How to Run a Successful Golf Fundraiser
1. This post is about the revenue part of a golf tournament. If done correctly, the sponsorship drive of any golf tournament will pay for all of the golfing fees and golf cart fees. A well-run tournament needs plenty of sponsors. Keep in mind that your cause can motivate local businesses to get involved. An event that will help provide therapy dogs for local assisted living homes might appeal more to Veterinary Hospitals, an Assisted Living Home, pet owners, and Pet Shops. On the other hand, an event that provides assistance to parents for after school care, would appeal to educators, clothing stores, and local sports programs. If you have a businessman in your tournament, ask if they would like to sponsor a hole.
2. If you have a list of volunteers, it’s best to have each volunteer have a goal of reaching specific sponsors. Have regular meetings to gauge your progress on obtaining sponsors. You can never have too many sponsors. Most smaller tournaments charge from $100 to $200 for each sponsor sign. We suggest sponsorship signs that are 24 inches wide and 18 inches tall, to get maximum exposure to the golfers. Inform your sponsor that their sign will be at a specific hole. Place the original sponsor sign at the tee box, and, if you end up with double sponsors for the same golf hole, place the other sponsor’s sign near the green. If you have a potential sponsor who does not want to sponsor a hole, it would be an opportune time to ask if they are willing to sponsor a prize.
3. Most of the prizes donated by sponsors, will end up as either as an auction (silent or live) at the end of the tournament or as hole prizes for closest to the hole or longest drive. A live auction can generate a lot of money for your cause. If you know someone who has the gift of auctioneering, you are in luck. Another way of generating money from donated prizes is to sell raffle tickets for the prizes. You can sell the raffle tickets at $5 per 5 tickets or $10 for 20 tickets. A trusted volunteer picks the winning ticket for each prize.
4. Mulligan Cards can generate a lot of extra revenue. Most small tournaments charge $5 to $10 for a Mulligan Card. You can even sell Mulligan Team Cards for $20 with a limit of two cards per team. The tournament organizer can place limits on how many cards can be purchased or how they can be used.
5. Please remember that generating money for the cause is great, but being a gracious host to those at the event is equally as important. It is worth the time and effort to offer great prizes for the golfers, a well-planned meal, and offer a fun and memorable event.
