Golf fundraisers have become one of the most popular and profitable ways to bring donors together for a good cause. They combine a fun day on the course with sponsorship opportunities, contests, and community engagement — all while supporting your mission.
Whether you’re a nonprofit, school, or community group, a golf fundraiser can help you raise money and build long-term relationships with supporters.
1. Why Golf Works for Fundraising 🏌️
Golf events are ideal for fundraising because they attract participants of all ages and backgrounds.
- Low pressure, high fun: Golfers enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere.
- Sponsorship-friendly: Local businesses love visibility on the course.
- Flexible formats: You can host tournaments, scrambles, or casual play.
- High donor engagement: Golfers often become repeat supporters.
Pro Tip: Even non-golfers can get involved through raffles, auctions, and sponsorships.
2. Choose Your Golf Format 📝
Picking the right structure is key to participation and revenue. Popular options include:
- Scramble: Teams play the best shot each time — beginner-friendly.
- Best Ball: Ideal for competitive golfers.
- Par 3 Challenge: Fun, quick, and easy to host.
- Glow Golf: A nighttime event that creates buzz and excitement.
Pro Tip: Scrambles work best for fundraisers with mixed skill levels.
3. Add Contests to Boost Engagement 🥇
On-course contests make the day more exciting — and raise more money.
- Longest Drive Contest
- Closest to the Pin
- Hole-in-One Prize (car, vacation, or cash)
- Beat the Pro Challenge
Why it works: Small entry fees for contests can generate significant extra funds.
4. Sponsorship Opportunities 💼
Golf tournaments are sponsorship goldmines.
- Hole sponsorships with signage
- Event sponsorships with logos on banners and scorecards
- Branded carts, swag bags, or drink stations
Offer multiple tiers to appeal to both small businesses and large corporate sponsors.
5. Combine Golf with Auctions or Raffles 🎟️
A golf event pairs perfectly with:
- A silent auction featuring travel packages, memorabilia, and experiences.
- A raffle with prize drawings during the awards ceremony.
- Mobile bidding tools that let attendees and remote supporters participate.
Pro Tip: QR codes on carts or scorecards make bidding seamless.
6. Promote Early and Widely 📢
Promotion is key to filling your tournament.
- Email campaigns to past donors and local businesses.
- Social media teasers with top prizes and sponsorship shoutouts.
- Early bird pricing to encourage quick registrations.
- Collaborations with local golf courses to reach new players.
7. Make It an Experience 🌟
Golf fundraisers work best when they feel like more than “just a tournament.”
- Add a breakfast or lunch reception.
- Include swag bags with sponsor goodies.
- End with an awards banquet or reception.
This keeps participants coming back year after year.
Final Thought
Golf fundraisers aren’t just about the game — they’re about creating experiences that donors love. With the right structure, contests, sponsorships, and promotion, your golf event can become one of the most profitable and memorable fundraisers of the year.
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Tom Kelly
Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.
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