It’s amazing that nearly three years later, the golf industry is still riding the COVID-driven boom that began in the second half of 2020. In fact, in 2021 and 2022 there were more rounds of golf played at courses across North America than at any time in history – ever.
With renewed interest in the game, golf tournaments can give businesses and organizations unique exposure to new audiences. The overall experience is what elevates a good golf event to a great golf event that keeps players and sponsors coming back every year. Adding contests, on- course entertainment, raffles, and auctions are easy add-ons that make events more fun and memorable for golfers.
Whether you’re launching a brand-new golf fundraiser, reigniting a classic event, or looking to refresh your existing tournament, this checklist will help you get organized, so everyone has a tee-rific time.
6 to 9 Months Out
- Organize your event committee, timeline, and task list.
- Determine a date and select your golf course.
- Set your objectives for funds to be raised.
- Set your players costs and sponsorship packages.
- Build a list of potential players and sponsors.
- Decide on the event format.
- Select registration format and set up digital/online software (if needed).
6 Months Out
- Finalize your event name and logo.
- Send a save-the-date to potential players, sponsors, and vendors.
- Schedule a committee meeting, publish dates for futures meetings, and review event timeline and task list.
- Start sponsorship sales.
- Identify add-ons and contests and contact us for event prize ideas.
- Coordinate food and beverages menus.
3 Months Out
- Meet the venue event coordinator and course director to go over details.
- Write a press release for your event and distribute to local media outlets.
- Start a production list for hole sponsor signs, contests, and banners.
- Post updates on social media.
- Establish a date for the following year and plan how to promote it at this event.
2 Months Out
- Review volunteer lists and assignments.
- Locate a photographer for event day photos.
- Solicit items and golf apparel for your raffle and/or auction. Here are some great ideas to start: Golf Ideas
- Order player gifts, door prizes, and awards for winning teams.
1 Month Out
- Meet with the venue event coordinator and course director to review the final day-of-event agenda, assignments, and menu.
- Identify an emcee for the awards ceremony.
- Order any promotional items that have not yet been ordered.
- Confirm your player count with the golf course.
- 2 Weeks Out
- Ask for referrals for more sponsors and players (if needed).
- Arrange for any payment processing needs for last-minute payments at the event.
- Follow up with any sponsors who owe payment.
- Confirm details with on-site vendors who are attending the event.
2 Weeks Out
- Ask for referrals for more sponsors and players (if needed).
- Arrange for any payment processing needs for last-minute payments at the event.
- Follow up with any sponsors who owe payment.
- Confirm details with on-site vendors who are attending the event.
1 Week Out
- Confirm all signs, banners, gifts, and prizes are on schedule for delivery; deliver necessary materials to the course.
- Send a reminder to all participants and advise on what will happen in the case of rain.
- Review volunteer assignments and make sure all volunteers know the schedule and expectations.
Day of Event
- Arrive before tee-off to set up signs, banners, auction, and registration areas.
- Place player gifts like reusable water bottles, sun care, and branded golf towels in carts.
- Showcase team prizes and awards.
- Train volunteers and send them to their assigned locations.
- Considering offering an early-bird discount for people who sign up for next year’s event.
Still not sure where to start? Reach out to us today. We have unique ideas and solutions to make your next golf event successful, memorable, and most importantly – fun!