How to Organize a Successful Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Is a golf tournament fundraiser a good idea?

If you look at the numbers, it would seem so. For one thing, it's one of the more popular sports across the UK. In fact, there are more than 1,072,000 registered golf players in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales combined.

And for another thing, there are almost 3,000 golf courses in the UK. Given these statistics, a charity golf tournament seems like a can't-fail fundraiser.

But is it really? The thing about charity golf tournaments is, they can be one of the most lucrative fundraisers if done right.

To help you out, here are the steps you need to take to organise a successful golf fundraiser.

1. Form a Committee and Start Planning

The work gets easier when you have different people handling different aspects of the golf outing. For example, you can have one person overseeing the budget and another who'll be responsible for sponsorships and donations. Others can take care of registrations, promotions and marketing, prizes and contests, etc.

What's important is everyone on the committee is on the same page. This means everyone's aware of their roles, as well as the committee's targets (how much money should be raised, how many players need to be recruited, and so on).

2. Decide the Tournament Format

If you're planning to invite as many golfers as possible, your best bet is to go for a scramble format. This way, everyone gets to play and has a chance to win the tournament.

But if you're inviting more skilled players, you can opt for a stroke event, a Shamble, or best ball format. This will also decide the golf course you'll be choosing for your charity golf tournament.

3. Select the Right Golf Course

When you know the skill level of your players, you can easily pick the right golf course. If mostly amateurs are playing, it wouldn't make sense to pick a challenging course.

Likewise, if you've invited elite golfers, a public course might not be the best choice. Now, if you're worried about the costs, try asking one of your sponsors to pick up the tab in exchange for being named the Title Sponsor for your golf tournament.

4. Promote Your Golf Tournament Fundraiser

A website for your event is a must for two reasons. First, it makes it easier for players to register for your golf tournament. And second, it's a good tool for promoting your event.

Aside from having a website, you should also make sure to hype the fundraiser in all your social media pages. Don't forget to have a marketing plan for your sponsors, too. Your budget should cover expenses for highlighting your sponsors including signages and displays.

5. Remember the Prizes and Giveaways

Yes, the players will be playing for charity. But they're also playing to win. And that means you'll have to provide appealing prizes and giveaways such as golf trophies, clothes, accessories, and so on.

For additional revenue, you could also sell golf products ahead of the event. Or you can host a silent auction, as well as mini-contests during the event itself.

Need More Tips for Organising a Fundraiser?

Now that you know the basics of organising a golf tournament fundraiser, don't stop there.

There are other fundraising ideas you can explore so you can keep raising money for the causes near and dear to your heart. Check out our complete event checklist for fundraisers for more information.