Hosting a golf tournament is a great way to draw attention and raise money for your charity. Like any event, you must follow certain steps and pay attention to details to create a positive, encouraging atmosphere and a successful overall affair. 

The right amount of preparation and strategic planning strategies will make your golf tournament one to remember. All it takes is one successful event to bring guests back for years to come. Follow these eight golf tournament planning tips to give your attendees an experience to remember.

1. Start Planning Early

No matter the event, early preparation is vital. For a successful golf tournament, you should start asking questions and investigating details a year to four months beforehand, ensuring it is well-developed and set to succeed. Establish a small planning committee and pick a meeting date to start a golf tournament fundraiser checklist.

• Set goals and objectives
• Choose a date range and location
• Create a sponsor list
• Start a budget plan
• Develop a website

Drafting out these details early can make the rest of your planning process much easier and ensure you don’t forget anything important. Early preparation will benefit your guests, too — people notice when events are well-planned.

2. Advertise Your Event on Multiple Platforms

Utilize various media and broadcasting platforms to maximize your event’s reach and bring people to your charity. Bringing different audiences and age groups to your tournament requires both paper and digital forms of advertising. You can spread the word through various sources, including:

• Automated mass email
• Newspapers
• Printable flyers
• Website
• Local radio
• Local businesses 

3. Provide Golf Tournament Gift Bags

No matter their age, people love goody bags. Not all guests will expect to receive a gift at a charity event, so a little treat might be a pleasant surprise. You could give each person one item or create a preassembled golf event kit with items featuring your logo so they receive a nice variety. You could include the following to show player appreciation and increase promotion:

• Cups or mugs
• Coolers
• Towels
• Bags or totes
• Clothing
• Treats and refreshments

4. Use Social Media for Tournament Updates

Your golf tournament may be in person, but not all interested guests will be able to participate or attend. Make your event digital to keep these individuals involved. Ironically, most golf-watchers don’t physically play the sport. In the United States, over 50 million people consume golf on social media, with 80% reporting they don’t play. 

Likewise, providing live updates through social media is a great way to accommodate your non-golfing crowd. Digital footage and information can help your event run smoothly and encourage people to donate to your cause. You can use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and other platforms to cover your tournament. 

5. Include an Auction or Raffle

Planning an auction or raffle can keep guests occupied when golf is over and allow you to invite non-golfers to your event. Not everyone is interested in swinging a club, so make your tournament more versatile by adding an extra activity. An auction or raffle can make things more fun and encourage more donations for your charity. 

6. Run On-Course Games

The best events keep everyone involved and encourage active participation. While most people attending your tournament might be avid golf enthusiasts, some may solely participate in supporting your charity. Implement on-course games to keep participants engaged, no matter their skill level. Some options include:

• Hole in one contest
• Longest drive contest
• Closest to the pin contest
• Putting contest

7. Accept Different Payment Methods

Although some still prefer to pay in cash, most people have transitioned from cash to debit, credit or apps as their method of choice. Approximately 89% of adults worldwide pay digitally — so ensure your tournament accommodates the majority. Provide a great experience for your attendees by investing in card readers and creating accounts for apps like Venmo and PayPal. 

8. Make It Fun for All Ages

A successful gathering satisfies all ages and doesn’t aim to please a specific audience. Just because your event is a golf tournament doesn’t mean you should focus on golfers alone. Consider those who can’t physically play or don’t enjoy the sport.

Brainstorm ways to make your tournament fun for children, grandparents and individuals who aren’t sports fans. Try a colorful mini-golf station to get kids involved. For those who don’t enjoy or can’t play the sport, how about hiring a local band or providing a T-shirt coloring station for your charity? Your guests will appreciate your effort to include them regardless of the activity.

Host a Golf Tournament Your Guests Will Love

Hosting a golf tournament is an excellent way to increase awareness and fundraising potential for your charity. Implementing these methods into your event strategy creates a positive environment for people to enjoy friendly competition, have some fun and donate to a good cause.

Author: Beth Rush