Why Fall is the Perfect Time for a Golf Fundraiser

This is a guest blog by GolfStatus.org

If your nonprofit is looking to host a successful, engaging fundraiser yet this year, a fall golf tournament is a great option with a high potential return. Fall is a great time for golf, making it an attractive time of year for a golf fundraiser. Here’s why planning a charity golf tournament this fall makes perfect sense and how to get started:

Lower Facility Costs & Higher Availability

Planning your event during the fall “shoulder season”—that is, the period between peak summer months and winter—can mean lower costs and greater flexibility. Golf facilities are generally less busy in the fall, which may open the door to higher-end facilities that are otherwise unavailable (or out of budget) during peak golf season.

In many regions, golf facilities are eager to fill their calendars and boost their bottom lines before they close for the winter, which means you’re more likely to secure favorable pricing for a golf event. What’s more, hosting your tournament at a top-tier facility can boost your event’s appeal and attract new participants and sponsors who want the chance to play an exclusive course.

Fall golf events also offer the added benefit of aligning with year-end giving. Many companies are looking to allocate remaining funds from their sponsorship budgets before the year ends. Be sure to emphasize the exposure they’ll receive for signing on as a sponsor, especially if you’re using golf event technology that includes premium digital sponsorship exposure. From the event website to live leaderboards and mobile scoring, sponsors glean impressions throughout the tournament!

Great Weather & Course Conditions

Fall typically brings crisp mornings, cooler temps, and beautiful course conditions—ideal for a day of golf. The summer heat has passed, and many golf courses are in top playing shape. You’ll want to plan your tournament schedule to account for fewer daylight hours, but this is easily managed with a shotgun start, a nine-hole event, or a nontraditional format that maximizes available tee times.

With the right event management technology, you can tailor your tournament details—like start times, pairings, and scoring formats—to accommodate the fall season’s unique considerations, making them a non-issue.

Add a Second Golf Event

If your organization already hosts a spring or summer golf tournament, fall is a great time to add a second event to your calendar and bookend your golf event fundraising year. It doesn’t have to be on the same scale as your primary golf event; consider a smaller or more casual outing to close out the fundraising year and open the door to getting more people involved to support your cause. You might consider alternative types of golf events, such as:

• A family-friendly putt putt tournament

• A TopGolf event

• A golf simulator event

Using golf event management technology makes it easy to duplicate a previous event, which significantly reduces planning time. A fall event also gives you the opportunity to try out new formats, tournament components and add-ons, and gauge how your supporters and sponsors respond. That feedback can help shape the strategy of your main golf event moving forward.

Start Planning!

Now’s the time to start planning a fall event! Follow this simple timeline to get the process moving forward.

In the Next Week:

• Connect with GolfStatus to get qualified to use its golf event management platform at no upfront cost.

• Put a planning team together to help manage the planning process.

• Look at potential tournament dates.

In the Next Two Weeks:

• Connect with GolfStatus, if you haven’t already.

• Reach out to potential host golf facilities to determine availability.

• Get a handle on your budget—revenue sources (sponsorships, registration fees, mulligans, raffle tickets, on-course contests, etc.) and expenses (greens fees, carts, banquet space, food and beverage, player gifts, signage, etc.).

In the Next Three Weeks:

• Finalize a date and sign a contract with the golf facility.

• Determine team pricing, making sure you cover your cost per golfer.

• Determine sponsorship packages and pricing.

• Launch an event website so you can start promoting your tournament to supporters.

In the Next Few Months:

• Market the tournament, sharing the link to your event website in all promotional materials.

• Reach out to potential sponsors, such as local businesses, partners, vendors, etc.

• Build in revenue enhancers like on-course games, hole-in-one contests, a raffle drawing, or an auction.

• Stay organized by sharing access to GolfStatus with your planning team and the golf facility so everyone is on the same page and working with the same information.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help! GolfStatus’ in-house golf fundraising experts are available seven days a week to help.

Work With the Golf Fundraising Pros

Nonprofits can qualify to use GolfStatus’ tournament management software—including a free event website, client-only sponsorships and add-ons, time-saving automations, online registration, and much more—at no upfront cost. Start by booking a quick 15 or 30-minute meeting with the GolfStatus team to get qualified and learn more. Book a Meeting.

Additional Resources

How To Recruit, Manage, & Engage Your Golf Tournament’s Volunteers - Download Guidebook Here

Volunteers play a critical role in the success of a charity golf tournament. This a-to-z guide outlines effective volunteer strategies for nonprofit golf fundraisers, from recruiting and onboarding to managing and engaging volunteers. Tournament organizers of all experience levels will get ideas and tools to help leverage volunteer time, energy, and enthusiasm to execute a flawless golf event.

Free Webinar June 9: Dos & Don'ts for a First-Time Golf Fundraiser

Starting a golf fundraiser for your nonprofit might seem daunting, but with the right tools and strategy, it can be a game-changer for fundraising! This free webinar features planning steps, dos and don’ts, and best practices for launching a first-year charity golf tournament. Nonprofit event planners of all experience levels will learn key milestones, practical strategies, and how golf-specific tech simplifies planning while maximizing revenue.

Free Webinar July 14: Help Wanted: Volunteer Strategies for Golf & Other Fundraisers

Volunteers play a critical role in the success of your nonprofit’s charity golf tournament, yet many event organizers find it challenging to recruit the right people, carve out time for training and oversight, and keep volunteers energized and engaged. This webinar will offer actionable advice and real-world strategies to help you actively recruit, onboard, and manage volunteers for your golf fundraiser (and other nonprofit fundraising events). You’ll learn how to create a great volunteer experience while keeping your tournament running smoothly from start to finish.