5 Tips for Planning a Golf Tournament for the First Time

Tee times. Food. Drinks.

Competitions at different holes. Awards.

Planning a golf tournament takes a lot of organization and time.

Whether you are trying to raise money for a charity or cause or just organize an outing for a group you’re a part of, there are some tips and tricks you can use to make the process easier.

Here are 5 tips to ensure that your first golf tournament goes off without a hitch and your participants will leave asking when next year’s tournament is.

Planning a Golf Tournament: Start Here

There are the obvious things that need to be decided first, like the date Keep the time of year in mind; a golf tournament in Florida in, say July or August, might not be the best idea.

A tournament in a northern state too early could be a bust too. Plan a date when it won’t be too hot or too cold and it will be comfortable for golfers.

Once you have the date set, it’s time to get planning.

1. Pick the Right Course

Keep in mind the skill level of golfer who will be participating, the location of the course in relation to where most golfers are coming from, and the cost of the greens fees.

You don’t want to pick a course so difficult that only expert golfers will enjoy themselves. You also don’t want somewhere that takes over an hour to get to or is cost-prohibitive.

2. Figure Out Your Budget and the Cost Per Golfer

Many golf courses will require a down payment to reserve the course for an outing, so you need to know how much you have available for that. You’ll also need to identify your budget for food, drinks, awards, and other promotional items.

If it’s a charity tournament, you’ll want the majority of your proceeds to go to the charity, not the golf course. Thus, you’ll want to price it right and work out some sponsorships.

3. Find Some Sponsors

Sponsors will offset the costs of the outing. They can sponsor the food and drinks, different holes, or even provide items for an auction or raffle prizes. Sponsors are a great way to ensure even more money goes to the charity you are golfing for.

4. Plan Plenty of Food and Drinks

There should be food and drinks available to the golfers during and after the event. You may not want to provide food and drinks during the event, but a dinner or lunch afterward should be provided.

5. Send the Golfers Home With Awards

Don’t send them home empty-handed! Trophies Plus Medals has trophies and medals for pretty much every contest within the tournament you can think of. Closest to the pin, longest drive, hole in one, you name it, they have an award for it.

If you want to get even more creative, consider a golf video game. Not only is it entertaining, but it will also allow the winner to practice his or her skills!

The Bottom Line

Don’t be scared of planning a golf tournament if you think it could be successful. With a little time, organization, and these tips, you can make it happen.

For more resources on fun and entertainment, check out some of our other blog posts.