CONTENTS 01
02
03
GETTING STARTED
WHEN & WHERE
THE FORMAT
Steps for inviting attendees, recruiting support, and promoting your event well.
How to select the ideal event date, time, and golf course that fits your goals.
How to choose the ideal event format, learn about scrambles, shambles, and best ball.
THE BUDGET
GOLF GIVEAWAYS
APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
Key budget considerations and a sample budget to guide your planning.
Tips for choosing golf balls and building useful event player kits that players love.
Suggestions for choosing apparel and delivering helpful player fitting programs.
SPONSORSHIP STRATEGY
DAY OF DETAILS
EVENT WRAP-UP
Guidance on getting sponsors and maintaining strong, positive sponsor relationships.
Overview of registration, scoring, contests, prizes, and awards for event day.
Recap the event, send thankyous, and prepare strong momentum for next year.
04 07
05 08
06 09
Follow Along For... REAL LIFE STORIES:
PLAN WITH A PURPOSE
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When we planned our first golf tournament, we felt overwhelmed. There were deadlines to juggle, a budget to build, formats to choose from, and countless details that all demanded attention. In the middle of all of it, someone on our committee said, “Remember, it’s just golf.” That simple reminder helped us breathe, but as we kept working, we realized something bigger: it’s not just golf at all. It’s an event that brings people together and creates an experience players look forward to every year. One of the first lessons we learned was how much each decision shapes that experience. Choosing the play format sets the tone for the entire day. Building a budget forces you to prioritize what matters most. And selecting apparel can add a polished, unified look that players and volunteers really appreciate. We also discovered the impact of something as small as a golf kit. A kit isn’t just balls, tees, or a towel, it represents partnership. Each branded item highlights a sponsor who chose to support the event and gives players something useful they’ll carry with them all day and beyond. Those kits become a touchpoint that
builds visibility, connection, and longterm relationships. Sponsors notice it. Players appreciate it. And the organization behind the event benefits in ways that go far beyond the cost of the items inside. Then there are the day-of details: a smooth registration, organized contests, accurate scoring, and awards that feel celebratory rather than rushed. When these pieces come together, the entire event feels intentional and well-run. Planning a golf tournament isn’t simple, but with every choice such as the budget, format, apparel, or kits, you’re creating a memorable experience that brings people together and makes a lasting impact.
WHERE TO START? PROMOTE
RECRUIT
INVITE
Promoting your tournament means reaching beyond your usual circle. Share a clear, informative invitation that includes all event details clearly and include a link to pre-register. Promote through social media, community newsletters, local businesses, and partner organizations to reach new players and sponsors. Broad, consistent outreach expands visibility, builds interest, and strengthens overall event participation.
Recruiting staff and volunteers is essential to running a smooth golf tournament. Start by identifying the roles you need to fill, then reach out early with clear expectations and simple instructions. Provide brief training, so everyone feels confident in their responsibilities. When volunteers feel prepared and appreciated, they help create a welcoming, well-organized experience for players, sponsors, and guests.
Send a January Save the Date with a link to pre-register. Reach out to your own network and past players; nearly 70% return each year, making early communication essential. Keep your message clear, friendly, and easy to act on by directing everyone to one central event page. Personal outreach strengthens relationships and encourages timely registration. Consistent reminders help keep your tournament top-of-mind as schedules fill quickly.
ROLES TO CONSIDER A successful golf tournament relies on dedicated staff and volunteers who handle planning, operations, and day of execution. Registration teams welcome players, distribute kits, and manage check-ins, while course marshals guide golfers and monitor pace. Hole monitors oversee contests and scoring teams collect scorecards and finalize results. Sponsor support teams greet partners and ensure things run smoothly. Hospitality volunteers assist players on the course, and contest teams manage games that keep the event engaging. Photography captures key moments, awards teams prepare prizes, and setup crews manage signage and cleanup. A finance lead tracks expenses, income, and reporting throughout planning.
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WHERE, WHEN Most golf courses follow standard policies for hosting tournaments, often limiting events to specific days and set start times, commonly 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM shotgun starts, where all groups begin at the same time from different holes. Public courses are open to all players, while private clubs require paid memberships for regular play, though most still allow outside tournaments. Understanding these differences helps you choose a course that aligns with your event SELECTING A COURSE goals, budget, and player expectations. Start by considering your event goals. Whether fundraising, playPUBLIC CLUBS er experience, sponsor visibility, a competitive or laid back atmosphere. Public courses typically offer more flexible acMatch the course to your audience by cess and affordable rates but may restrict tourthinking about player skill levels, turnnaments to weekdays or designated time blocks out, and the type of experience you to accommodate regular play. want to create. Review availability, timing, and whether the venue supports your preferred format. PRIVATE CLUBS Evaluate the course layout and Private clubs are more expensive but offer difficulty, compare pricing a premium experience that can boost attenand what’s included, and endance and fundraising. Most host outside toursure there’s adequate space naments on Mondays. for sponsors and activities. Ask about staff support and available services, consider the overall amenities and player experience, and always visit the course in person to meet the team and confirm it aligns with your vision.
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SCRAMBLE A scramble is the most popular tournament format because it’s fun, fast, and keeps everyone involved. At the start of each hole, every player on the team tees off, and the group selects the best positioned ball. All players move to that spot and hit again, repeating the process until the ball is holed. This format reduces pressure, encourages teamwork, and allows golfers of all skill levels to contribute. It keeps play moving quickly, creates a lively atmosphere, and ensures the entire team enjoys the round together, making it ideal for charity events and larger groups seeking a relaxed, enjoyable day.
SHAMBLE
Similar to a scramble. Everyone on the team tees off, which means they all hit their first shot from the tee. The team picks the best drive, and everyone moves their ball to that spot. From there, each player plays their own ball all the way into the hole. It’s like a mix between a scramble and best ball. You start together as a team, then play your own game from the best spot. When everyone is done, the team uses the lowest score from the group for that hole.
THE BASICS
Everyone on the team plays their own ball the whole time. After each hole, the team looks at everyone’s scores and uses the lowest one. That score is the team’s score for that hole. So, if one player gets a 4, another gets a 5, and another gets a 6, the team’s score is 4 because it’s the best one. It’s fun because everyone plays their own game, but the team still works together to get the lowest score.
2-4 GOLFERS PER TEAM
18 HOLES 36 TEAMS TOTAL 2 TEAMS PER HOLE
BEST BALL
128 GOLFERS TOTAL* *The ideal range is 128 golfers. However, most courses can host 120-144 players.
THE FORMAT
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THE BUDGET
Creating a solid budget is an important step in planning your tournament. Start by identifying all potential expenses. Once you’ve outlined your expenses, determine a fair entry fee and explore additional revenue streams like sponsorships, raffles, and contests. A clear, realistic budget not only keeps your planning on track but also ensures your event is financially successful and maximizes its impact for the cause. Refer to the sample budget and timeline checklist on the back of the golf tournament planner for guidance. It provides an organized way to plan your expenses and deadlines, helping you stay on schedule and maintain control of every financial detail throughout the planning process. MARKETING, COMMUNICATION & ADMINISTRATION
FOOD, DRINKS & ON-COURSE EXPERIENCE
Budget for promotional materials, signage, digital ads, printed scorecards or scorecard apps, registration technology, and communication tools. Include administrative costs and allocate funds for staff or volunteer support essentials.
Plan for meals, beverages, green fees, cart rentals, and driving range access. Include decorations, staff or volunteer meals, transportation needs, and photography or videography to capture the event.
APPAREL, PRIZES & AWARDS
INSURANCE, PERMITS & CONTINGENCY
Include golf kits, giveaways, branded apparel, and quality prizes like gear or non-golf items like BBQ sets. Budget for awards, ceremony décor, and any entertainment such as music or an auctioneer.
Include permits, licenses, insurance, and hole-in-one coverage for major contest prizes. Keep a 5–10% contingency fund for weather, equipment issues, emergencies, or unexpected tournament needs.
REAL LIFE STORIES:
THE POWER OF PROMO PRODUCTS We learned quickly how helpful the right promotional products can be for fundraising. One year we added the Scramble Pic, a cart-attached ball retriever that fits multiple sponsor logos, and it was a hit. We charged per logo spot and basically created a rolling billboard that players kept using after the event. 6
We also handed out dye-sub towels with full-bleed photos, people loved them. Poker chip drink tokens were fun and easy, and golf flags made hole sponsors feel special. Our multi-logo golf kits tied everything together and helped bring in more sponsors, more revenue, and a better player vibe.
TOP
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PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS FOR
FUNDRAISING MAGNET ATTACHES TO GOLF CART
01 SCRAMBLE PIC
ROOM FOR MULTIPLE SPONSORS
Scramble Pic Golf Tool #GSPICN
02 TOWELS
03 GOLF KITS
04 POKER CHIPS
05 FLAGS
Microfiber Towel #MFH0001
Poker Chip Ball Markers #GPPC
Platinum Golf Kit #GKP20-TPVN
Golf Flags #GFLS
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GOLF BALLS MOST POPULAR GOLF BALLS
MORE ABOUT GOLF BALLS...
Golf balls may seem like a small detail, but they offer a major opportunity for branding and impact. Custom packaging provides flexibility through one-ball boxes, twoball boxes, four-ball packs, sleeves, dozens, and more options. These formats let you feature sponsor logos, event photos, or tournament messaging, turning a simple necessity into a memorable promotional piece. This customization helps sponsors stand out and adds value to the event. 8
Golf balls are typically packaged in dozens, with four sleeves holding three balls each. For giveaways, you can hand out full dozens or individual sleeves. High-performance options, like the Titleist Pro V1, make great player gifts and are always well-received at tournaments.
Most golf balls have two printable sides, called poles, and you can customize both. This makes it easy to feature multiple sponsors or place a logo on one side and important details like the event date or location on the other.
Ask how you can save money on Titleist golf balls with their Custom Outing Program.
Gold Golf Kit #GKP20-TVEL
FOR THE GOLFER Golfers appreciate useful items that connect them to sponsors and the charity, and essentials like towels, divot tools, and ball markers get reused long after the event. FOR THE SPONSOR
Sponsor logos in golf kits are seen all day, giving steady exposure. Golfers keep and reuse many items, so the sponsor’s brand stays visible long after the tournament.
Triple Bogey Golf Kit #GTBK20-M1000
FOR THE CHARITY
Charities benefit by placing multiple sponsor logos in one kit, raising more money while helping sponsors and players feel valued, connected, and part of the event.
Value Golf Kit #GKVG-M1000
REAL LIFE STORIES:
RAISING MORE WITH BRANDED GOLF KITS To boost fundraising and sponsor engagement, we chose golf kits that went beyond the basics. Each kit included useful items golfers need and want like golf balls, tees, towels, and ball markers, every piece branded with a different sponsor’s logo. This allowed us to feature multiple sponsors in one kit, giving each brand high visibility throughout the day.
Sponsors loved the exposure, and players appreciated the useful accessories. The kits weren’t just giveaways, they were fundraising tools that helped us attract more sponsors, raise more money, and create a memorable experience for everyone involved. The success of these kits showed us that thoughtful details can turn simple ideas into powerful fundraising opportunities.
GOLF KITS
9
APPAREL
8 THINGS TO CONSIDER
01
03
QUALITY MATTERS
COMPANION PIECES
LIMITED EDITION ITEMS
Pick high-quality apparel that looks great and feels comfortable. Better fabrics and popular brands encourage reuse, giving sponsors more visibility long after the tournament.
Ensure matching styles for men and women, so look for brands offering coordinated colors and designs to create a unified, inclusive tournament appearance.
Creates excitement and exclusivity, encouraging players to buy apparel quickly. These unique items boost fundraising, enhance branding, and become memorable keepsakes.
SIZING FIELDS ON SIGN UP FORMS
PERSONALIZATION OPTIONS
POP-UP SHOPS & ONLINE STORES
Include sizing fields on registration and share brand details and fit information, helping players choose correct sizes and ensuring apparel feels comfortable and well-matched.
Personalization works great if you are pre-ordering. Add names, initials, or team details so players get apparel that feels special, fun, and made just for them.
Let players purchase branded apparel before or during the event, boosting fundraising, sponsor visibility, and overall engagement too.
ORDER CLOSE DATES
ORDER EXTRA
Make everything run smoothly. Let players know the deadline early so they can pick sizes, add personalization, and get their gear before tournament day.
Sizes and styles to avoid last-minute issues. Having extras on hand covers changes and can also be sold in your pop-up shop too.
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02
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APPAREL BUYER’S GUIDE The Apparel Buyer’s Guide is designed to help you choose the right apparel for your event by breaking down options based on best-use scenarios, customization features, budget ranges, and helpful planning tips.
Having apparel adds excitement and unity, boosts sponsor visibility, and gives players something fun and functional to take home.
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FITTING PROGRAM Golf gloves are a fun giveaway because players actually use them, and getting a fresh glove on tournament day feels like a real upgrade. They’re practical, appreciated, and easy to brand for sponsors. Plus, they last long after the event. And for simple sizing and stress-free ordering, the Golf Glove Tournament Fitting Program makes everything even easier. Made from premium Cabretta leather, each glove offers exceptional comfort and performance that reflects the quality of the event.
SIZE MIXES Typical sizing glove mix breakdown Left-Handed: S-5%, M-8%, M/L-37%, L-37%, XL-8%, XXL-5%, Right-Handed: 10% total - usually split between M/L & L.
HOW IT WORKS
RIGHT VS LEFT
The golf glove tournament fitting program ships 20% extra gloves to your event, ensuring everyone finds the right size. If you run short, additional gloves ship the next day. You can return unused gloves and keep the extra ball markers. With low minimums, fast turnaround, and easy returns, the program is flexible and stress-free for any tournament.
Most golfers wear a glove on their left hand, meaning right-handed golfers use left-hand gloves and left-handed golfers use right-hand gloves. Since most players are right-handed, left-hand gloves are ordered far more often. Right-hand gloves make up a smaller portion, usually around 10% of total needs.
GLOVE FEATURES
Premium Cabretta leather gives the glove a soft, natural feel with a comfortable, secure grip. The TruVent airflow system keeps things cool and flexible between the fingers, while the AbsorbSoft wrist band helps with moisture. Each glove also comes with a removable magnetic ball marker featuring a full-color imprint.
The glove fitting program ensures every golfer gets the perfect fit for tournament day. 12
THE BASICS
SPONSORS Sponsors play a big role in making a golf tournament successful. They help cover costs, boost fundraising, and get great visibility, creating a win-win partnership for everyone.
FINDING SPONSORS
SET EXPECTATIONS
VIP STATUS
Finding the right sponsors starts with focusing on businesses that fit your event, audience, or could benefit from partnering with your charity. Look for brands that gain from being in front of golfers. Reach out with a friendly, personal message explaining the exposure and impact your tournament offers. Highlighting past success or sharing player demographics can make your proposal even more attractive to sponsors.
Setting clear expectations helps sponsors understand exactly what they’re receiving. A tiered sponsorship program makes this easy by offering different levels at various price points. Each tier can outline benefits like signage, branding, or player gifts, helping sponsors choose the option that best fits their goals and budget. This structure also simplifies conversations when approaching new potential sponsors.
Treat your sponsors like VIPs by giving them extra attention, shoutouts, and great visibility throughout the event. Make sure players and volunteers know who supported the tournament and encourage everyone to thank them. When sponsors feel appreciated, they’re much more likely to stay involved and support future events.
REAL LIFE STORIES:
TURN SPONSORSHIP INTO AN EXPERIENCE We reach out to local businesses, past supporters, and companies that fit our audience, then offer a tiered sponsorship program so every budget has a place. One of the biggest hits each year is the allover custom Glove Branders golf glove. Sponsors love the full-coverage branding, players love how unique it looks, and it becomes one of the most talked
about items on the course. The only catch is its longer production timeline, so we planned ahead to ensure everything arrives on time. With thoughtful sponsor outreach, clear tiered options, and standout items like the custom glove, our sponsorships keep growing 13
FINAL PIECES REGISTRATION The registration table is the first stop for golfers and should be clearly marked and welcoming. Volunteers in branded apparel help guests check in, distribute gift bags, and answer questions. Include scorecards, promotional items, and sponsor mate-
Nongolf prizes like branded BBQ sets are always a hit, giving winners something unique, practical, and memorable beyond the course.
PRIZES & AWARDS
SCORING
Scoring can be managed efficiently using a digital app or manual scorecards, depending on your tournament setup. Digital scoring apps allow players to enter scores in real time, track leader boards, and reduce paperwork, while also offering opportunities for sponsor branding through inapp banners or logos. If using manual scorecards, ensure they feature sponsor logos and are collected promptly by volunteers for accurate tallying. Displaying final scores on a branded leaderboard or screen adds a professional touch and keeps participants engaged.
Awards and prizes are a key highlight of any golf tournament and a great way to recognize top performers and supporters. Offer branded prizes for winning teams, longest drive, and closestto-the-pin contests. Include sponsor logos on all awards to give them added visibility. Consider golf gear, high end apparel or other promotional
BBQ Set #DCQS3 14
Callaway Cart Bag #GBCORG14
rials at the table. A small display of merchandise from your e-store or pop-up shop can encourage early purchases. Keeping the area organized ensures a smooth start to the event.
Cornhole Game #FCHG1008
products like BBQ gift sets, tumblers, or chairs as prizes. Presenting awards during a closing ceremony adds excitement and gives sponsors a moment in the spotlight. This not only celebrates achievements but also reinforces the impact of their support.
GCI Outdoor Chair #FCC1000
Precision Pro Rangefinder #GAC1008
AUCTIONS & RAFFLES
CONTESTS & GAMES
Auctions and raffles are fantastic ways to bring excitement and extra fundraising. Silent auctions allow players and guests to browse items at their own pace, creating friendly competition as bids rise. Live auctions add even more energy, giving your auctioneer a chance to spotlight special prizes, entertain the crowd, and drive generous donations. Raffles are simple to run, affordable for players, and give everyone a fun chance to win something great. Together, these activities boost engagement, highlight sponsors, and create memorable moments throughout the event. They also help generate meaningful revenue that supports your tournament’s goals for your charity or cause.
1. The Longest Drive Contest 2. Closest to the Pin 3. Putting Challenge 4. Pro for a Hole 5. The String Game 6. Mulligan Sales 7. Hit the Green 8. Mass Putting Challenge
AFTER THE EVENT
REAL LIFE STORIES:
After your golf tournament, it’s important to thank everyone who made it possible: volunteers, sponsors, players, and supporters. Sending thank-you messages helps show appreciation and keeps your community engaged. If the event is annual, it’s also a great time to announce a “Save the Date” for next year to build early momentum. A small thank-you gift, like logo golf balls, is a thoughtful touch. If you hired a photographer or videographer, be sure to share the photos, tag them on social media, and encourage others to do the same to help extend the event’s reach.
FROM PURPOSE TO THE LAST PUTT As the final putt dropped and the last cart rolled in, a quiet sense of accomplishment settled over the course. What started as a long list of tasks, deadlines, and decisions had turned into something much more meaningful. Every detail from the format to the giveaways helped create a day filled with laughter, connection, and shared purpose. The tournament wasn’t just about golf it was about bringing people together,
building community, and supporting a cause bigger than the game itself. In the days that followed, stories were exchanged, photos were shared, and the video recap made its way across social media, inspiring even more excitement for what’s ahead. And once the buzz carried on, we sent out a save-the-date for next year. Because now we know… it’s not just golf. It’s something people want to be part of.
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RESOURCES SAMPLE BUDGET EXPENSES
INCOME
Per Person
Quantity
Total
Per Person
Quantity
Total
Green & Cart Fees
$125
120
$15,000
$250
120
$30,000
Mulligan(s) Per Team
$0
60
$0
$20
120
$2,400
Sponsors Platinum Event Sponsor Signage
N/A
1
$750
$7,500
1
$7,500
Driving Range
N/A
1
$300
$1,500
1
$1,500
Swag Bag/Golf Kit
$25
120
$3,000
$1,000
6
$6,000
Scramble Pic
$25
120
$3,000
$600
10
$6,000
Poker Chip/Beverage Token(s)
$10
240
$2,400
$1,000
4
$4,000
Participants Apparel
$50
120
$6,000
$6,000
1
$6,000
Hole Sponsor: Tee Box, Flag
$50
18
$900
$1,000
18
$18,000
Cart Sponsor
$2
60
$120
$2,500
5
$12,500
Staff & Volunteers Shirts
$50
30
$1,500
$3,000
1
$3,000
Prizes & Awards
N/A
20
$2,000
$250
20
$5,000
$500
3
$1,500
Total Income
$103,400
Net Profit
$62,280
Contests: Longest Drive, Putt & Closest to Pin
N/A
3
$1,000
Marketing/Promotion
N/A
1
$1,200
Photography/Videography
N/A
1
$2,000
Insurance/Permits
N/A
1
$750
Miscellaneous/Contingency
N/A
1
$1,200
Total Expenses
$41,120
TIMELINE CHECKLIST
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ASI 38120 | SAGE 53186 | PPAI 112763