be more competitive and skills-driven. Teams with more experienced golfers will have an advantage over those with novice players, and sometimes require handicaps to be assigned to teams.   

• Scramble tournament: In a scramble tournament, players individually tee off at the onset of each hole. After that opening drive, players assess who made the best shot. The rest of the players then move their balls to that prime location to play from, with rounds continuing for all 18 holes.  

• Scramble tournaments are less competitive but faster. This setup is more approachable for players of all skill levels, though some may find the pace too quick or too easygoing.   

Why Choose a Charity Golf Tournament to Raise Funds? 

Golf tournaments are among the most successful charity fundraising options. Charitable donations for golf tournaments amount to about $3.9 billion yearly — more than all other sports combined. Whether individuals or corporations, people are drawn to golf tournaments for fun and to network with other like-minded businesses.  

Golf events have limited fundraising capacity from registration fees, so knowing how to generate revenue at a charity golf tournament is essential to bridge the gap and turn a profit. You can make almost limitless additions to increase margins for a profitable charity golf tournament. They provide fun for the whole family and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as a community, supporting a worthy cause.  

Corporate Sponsors 

Corporate sponsorships are the most valuable asset for any charity golf tournament. Hosting a golf tournament can be expensive, making it challenging to break even or make a profit on ticket sales. Corporate sponsors can help you offset your upfront costs in exchange for visibility at your event, in programs, and marketing materials.  

Researching other golf events is an excellent place to start. Find out which companies sponsor golf events and contact them to see if they would be interested in yours. You can meet sponsors in the middle and discuss what parts of your event they feel could be an asset. Some sponsorship ideas include the following: 

• Title sponsor: For a larger fee, your event will be named after your primary sponsor.  

• Food and beverage sponsor: Every event needs food and drinks, especially sports tournaments. Provide sponsors with the opportunity to cover breakfast, lunch, or beverages.  

• Hole-in-one sponsor: Sponsoring a hole-in-one prize is an excellent opportunity for a sponsor, especially if they can present an award after the event.  

• Hole sponsors: Offer sponsors the option of sponsoring a hole. They can set it up however they like, with food and drinks, branded items, or a customized experience. If you can get a sponsor for every hole, you can cover your greens fees.  

Provide a Memorable Experience 

People who come to charity golf tournaments are looking for more than just golf — they’re looking for a memorable day out. Remember to include activities for everyone — kids, spouses, family, and friends. Ensure everyone has food and drinks, and that there is something for the kids to do, such as a mini golf tournament.  

Make your tournament memorable by adding a theme (more on that below). People can dress up, and all your other activities can be centered around your theme. For less-competitive attendees, consider adding some charity golf outing games for a unique experience.  

Part of providing a complete experience includes new opportunities to garner donations for your cause. You can run another fundraising event alongside the golf tournament, like holding a raffle or silent auction. With the correct fundraising software, attendees can bid on their mobile devices while enjoying the rest of the festivities.  

Offer Add-Ons 

You can spice up your event and make money for your organization by appealing to your players’ competitive natures. Give the following add-ons a try: 

• Mulligans: Mulligans are a second chance for golfers. They get to retake their shot for a small fee if they make a mistake. You can sell mulligans for between $10 and $30.  

• Supplies: Station volunteers throughout the course carry supplies golfers might need, such as sweat towels, tees, and extra golf balls. They can purchase these supplies through a mobile donation application from anywhere on the course. Sponsors can donate branded items to reduce the cost of this add-on. 

• Hire a pro: If you have a few willing golf pros, station them at some of the course’s challenging holes. Players can hire them to make shots on their behalf, increasing the price for each successive shot. Mobile bidding software allows players to make their donations during the game.  

Offer Various Ticketing Options 

Decisions like whether to allow for single players or teams, designate tee-off times, and what kind of game you’ll host all make a difference to your revenue. Instead of sticking with a single format, diversify your offerings to appeal to different types of golfers, attract a broader range of guests, and raise more funds.  

Allow single players and teams to compete. You could offer a team discount to encourage more people to join. Consider adding fun competitions for those who would prefer a more casual approach to their golf. Games like the longest drive, marshmallow drive, or a pink ball contest are less competitive alternatives.  

You can also offer an exclusive experience with VIP tickets, including extras such as a cocktail hour, golf cart rentals, and food and drink tickets. Many attendees will donate a little extra for a more streamlined experience.  

Start Fundraising for your Next Event 

You can use your golf tournament to promote future events and turn it into an annual get-together. Hosting your event annually can help you cut costs and become something your community anticipates. A repeat event also allows you to build lasting, positive relationships with sponsors. Allow repeat donor discounts to make a long-term relationship with you appealing. 

Advertise your next event at your current one, and offer early-bird booking packages and other unique offerings to keep your current attendees excited.  

Charity Golf Tournament Themes 

Golf tournaments are an excellent way to raise money for a good cause. People can play a sport they enjoy while supporting a worthy charity or cause. Consider adding a theme to the tournament to encourage and incentivize guests to attend, making your advertising efforts more memorable. Themes are an exciting way to make events unforgettable for guests. 

A theme can weave through all components of the golf event, from marketing materials to decorations, food, and giveaways. Here are some fun golf tournament themes you could use for your next event. 

Raising Awareness Themes 

If you’re hosting a golf event to raise awareness for a specific cause, planning the theme around the cause is an excellent way to highlight the fundraiser’s mission. Ways to incorporate the charity into your golf tournament’s decorations include: 

• Using the cause’s colors as the basis for your tournament’s advertising, decor, and food ideas 

• Including the charity’s logo on any freebies, decorations, and food 

• Making T-shirts with the logo and the charity’s colors for the event staff and guests 

• Putting the nonprofit’s logo on golf balls 

While the primary goal of the golf tournament is to raise donations for the cause, it can also increase awareness even after the event ends. 

Time Period Themes 

You could also implement themes that take you back in time. Choose a theme for your tournament based on a time period or a memorable decade or two. The era you pay homage to can help you plan the decor, advertising, food, music, and costumes. Whether the chosen period is random or relates to the organization you’re supporting, you and your guests will have a blast. 

Here are some time periods that could serve as inspiration for your next golf tournament: 

• Wild West: Decorate with cowboy hats, boots, wagons, horseshoes, and other items reminiscent of the frontier period. 

• The 1920s: Whether you focus on “The Great Gatsby” or the 1920s in general, you could play music from the decade and encourage guests to dress in costumes like flapper girls. 

• The 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s: Combine three decades to give more options for decor, outfits, and music. Your guests and staff could dress up in tie-dye to represent the ’60s, don disco outfits for the ’70s, and sport big hair and exercise or rocker-style clothes for the ’80s. 

Seasonal Themes 

Many seasonal events and holidays can inspire you. Seasonal themes can make the event more memorable by encouraging people to associate the event with a specific time of year. May to October is often the most popular time to host golf tournaments, and many holidays and seasonal changes happen during that time. 

Some seasonal golf tournament themes include: 

• Summer solstice: Celebrate the summer during your golf tournament with a fun summer theme. Your event can be for everyone, with players enjoying one or several rounds of golf and other attendees enjoying other activities. Some seasonal foods include fruit, barbecue, and ice cream or popsicles. You could also add fun beach decor. 

• Independence Day: Commemorate the Holiday during your golf tournament by adopting a red, white, and blue theme. Your guests could wear the same colors while playing or enjoying the festivities. 

• Halloween: Golf tournaments in October could have a Halloween theme. Decorate the area with pumpkins, hay bales, skeletons, and other Halloween decor. The food and drinks could also be on theme. 

• Christmas in July: Who says you can only use a Christmas theme in December? Encourage guests to bring out their red and green during the summer months to get a boost of holiday joy. You can have a Christmas cookie bake sale and an ugly sweater contest if it’s not too hot! 

Other Fun Golf Themes for Tournaments 

There are plenty of fun, specific golf tournament themes you could implement or use as inspiration for your next event, such as: 

• Around the world in 18 holes: A unique theme for your tournament could be “Around the World.” Mark each flag with a country, and it will be like the players are traveling abroad as they play. You could also serve food and drinks from each country and provide information about them to help the guests learn about different cultures.  

• Superheroes: Create an event the whole family will love by hosting a superhero-themed tournament. Decorate with the symbols and colors of popular Marvel and Detective Comics (DC) superheroes. The event representatives and guests could even dress up as their favorite heroes. 

• Luau: Bring a simplified version of a Hawaiian luau to your golf tournament. Decorate the place with tropical flowers and palm trees, and encourage staff and guests to wear fun Hawaiian shirts and leis. You could also serve delicious drinks and food. 

• Tailgate: Combine the popular pre-football game activity with golf by hosting a tailgate-themed tournament. Guests can wear jerseys, participate in sports-themed contests, and play games like cornhole while waiting for their turn to tee. You could also have common finger foods and barbecue for the meals. 

• String for charity: Put a spin on regular golf rounds by including a “string for charity” feature. Players can buy string by the foot and use it to move their ball closer to the hole. For instance, a player could buy 30 feet of string and use 10 feet to move their ball closer to the hole at one course, saving the remaining feet for other courses. The money collected from the string could act as donations toward your cause. You could have tournament representatives at each hole to cut the string and help players when they want to use the tactic. 

• Mini golf: Consider hosting your event at a miniature golf course for a more relaxed golf tournament. Mini golf is an easy way for people of all ages to participate in the game’s fun. You could rent a nearby pavilion or hall to host the other festivities. The food served could also stay on brand with the miniature theme. You could serve mini versions of food, like small hot dogs, tea sandwiches, wraps, or skewers. 

Boosting Engagement and Donations: Fun and Memorable Golf Tournament Add-Ons and Games 

Raising money on the golf course doesn’t have to start and stop on the green. There are several ways to increase fundraising efforts while providing a more dynamic day for participants. Consider these charity golf tournament fundraising ideas: 

• Golfing packages: Consider creating multiple golf packages, including individual, pair, foursome, and family tickets. Offering various packages also allows you to incentivize group participation, upping your event’s attendance. For example, a standalone ticket costs $100, but a four-person package deal is $350, saving registrants money while attracting more people to your golf outing.  

• Additional contests/games: Build games or small, themed competitions into your golf tournament. Golfers will enjoy opportunities to let loose and have fun for a good cause while enriching your event.  

• Raffles: Guests can purchase raffle tickets in advance and during the tournament for a chance to win appealing prizes donated by individuals and businesses.  

• Peer-to-peer options: Encourage registrants to fundraise before your golf outing, offer relevant incentives such as raffle tickets, merch, mulligans, and more, and honor “top fundraiser” awards to top performers.    

The Best Charity Golf Outing Games 

Charity golf outings offer more than just a day on the greens—they provide an opportunity to engage donors and raise funds for a meaningful cause. Whether you’re gearing up for an annual golf outing or planning a one-time event, incorporating creative ideas like Hole of Fortune, Longest Marshmallow Drive, or a quirky Three-Club Scramble can transform a standard tournament into an unforgettable experience.  

Most organizations have added mulligans, hole-in-one contests, or longest drives to their golf outings. These are tried-and-true revenue enhancers. Consider these other fun options, too!  Ensuring your guests have a memorable experience can positively impact fundraising.  

Whether you’re planning a classic tournament or a lively scramble, infuse your event with these innovative game ideas to elevate the experience, boost donations, and ensure your next charity golf outing is a resounding success.  

• Beat the pro: You may need a few helping hands for this one. Reach out to the golf club and arrange for a golf pro to be at one of your holes. Depending on the par, your players can place bets with the pro to see who can get the ball closer to the pin. If they beat the pro, they can double their money. If the pro wins, the proceeds go to your nonprofit.  

• Circle hole: Circle hole is another opportunity for players to bid during the game. Pick a par three hole for this game and draw a 15-foot circle around the hole. Have a volunteer close by to officiate. Players can pay to take turns getting the ball inside the circle in one shot. If they achieve their goal, they win a prize. Golfers can buy up to three chances that don’t count as mulligans if they miss.    

• Closest to the pin: In this game, players make a shot to the green, and the shot that lands closest to the hole wins! This game can be played in conjunction with the tournament or as a separate event. 

• Cone game: You’ll need some enthusiastic volunteers to get people excited. Place three cones at a hole—one on the green, one about 50 yards from the green, and one around 150 yards from the green. Golfers can buy yardage from volunteers, allowing them to tee off closer to the hole. The closer the cone is to the hole, the higher the requested donation will be.  

• Hole of Fortune: Consider this game if you want to add a zany alternative to your golf event. Create a wheel alongside a hole. Participants can spin the wheel for quirky instructions. Some could be lucky, like minus a shot from your total score, while others can bring out the funny side—taking a swing on one leg or quacking like a duck before you take your shot. You can use your imagination to make this a hilarious part of your golf outing.   

• Longest marshmallow drive: All you need to do is substitute golf balls for marshmallows. Choose a hole as the ‘marshmallow hole’ and ask one of your volunteers to dish out large marshmallows. The golfer who drives the marshmallow the furthest wins a prize.   

• The pink ball: If you plan a best-ball event, the pink-ball game will be an absolute hit. Give each team a pink ball at the start of the game. Players must take turns playing with the pink ball at each hole. They must record each player’s score with the pink ball for each hole. The team with the lowest pink ball score at the end of the game wins. 

• Roll-a-score: Golfers roll a dice after donating, and they can replace one hole’s score with whatever they rolled.  

• Straightest drive: Instead of the longest drive, which favors the stronger players, consider adding a twist by awarding a prize to the participant with the straightest drive. You can draw a straight line and have a volunteer judge who comes closest to the mark.  

Games for a Golf Scramble Tournament  

If you plan to host a scramble tournament, you can keep things interesting with some fun additions just for scrambles. Let’s start with how a golf scramble works:  

• All players take their first shot from the tee.   

• Each player takes their next shot from the best landing position from the previous shots.   

• All players putt from the closest approach shot to the hole.   

• Players continue in this format for 18 holes.   

Take a look at these funny golf tournament games to give your golf scramble tournament a little extra zing:  

• Three-club scramble: Players must devise a strategy, as they’re allowed only three clubs for the match. They have to plan differently and use unusual clubs to execute their shots. This game can make the tournament more challenging for players and offset the advantage they gain from playing off someone else’s ball position.   

• Draw the club: Write the names of each of the 14 clubs on paper. Players must draw a club out of a hat for each shot. Leaving clubs up to chance challenges teams and can yield some comical results.  

• Worst ball: Take the regular scramble tournament rules and turn them on their head. Instead of playing from the best of the four tee shots, players must all play from the worst.   

• Skins and scramble combo: A prize, typically money or ‘skins’, is awarded to the team with the lowest score on each hole. Since this is a scramble game, you are playing the best overall ball, don’t forget. If teams tie for the lowest score, the skin rolls over to the next hole, so players can play several holes without any skins being awarded.   

How to Increase Margins for a Profitable Charity Golf Tournament 

Golf tournaments are a valuable addition to any fundraising schedule. They’re fun and accessible to the whole community. Golf tournament donations can be substantial, providing much-needed funds for your charitable organization. However, they are expensive to put together. Since the original purpose of a charity golf tournament is to make a profit, the cost of hosting one could prove challenging.  

Knowing how to make money running a golf tournament is about more than giving participants a good time. It’s about coming up with creative ways to encourage donations. Keeping an open mind and exploring all the avenues to increase profits is the key to making money at a charity golf tournament.  

Ensure fundraising energy stays high on and off the course with these seven revenue enhancers: 

1. Offer a skills workshop: Charity golf tournaments may be unappealing to anyone who isn’t “good” at golf. Rather than alienating potential participants, create a concurrent golf skills workshop with discounted tickets, while keeping food, beverages, raffles, and on-course games available.    

People can pick the main activity that is most appealing — heading to the green or taking a group skills workshop. Inquire with your venue about the possibility of pro bono instructors teaching the class, or search your area for local pros, coaches, and more willing to volunteer their talents for the day.   

2. Set up a cash bar and snacks golf cart: Consider stocking a golf cart with snacks, treats, and beverages available for purchase. A volunteer can drive the cart around the course, conveniently bringing refreshments to your players. Or you can set up shop around the ninth hole, offering players a rejuvenating “halftime” break before diving back into their game.  

You could also offer it as an early live auction item, and the bar and snacks golf cart could follow the live auction winner!  

3. Play additional games: Games sprinkled across the tournament and back in the clubhouse are a perfect way to entertain guests before and after the formal tournament. Popular golf-themed games include hole-in-one contests and golf “darts,” in which guests putt golf balls to score on a specially designed, tiered-point surface that mirrors a dartboard. Longest-drive competitions also let players compete to see who can hit the farthest. These games can be free for specific ticket tiers, or you can charge for participation.  

Pop-Out: Golf Pro-Tip from Jordan Johnson, Co-Founder at GOAT Events: Incorporating a “Golf Games” package can significantly boost engagement and revenue. This package bundles various challenges and contests, such as the long drive, longest putt, closest to the pin, and a putting contest, along with options for mulligans. Offering this package at a set price, say $50 or $100, simplifies the process for participants and provides clear value, encouraging more players to take part. This approach not only adds a fun and competitive element to the outing but also streamlines fundraising, making it a win-win for both the organization and the attendees.  

4. Let players buy mulligans: Purchasing mulligans is a win-win for all parties. Mulligans give players wiggle room, allowing participants to re-take miffed shots. You can sell mulligan vouchers individually or include them in specific package ticket deals. They make a friendly, convenient fundraising vehicle, perfect for the occasion and for preserving some egos.  

5. Get corporate sponsors for a golf tournament: Consider soliciting course sponsorships with area businesses or private donors. Activities for golf outing sponsorships include hole naming rights, pin flags, caddie fees, golf cart rentals, on-course games, and more! Local sponsorship is a great way to cover your golf course costs. You can also offer in-kind sponsorship packages that allow companies to provide valuable goods, such as prizes, instead of cash.  

6. Sell merchandise: Create course-appropriate apparel for sale, both before and at the golf tournament. Brainstorm other branded merchandise for your charity, then set up a “storefront” near the registration tables where attendees can browse available products.   

7. Offer lunch or dinner: Offer a meal and program after your golf outing. Depending on capacity and ticket sales, you can offer a meal-only ticket for folks who can’t or won’t golf. Including an auction, paddle raise, and golf awards always encourages attendance and giving!  

Why You Should Use Fundraising Software To Host Your Charity Golf Tournament  

Using software designed specifically for nonprofit fundraising makes planning, managing, promoting, and day-of for your golf outing go smoothly.  

Charity golf tournament software works as a centralized planning system. It reduces the need for multiple computer applications and document-storing systems to organize vendors, registration, ticketing, advertising campaigns, event communications, and more.  

The right fundraising software allows you and your staff to focus on higher-order work for your golf outing instead of menial administrative and documentation tasks. These are the essential functions of orchestrating a golf tournament, often falling on the shoulders of a small staff.    

• Customization: Customizable software lets you use the exact tools for your nonprofit’s scale and event types. You shouldn’t have to source separate tools for foursome sales, on-course games, and your auction. Plus, you should be able to customize the look and feel of your fundraising pages to match your nonprofit’s current brand visuals, with rich text and video options.  

• Easy registration: Charity event-management software with a built-in registration portal streamlines tournament RSVPs and day-of check-ins.  Attendees’ information is securely stored in your software when they purchase their tickets, speeding up day-of sign-ins. With just a few clicks, guests can also effortlessly purchase ticket add-ons, such as mulligans or event raffle tickets.  

• Volunteer management: Your chosen tools should help you coordinate volunteer hours and activities across your events. When staffing your golf outing, you can use the tools to register volunteers, schedule shifts, communicate, and collect any other necessary info.  

• Diversified, unlimited fundraising features: Ensure the software you choose doesn’t limit revenue-generating activities. It should be able to manage ticket sales, foursome fundraising, sponsorship sales, an auction, games, a merchandise store, and more from a single platform and dashboard.   

• Online donation features and gamification: Live donation displays, digital pledges, and a straightforward payment process make it easy for people to donate to your nonprofit online. With these features, you can receive donations anytime, anywhere. Some charity event software will even integrate a text-to-give platform, too.  

• Secure payment processing: Golf fundraising software should include top-of-the-line payment security features to ensure donors’ transactions are processed safely. Guests at your outing should feel reassured that your organization is securely handling their online, text-to-give, or in-person donation.  

• Fundraising analytics: Easily track the progress of your fundraising goals and donor engagement through software analytics. Your golf tournament fundraising tools should contain easy-to-review visuals and reporting for:  

• Event registration and ticket sales  

• Corporate sponsorships and direct donations  

• Additional event revenue streams — purchased mulligans, raffle tickets, merchandise, and more   

• Individual or team fundraising  

• Payment records   

• Sponsor recognition: Ensure your fundraising tools enable you to offer sponsor ads, sponsor package sales, and other sponsor activations. Supporting custom updates of videos and photos to highlight these high-level supporters of your golf outing is an essential feature to look for.   

Key Software Features for Charity Golf Tournaments 

Charity golf tournaments can bring in challenges, but using fundraising technology to power your event should be easy. When selecting software, look for a simple solution that lets donors pick up some clubs and focus on what truly matters – their mission and the cause everyone is passionate about.  

Connecting digitally with donors is key to a successful fundraising event, as mobile bidding is the fastest–growing trend in fundraising. On average, it increases the amount raised by 30% when transitioning from paper bidding. Complex events with unique needs, like charity golf tournaments, are the perfect opportunity to showcase what is possible when we combine the right tools with passionate people.   

Here, we explore the features that will help turn your golf tournament into a big win:   

• Ensure a smooth check–in process. Because golfers traditionally play in teams of four, golf tournaments can pose unique challenges for registration. To ensure a smooth check–in process, it is crucial that your software can handle the quirks of an event with multiple pricing tiers. Additionally, consider offering discounts so guests can form teams with their family or friends, and support multi-flight or multi-course tournaments. Look out for an integrated solution so you’ll be ready to quickly register guests, keep check-in lines moving, and keep the games going.   

• Consider desktop and mobile customization. When establishing a marketing campaign around an event, one of the most critical areas to showcase is trusted messaging, and with a look and feel guests can recognize. Create a consistent, intuitive, and natural aesthetic. Find software that builds upon what you already know and uses rich text, video, and enhanced image placement, all easily located within the platform. Be sure your golf tournament software includes on-the-go giving capabilities and a mobile-responsive web design to make your giving site as easy to use on mobile devices as on desktops. This means no additional work is required, saving time and delighting donors.  

• Do you need volunteer management? When planning a large event, like a golf tournament, you’ll likely have volunteers with all hands on deck. When exploring software options, volunteer management is key to organizational efficiency for events. Different software will include the ability to integrate to fit your organization’s needs, such as background checks if children are involved. Most organizations will need, at the very least, the ability to track volunteers with easy-to-access contact information.   

• Use social media to spread the word. A strong social media presence is essential in reaching across generations. Between Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, social media has over two billion users. Reach all your potential donors as efficiently as possible and find event software designed for the social media landscape. For example, it is important to feature your text–to–give code on all social media channels in bios, stories, and posts so both those onsite and at home are well informed and equipped to donate.   

• Monitor your fundraising progress. The data is endless. Be sure you have access to data onsite so you can adjust in real time. Use intuitive reporting in a dashboard-style format to track exactly how your fundraising efforts are paying off during the tournament.  

• Recognize your sponsors. You worked hard to secure sponsors for your golf tournament. When you’re looking into fundraising software, ask about whether it supports ad space. Providing your sponsors with online advertising is a great way to increase their exposure to your donors and golfers.    

• Keep payments simple. Find a software that allows donors and golfers to make donations, buy mulligans, and more, right from their mobile phones. If they need a mulligan when they’re on the course, they can pop it into their cart! Having golfers process payments reduces checkout work at the end of your tournament and helps them feel more in control of their purchases.  

• Say thank you. After an event closes, successful software will be one you can rely on to deliver your thank-you messages to donors in bulk, minimizing administrative tasks. The best tool will automatically generate tax receipts, donation letters, and thank-you letters for your attendees and donors. A small gesture, such as a thank-you, can increase post–event donations and the likelihood that a donor will return to a future event hosted by your organization.   

Play a Round with GiveSmart 

A charity golf tournament is more than just a day on the green—it’s a strategic opportunity to blend passion for the sport with impactful fundraising for your nonprofit organization. By starting early, fine-tuning every detail, from logistics to tournament format, and incorporating creative fundraising elements such as skills workshops, mini-games, and corporate sponsorships, you can make your charity golf tournament a true hole-in-one for your mission.  

GiveSmart’s flexible event fundraising software supports your nonprofit’s golf event goals. Our ticketing, auction, and instant buy items allow you to host a dynamic event that delights your donors. 

Golf tournament themes are a spectacular way to attract more participants to your fundraising efforts. When you need help managing your fundraiser, you can count on GiveSmart. We offer solutions for managing your donations and events, whether in-person, online, or hybrid. 

GiveSmart provides an industry-leading fundraising platform to help organizations stay organized while fundraising and managing events. Learn more about the platform by scheduling a demonstration today! 

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