Summary:

Charity golf tournaments can raise significant funds when structured effectively. Revenue typically comes from registration fees, sponsorships, contests, raffles, auctions, merchandise, and banquet tickets, with sponsorships often providing over half of total proceeds. Adding contests and auctions creates more giving opportunities, while incentives such as early-bird pricing help boost attendance. The choice of venue also plays an important role. A well-managed course enhances the player experience and supports stronger fundraising outcomes.

Golf is one of the single most effective sports for fundraising. Each year,golfers raise over $382 million for various causes by hosting tournaments and other events.

But not all charity golf tournaments are created equal. The difference between a successful fundraiser and an underwhelming one often comes down to how organizers structure the event, create opportunities for giving, and partner with the right course.

So here are five proven strategies to maximize fundraising at your next charity golf tournament. We’ve seen plenty of organizations put these strategies to use at The Winston Golf Club and raise money that makes a real difference for worthy causes.

The Main Sources of Revenue in a Charity Golf Tournament

Most charity golf tournaments raise money through multiple channels. The most popular ones include:

• Player Registration Fees: Entry fees for individual players or foursomes, usually covering course costs and contributing to fundraising goals.

• Sponsorships: Businesses pay for visibility and branding opportunities. This is typically the largest single revenue stream.

• On-Course Contests: Closest-to-the-pin, longest drive, and hole-in-one contests with entry fees or sponsored prizes.

• Raffles & Auctions: Silent auctions, live auctions, and prize raffles held during or after the tournament.

• Merchandise & Extras: Event-branded gear, mulligan sales, or additional fundraising games (like “buy a pro shot” on a par 5).

• Banquet & Dinner Tickets: Non-golfing guests paying to attend the post-tournament banquet or awards dinner.

Next, let’s explore some useful ways to maximize the value each of these revenue streams can bring to your event.

Maximizing Sponsorship Revenues for Golf Tournaments

As we mentioned above, sponsorships are typically the strongest revenue stream for any given charity event, and can bring in more than 50% of the total revenue. It’s no different for a golf tournament, as long as you know how to secure these lucrative partnerships.

The best way to make a business leader interested in sponsoring your tournament is to remind them of the value it offers them. Specifically, sponsorship gives the business access to an affluent audience who will most likely be in a receptive state because they’re enjoying a pleasurable activity that supports a worthwhile mission.

This is already excellent PR for potential sponsors. But you can go even further by having sponsorship tiers at your event.

The Power of Tiered Sponsorships

Tiered sponsorships make it easier for businesses to support your event at a level that’s comfortable for them, while getting a proportionate amount of value in return. Here’s how the process works:

• Define clear levels: Examples include Title, Supporting, Contest, Cart, Hole, and Prize sponsorships.

• Create perks for each level: Each level comes with specific branding opportunities like displays on the course, merchandise, or online recognition (typically via social media).

• Make selection simple: Present tiers on your event website with easy processes for online sign-up, payments, and logo submission.

• Make selection simple: Present tiers on your event website with easy processes for online sign-up, payments, and logo submission.

• Follow through with ROI: Document the visibility and impact for each sponsor with photos, testimonials, and a post-event report.

Holding On-Course Contests to Add Excitement and Drive Donations

Golf is already fun, but a bit of friendly competition can keep the energy up at your event from start to finish. Adding on-course contests gives players extra reasons to get involved while raising more money for your cause.

Popular options include:

• Closest-to-the-pin contests on par threes

• Longest drive challenges on signature holes

• Hole-in-one contests with headline prizes, such as a new car or vacation package

Running these contests is easy: just charge a small entry fee for each contest, or bundle contest entries into a fundraising package at registration.

Sponsors may also be eager to provide prizes for contests like these. This can further reduce your event costs and increase your fundraising margins.

Silent Auctions & Raffles to Create More Fundraising Moments

Charity tournaments don’t stop generating revenue once players finish their round. Silent auctions and raffles are powerful add-ons that keep the giving spirit alive during post-tournament banquets or receptions.

The most successful events secure desirable items ahead of time, like golf equipment, restaurant vouchers, travel packages, or exclusive experiences. Promoting these items in advance builds anticipation and encourages players to bring their wallets.

Raffles, meanwhile, are a fast and low-barrier way for every attendee to contribute (even the ones who didn’t sign up for higher sponsorship tiers)

Player Registration Tips to Boost Attendance

A full field means more donations, more sponsorship visibility, and more overall impact. To encourage early and robust registration, consider:

• Offering early-bird pricing or team discounts for foursomes

• Including extras like free raffle tickets or contest entries with advance sign-ups

• Simplifying registration through an online platform with secure payment options

These small touches not only increase attendance but also ensure the logistics of your event are easier to manage.

Working with the Right Club: Why Your Venue Choice Matters

Remember: player experience has a direct impact on fundraising potential. Even the best-organized tournament won’t achieve its full potential if you don’t hold it on a course
your guests will absolutely love.

The right club should offer:

• A professional team to coordinate contests, banquets, and registration details

• A challenging yet enjoyable course that leaves players with lasting memories

• Facilities that comfortably accommodate both the tournament and the post-round celebration

In short, your venue should make your job easier while giving participants an unforgettable day.

Why Host at The Winston Golf Club?

The Winston Golf Club has been helping charities and community organizations run successful tournaments for decades. Our pristine 18-hole parkland-style course in the heart of Calgary, first-class banquet facilities, and dedicated event team give you everything you need to deliver a tournament that players enjoy and donors remember.

When you partner with us, you don’t just get a venue. You gain a partner who’s committed to helping your cause succeed.

It’s time to plan your next charity tournament. Contact our events team today and let The Winston Golf Club help you raise more money for your organization.