Charity Golf Outing Tips from the Experts 

More than one in three people over the age of five have played golf. With the average golf outing raising nearly $80,000, a charity golf outing may be a great opportunity fore your organization.  

We’ve brought together a panel of partners, who teed up tips to make your charity golf outings the perfect drive for your mission.  

We asked our panel, “What fun, successful elements have you seen organizations add to their golf outings?” Experts from our on-site event management partners shared tips for your on-course games, donor engagement opportunities, and more! 

This video on demand guides you through the essential strategies and insights you need to elevate your fundraising efforts on the greens. This webinar is designed to equip you with the data, steps, sponsorship ideas, and examples your team needs to make your golf event fundraiser a hole-in-one. 

Jordan Johnson, Co-Founder at GOAT Events

Incorporating a “Golf Games” package can significantly boost engagement and revenue.  

This package bundles various challenges and contests, such as the long drive, longest putt, closest to the pin, and a putting contest, along with options for mulligans. Offering this package at a set price, say $50 or $100, simplifies the process for participants and provides clear value, encouraging more players to take part.  

This approach not only adds a fun and competitive element to the outing but also streamlines the fundraising aspect, making it a win-win for both the organization and the attendees. 

Lauren Batterby, Founder and CEO of LIFE Event Staffing

Games on the course. We typically think of things like a long-drive competition, but athletes just like to compete. It’s in their nature. They are away from your organization for 4-6 hours on the course, so think of a game they can play at a hole that reminds them of who you are and why they are there. Incorporate your vision into the fun. Bonus points if you can add a social media aspect to the competition. There’s your free publicity. 

Kelly Rio, Founder & CEO at Ace the Event

Pool in the Pond

A water feature on the course is transformed into an additional fundraising activation by placing an inflatable pool in the middle where participants then take turns trying for a hole-in-one! Anyone who gets a hole-in-one is then entered into a raffle or 50/50!  

Unique Ball Challenge

For this game, each team receives one ball unique from the other teams. The balls are usually either uniquely colored or sponsored. The ball gets passed from player to player through the course. At each hole, the player who uses the special ball records their score on a special scorecard. Any team that loses its ball is disqualified; the team with the lowest overall score wins a prize!

Paid Mulligans 

Paid Mulligans or “do-overs” are a great way to keep spirits high during the tournament while also raising additional funds! 

Allison Geisinger, Vice President of Development and Events at
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Add options for the participant’s partners to get involved, such as having an auction included for the outing or adding a separate ticket for wine tasting for those not golfing so they can come, attend, and donate. A win-win for all!  

Also, including revenue enhancers, such as a cigar roller vendor or roaming oyster station during the reception offer fun features and additional opportunities to give. 

Whether or not you add a theme to your golf tournament, your organization can benefit by hosting one of these events. Between on-course games, off-course engagement, and sponsorship opportunities, charity golf games are a strong revenue driver.  

GiveSmart’s flexible event fundraising software supports your nonprofit’s golf event goals. Our ticketing, auction, and instant buy items allow you to host a dynamic event that delights your donors.