Golf Outings have becoming increasingly popular in recent years, as the excitement for the sport has grown. It offered a safe option during COVID to be socially distanced while still having fun. In addition, the explosion of golf simulators and businesses such as Topgolf have captivated the interest of a younger audience with a fun introduction to the basics of the sport. The National Golf Foundation recently surveyed new golfers and 23% said they'd started playing after their first Topgolf experience.
As the popularity of golf grows, golf outings are a great way to raise money for charity while enjoying a day on the greens. Planning a golf outing may seem like a daunting task but these tips can help simplify the planning process.
Determine your Budget
There are many costs to consider that can be make-or-break moments for your fundraising goals. Most of your budget will be allotted to the golf course that will host the event, which typically covers the greens fees associated with caring for the golf course, as well as the cart rental fee, which will allow your players to complete their round of golf in a timely manner. Determine what will be included in the ticket price, such as food, refreshments, parking or any other additional costs. Set a portion of your budget aside to promote your event and consider the number of staff and/or volunteers to manage logistics on the day of the event.
Understand your Mission
It can be easy to lose yourself in an event with coordinating details, budgeting, and miscellaneous tasks. Before you get too far in the planning process, be sure to have a mission statement of your own, to keep you grounded and focused. Raising money for a charity is fun and exciting but dig deep into the meaning behind the charity and remember that is why you are doing this! If you happen to be hosting to honor someone who has passed, this is a meaningful way of paying tribute to their memory, or even raising money for a notable cause.
Choose Your Golf Course
Narrow your list of potential golf courses that can host the event based on the number of players you anticipate. Reach out to inquire about the cost to hold the golf tournament and what is included in the price. This will help determine your ticket pricing strategy, which should cover the round of golf and food while keeping the cost reasonable for attendees.
When hosting a golf tournament, thinking about the itinerary will be important when you are considering the food and beverage portion of the day. What time will your event start? If you offer a shotgun start, meaning that all players are teeing off at the same time, do you want them to eat before playing golf, during, or after? Or maybe you want all three? This is an important thing to consider before selecting your course, based on the catering options offered on-site. Other factors to consider are the location of the golf course, its accessibility to major highways and adequate parking for guests.
Lock Down Sponsors
Finding sponsors for your golf tournament will be the key to its fundraising success. The ticket price will cover the round of golf, food and not much more, so sponsorship opportunities will make up most of the donations. Provide varying levels of sponsorship to encourage businesses of all sizes to take part. Think local and identify businesses that are centrally located around the golf course who may be interested in advertising their services.
Once you have gathered a list, work on your sales pitch that highlights the sponsorship opportunities from signage, golf cart advertising or sponsoring a hole. Share the number of golfers you expect to attend and the importance of the cause you are supporting. Creating event programs to be distributed, sponsor signage at registration and throughout the course, and slideshows displayed during cocktail hour are additional ways to add value to your sponsorship packages.
Make it Fun!
Get people excited about the event with an effective marketing plan and create a simple sign-up process that can be completed online. Offer unique skill challenges such as the longest drive or closet to the pin. Provide plenty of refreshments and food that hits the spot at the right time. Signature drinks can add fun to the event or a personalized token for each guest to make the day memorable. Customize your tournament with a takeaway item such as a golf shirt, hat, backpack, custom golf balls, tees, or anything to create a memory and lasting impression beyond the day of the tournament!
How do you start playing the golf tournament?
There are essentially two ways to start the actual golfing portion of your tournament. First, you can have standard "Tee Times," which would be staggered every 8 minutes for your players to start golfing. Second, which is arguably more fun, is a "Shotgun Start." In this instance, all golf carts are lined up and waiting to begin the tournament. Each player is in their cart when the bell chimes, and all players drive to their assigned holes to start playing! This is fun, interactive and memorable to all involved, and certainly makes for a good photo opportunity! It also allows all players to start AND end playing at the same time. On average, playing a round of golf can take between 3-5 hours, depending on the experience of the player.
Golf Outings at Turf Valley Resort
In 2023, Turf Valley Resort hosted 45 golf outings starting in April through October. Though Turf Valley Resort's golf courses are private, non-members may host a golf outing on one of our two 18-hole championship golf courses. We help plan your event and provide all set up the day of the event. In addition to the golf course, we offer climate-controlled rooms and catering to accommodate groups of all sizes.
One of our largest golf tournaments we host in addition to being a sponsor is the Annual Italian Invitational. Recently held on July 15th, 2024, the tournament was comprised of 260 players (or 65 foursomes!) The Title Sponsors, the highest sponsor level, were Strayer Contracting, International Union of Elevator Contractors, Maryland Health Enterprises, and Turf Valley Resort.
2024 marked the 40th Anniversary of the Italian Invitational, first started by Nick Mangione in 1984, to pay tribute to his late cousin, Fred Grimmel, Jr. and his family's Italian heritage in support of his alma mater, Loyola University of Maryland with an Annual Scholarship Fund.
For more information about golf outings at Turf Valley Resort visit our website.