How To Organize A Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Golf tournaments are a popular and fun way to raise money for your non-profit because they combine a love for the sport with the opportunity for networking and getting your community involved. The key to a successful golf tournament fundraiser takes preparation, organization, and strategic planning to create an event that leaves participants excited and hopefully surpasses your fundraising goals. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to organize a golf tournament fundraiser that is both fun and successful so you can raise funds for your cause.

Step 1: Define Your Goals & Budget

Fundraising Goal  

The first step in organizing a golf tournament is knowing exactly how much you aim to raise as well as metrics to track to help determine your fundraisers success. Set a clear and realistic target for your fundraiser, and tie this goal directly to your cause to inspire players, sponsors, and the community.

Set A Budget  

Fundraisers are about maximizing revenue, so create a detailed budget to avoid overspending. Include line items for essentials such as course rental fees, marketing costs, catering, prizes, and any additional entertainment. Make sure to factor in your Return On Investment (ROI) to ensure every expense serves your fundraising purpose.

Step 2: Find A Golf Course  

Start searching for a golf course early because they often book months in advance, particularly during peak seasons. Here are tips when choosing a golf course:

• Size & Location⎯Opt for a course that’s convenient for your target participants. Local courses are often more cost-effective, while well-known courses may attract more participation. If you have any golfers in your network, so if they’re members of higher-end clubs and if they are able to help facilitate a rate that’s within your budget.

• Cost⎯Negotiate a package deal that includes amenities like golf carts, catering services, beverage carts, etc.

• Accommodations⎯Confirm that the course can handle your event size, whether you're planning for 50 participants or 200.

Pro Tip Consider partnering with a golf club or course that already has experience hosting charity events. Many have dedicated staff who can help streamline the planning process. 

Step 3: Attract Sponsors  

Sponsorships can be a game-changer for your fundraiser. Ask local businesses, corporations, and individuals if they’d be interested in sponsoring your non-profits golf tournament fundraiser. Remind potential sponsors that donations are tax-deductible and tie their contributions to the mission you’re supporting. Sponsorship package ideas might include:  

• Hole Sponsorship⎯Sponsors’ names or logos displayed at tees and greens.

• Banner Sponsorship⎯Larger visibility for businesses at the check-in area.

• Event Title Sponsor⎯A flagship sponsor that receives prominent branding.

Step 4: Tournament Format 

Choose a tournament format that matches multiple players’ skill levels and keeps the event fun for everyone. Format ideas:

• Scramble⎯Ideal for casual golfers. Teams of four play the best shot of the group, making it beginner-friendly and fast-paced.

• Best Ball⎯Each player plays their own ball, but only the best score counts per hole.

• Stroke Play⎯For seasoned golfers, allow them to compete individually.

Step 5: Create A Memorable Fundraiser 

Creating a memorable event means adding extra elements to make the day special and keep participants engaged. Ideas to create a memorable golf tournament fundraiser:  

• Course Contests⎯Set up fun challenges along the course.

• Raffle & Silent Auction Items⎯Boost fundraising with a raffle or silent auction featuring items like golf gear, vacations, amazing experiences, or local business gift cards. Here are fun and unique consignment silent auction ideas.

• Gift Bags⎯Include branded merchandise like water bottles, shirts, hats, or golf balls.

Step 6: Promote The Event  

Getting the word out about your organization's golf tournament fundraiser will be essential for reaching a wide audience and generating excitement. Share success stories from prior fundraisers and use specifics when sharing why your fundraiser is a cause people should donate to. GoFundMe says that “knowing these extra details can help donors feel more confident to give.”

Other ways to promote your fundraiser is by sending out newsletters to your email list, writing press releases for local newspapers, and placing flyers in community centers and local shops. Encourage early-bird registration by offering a discount or small perks to those who sign up ahead of time.

Step 7: Post Event Wrap-Up  

After the tournament, don’t forget to thank everyone who participated. Send an email or handwritten note to sponsors, players, and volunteers. This includes gathering feedback from attendees, team members, and stakeholders to evaluate what worked well and what could be improved. Review the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like attendance numbers, engagement, funds raised, and budget allocation to measure outcomes against initial objectives. This helps the team reflect on what went well and identify areas for improvement to make next year’s tournament even better! 

Don’t forget to share photos from the day on social media to build community and showcase the fundraisers success!

Raise More Funds With BlueTree’s Consignment Auction Packages

BlueTree provides amazing trips, coveted experiences, and special memorabilia for auctions. All of our auction packages are 100% consignment, so your organization is guaranteed to make a profit when it sells at your auction. If nothing sells, you owe us nothing.

Together, we can make your golf tournament fundraiser a success! Reach out to our team of experts to learn more and once-in-a-lifetime trips and experiences.