Most, if not all golfers, have played in some type of charity golf tournament in their lifetime. These charity events are always for a good cause and golfers who play in them should be commended for their efforts to attend.
However, the group of people who are putting on this event have a big task and their main goal is to raise the most money they can to support their charity. Let’s go over some ways that a charity golf tournament can maximize the fun for everyone involved.
Choose the Right Course
The most important thing for a charity golf tournament is to make sure that everyone is happy. The golf course has a lot to do with that. Obviously the nicer courses and private clubs will have a higher price tag, but there are some ways around this issue. A lot of courses will donate a tournament or significantly reduce the price if you tell them about your charity. It looks great for them and it works great for your charity because you can now focus funds in other areas.
Choose the Right Season
No one wants to get up early on a Monday morning and head out to play golf in 100-degree heat. Having your charity event in the Spring or Fall is probably the best way to avoid any weather related problems.
Pick a Good Format
The most important and sometimes over-looked part of a charity event is the tournament format. The best way to determine your format is to figure out what type of players will be playing. The best way to do this is to ask for each player’s handicap when they sign up for the tournament. You can make it part of the questionnaire they fill out.
Pre and Post Round Entertainment
The objective of a charity event is to raise money for a good cause. People are more likely to give you money if they are having fun. The hosting group will be responsible for entertaining players before and after the round. Don’t be afraid to spend some extra money to get top notch guests or DJ’s for a good time.
An idea for pre round is to have some sort of competition on the driving range where players can compete for a prize.
Set Goals
The hosting group should be very clear with what they expect to get from hosting the event. Set a goal so that you can plan ahead for it, instead of running around during the event trying to find out if everything is going well. The players will benefit from this as well because it helps them figure out how much to donate.
The hosting group should also be sure to share their cause with everyone involved. Before the tournament starts, gather everyone and have someone give a quick speech to thank everyone and tell them how they can get involved with your charity.
Provide Games on the Course
Make sure to contact local car dealerships and see if they would be interested in sponsoring a hole-in-one contest where a player would have the chance to win a car. The chances are so small that most dealerships will help you out immediately.
Food and Beverage
Unfortunately, I have been to way too many charity events that have slacked off in the food department. If you are the hosting group don’t buy a bunch of premade sandwiches and stuff them in a box with an apple and a cookie. Get something catered in fresh at the time of the tournament or ask the golf course if they can provide food.
One of the best charity events I went to had a BBQ set up outside the cart barn where everyone could drive by and pick up a burger or hot dog on the way to the next hole. Like the entertainment, don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money in order to make everyone happy.