12 golf fundraising tips
Golf continues to boom in Australia, with more Aussies reaching for their golf bags and teeing up than ever before. Plus, golf offers countless creative ways to raise money for worthwhile causes, with a whole host of exciting event ideas to choose from.
To get your golf fundraiser in full swing, we’ve put together a list of the ultimate golf fundraising ideas, from long drive contests to clubhouse auctions. We’ll also share some top tips on how to organise your fundraiser and explain how GoFundMe can help to maximise the amount of donations you receive.
How to organise a golf fundraiser
Before we get started with our golf fundraising ideas, you must familiarise yourself with the steps you need to take to organise a successful fundraiser. While it might seem daunting at first, setting up a golf event doesn’t have to be challenging if you plan and prepare ahead of the big day.
Here is our five-step guide to keep your fundraiser on course:
- Set your fundraising goal: Start by deciding how much money you want to raise, so you can plan and budget accordingly. This is also beneficial for potential donors, as they’re more likely to give generously to a cause that’s clearly defined. Make sure your fundraising goal is achievable yet aspirational.
- Choose a golf fundraiser idea: Ensure your golf fundraiser stands out by making it as fun and exciting as possible. Lacking inspiration? Check out our golf fundraising ideas below.
- Pick the location and date: Choose a golf course that’s appropriate for your fundraising idea and will ensure you hit your donation goal. Selecting a location and date that appeals to the masses is important.
- Find volunteers and sponsors: Firstly, think about the volunteers you’ll need. This could include check-in staff, bartenders, catering staff, caddies, and golf cart attendants. Then consider the role of sponsors – especially if your budget is tight. Sponsors can help raise capital or resources to assist your fundraising efforts. This could involve sponsoring a hole on the course, golf carts, prizes, or food and drinks.
- Promote your event: Create a marketing plan that includes email, social media, flyers, and promotions with local businesses. By maximising the amount of promotion you do, you’ll be able to attract more participants and sponsors, while raising as much funds as possible.
Top tip: Don’t just rely on donations you receive on the day – make sure you set up an online fundraiser to help promote your event and boost the amount of money you raise. When picking a platform you should look for:
- Zero fees (both platform fees and payment processing fees)
- Ease of use and website design
- Excellent customer support
- When you get access to your funds
- Fundraiser sharing capabilities
Choosing a trusted, reliable online fundraising platform, such as GoFundMe, is your best chance of guaranteeing success.
12 Golf fundraising ideas: Raise more dollars
Your golf fundraiser has to be fun and exciting. Here are our favourite golf fundraising ideas, so your event isn’t a swing-and-miss.
1. Hole-in-one contest
Nothing beats a hole-in-one on the golf course. A hole-in-one contest adds excitement to any golf fundraiser and will attract fundraisers. Prizes can be offered for those who achieve the rare feat, with participants paying a small entry fee.
2. Tournament day
Organising a golf tournament is one of the most popular and lucrative fundraising events. Whether it’s for individuals or teams, the format is completely up to you. For example, the tournament winner could be whoever shoots the lowest round over 18 holes or two teams could be divided into pairs and enter a matchplay format similar to The Ryder Cup. You could also incorporate themed holes and sponsorship opportunities – it’s ideal for a fun charity golf day.
3. Longest drive contest
A longest drive contest challenges players to hit the farthest drive, often for a fee to enter. If you want to keep the event short and make it easily accessible, you can use the tee closest to the clubhouse. Prizes are offered to power hitters who come out on top.
4. Clubhouse auction
Clubhouse auctions offer the opportunity to donate golf equipment, memorabilia, and exclusive experiences, or offer discounted course fees. This attracts golfers and non-golfers alike in a social, friendly atmosphere. The auction can be live, silent, or even virtual, with funds raised through competitive bidding.
5. Beat the pro
A beat-the-pro event involves participants paying to challenge a golf pro on a specific hole to see who gets the best score. The chance to play with a pro adds prestige and excitement to the fundraiser, allowing amateurs to test their skills against experts.
6. Putting contest
Simple to organise and appropriate for all ages and skill levels, participants can pay to test their putting abilities on a challenging green. It can either be held on a specific green somewhere on the course or at the practice green near the clubhouse. Prizes can be handed out to winners.
7. Closest to the pin
A closest-to-the-pin competition is one of the more popular golf fundraising ideas, as golfers compete to see who can land their shot closest to a designated par-three hole. Easy to organise and low cost, this is a great idea for both participants and spectators, with a prize for whoever gets closest.
8. Mulligans
Selling mulligans (a chance to retake a shot) is a lighthearted way to boost funds and make your
golf tournament more friendly. Golfers can purchase these for a small fee, providing both financial support and a stress reliever for players.
9. Raffles
Old-school raffles provide a straightforward and effective fundraising opportunity. Participants purchase tickets for a chance to win donated prizes, such as equipment and golf holiday packages. Raffles can be held throughout the day in the clubhouse or at a special fundraising dinner.
10. Speed golf
Speed golf adds a unique twist to traditional fundraising tournaments by challenging players to complete the course as quickly as possible. Encouraging fast-paced action, this is a fresh and exciting golf fundraiser that’s fun for players of all levels. Participants pay entry fees, with prizes for the fastest player to complete the course and the lowest score.
11. Caddie rental
All amateur golfers would love a personal caddie like the pros, so why not offer caddie rentals for a small fee to help raise funds? You could make it more entertaining by asking local celebrities to participate – encouraging extra publicity and donations.
12. Mini-golf tournament
This is an excellent family-friendly golf fundraiser idea that’s suitable for players of all standards. It can be hosted at a golf club that has a smaller par-three course, which you can make more fun by introducing additional rules or creative obstacles. This attracts an audience beyond traditional golfers, making it ideal for community-wide participation and support.
Start a golf fundraiser with GoFundMe
Ready to start your golf fundraising journey? To support donations you receive on the day, make sure you set up a fundraiser online – not only will this help to increase the amount you raise but it’s also a great way of promoting your golfing event.
To have a lasting impact on your chosen cause, use GoFundMe – Australia’s #1 crowdfunding platform. Our powerful online tools will enhance your sports fundraiser, with expert advice and guidance to ensure you succeed.
Simply browse the fundraising tips we’ve shared in this article and create a fundraising page with GoFundMe to start making a difference in the lives of vulnerable Aussies. We’re here to support you!