Golf Geeks - I'm running a charity golf tournament - need feedback

[KSB2424 3,148]

So my wife's best friend was diagnosed with colon-rectal cancer six months ago. They caught it fairly early (Stage II) so the prognosis is that she has a good shot to beat it. However she's had one surgery, is going through radiation and chemo now and will probably have another surgery. And that's just the big stuff. The medical bills are piling up for them. Her husband and I play a lot of golf together and dammit, I'm going to set up a golf tournament in her name, where all the proceeds go to their medical bills.

 

Well, I may have bit off more than I can chew. This is A LOT of work. I have the course set up and ready to host, I've found a local Italian eatery to donate and cater dinner that night (which was huge). It's a Friday afternoon, 1:00 pm shotgun start, Captains Choice.

 

I'm having hole sponsors for $100 each. We are also having a Raffle for prizes and some prizes for the winning golf teams, closest to pin, longest drive.

 

My questions for those who have played in these before are:

 

1. Do we do the hacker packs (mulligan packages) for extra money? I personally hate those as you paid your entry fee and now you all but have to buy these too. I always thought they were sort of shady ways to hit up folks for money.

 

2. We are having prizes for the teams that finish top 3 in the tournament. Do we do handicap scoring or just lowest score or do both? What do you guys or gals like best in that regard?

 

3. Any tips on contacting local businesses for donations. Things we could have in the Raffle, team prizes, etc. Things like Restaurant gift certificates, golf gear, pretty much anything that would be cool to win. Do I just straight up cold call these people?

 

4. What am I not thinking about? What are some cool things you've seen at charity golf tournaments that you can share?

 

Now remember, this isn't a huge corporate or even a huge charity thing (i.e. Jimmy V, Boys and Girls Club) so we are a bit limited. With that said, I want it to be the best event possible and make as much money as we can for this family. Any feedback or ideas are appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[IGotWorms 4,057]

Jesus that sounds like a lot of work! You are a good friend

 

 

(Wish I could help but obviously, I'm not a golfer)

[KSB2424 3,148]

Jesus that sounds like a lot of work! You are a good friend

 

 

(Wish I could help but obviously, I'm not a golfer)

 

Actually, your post just made me think of something, is there a way to get non-golfers there to spend some money on something? Maybe entice the wives to come to the dinner and buy raffle tickets at least? Hmmmm. Maybe hit up some womens boutiques for gift certificates and advertise that to get the golfers to have their wives meet them there afterwards for the dinner and raffle drawing? I don't know.....just thinking aloud.

[edjr 6,578]

 

Actually, your post just made me think of something, is there a way to get non-golfers there to spend some money on something? Maybe entice the wives to come to the dinner and buy raffle tickets at least? Hmmmm. Maybe hit up some womens boutiques for gift certificates and advertise that to get the golfers to have their wives meet them there afterwards for the dinner and raffle drawing? I don't know.....just thinking aloud.

 

No. That's gay.

[edjr 6,578]

you may as well do the mulligans for money.

 

If there is one thing you can count on. When it comes to scrambles, people cheat. So this way you can make money from their cheating.

[Cruzer 1,995]

So my wife's best friend was diagnosed with colon-rectal cancer six months ago. They caught it fairly early (Stage II) so the prognosis is that she has a good shot to beat it. However she's had one surgery, is going through radiation and chemo now and will probably have another surgery. And that's just the big stuff. The medical bills are piling up for them. Her husband and I play a lot of golf together and dammit, I'm going to set up a golf tournament in her name, where all the proceeds go to their medical bills.

 

Well, I may have bit off more than I can chew. This is A LOT of work. I have the course set up and ready to host, I've found a local Italian eatery to donate and cater dinner that night (which was huge). It's a Friday afternoon, 1:00 pm shotgun start, Captains Choice.

 

I'm having hole sponsors for $100 each. We are also having a Raffle for prizes and some prizes for the winning golf teams, closest to pin, longest drive.

 

My questions for those who have played in these before are:

 

1. Do we do the hacker packs (mulligan packages) for extra money? I personally hate those as you paid your entry fee and now you all but have to buy these too. I always thought they were sort of shady ways to hit up folks for money.

 

2. We are having prizes for the teams that finish top 3 in the tournament. Do we do handicap scoring or just lowest score or do both? What do you guys or gals like best in that regard?

 

3. Any tips on contacting local businesses for donations. Things we could have in the Raffle, team prizes, etc. Things like Restaurant gift certificates, golf gear, pretty much anything that would be cool to win. Do I just straight up cold call these people?

 

4. What am I not thinking about? What are some cool things you've seen at charity golf tournaments that you can share?

 

Now remember, this isn't a huge corporate or even a huge charity thing (i.e. Jimmy V, Boys and Girls Club) so we are a bit limited. With that said, I want it to be the best event possible and make as much money as we can for this family. Any feedback or ideas are appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Yes - putting on tournaments is a shiatload of work. Nobody ever realizes just how much - good job by you.

 

1. Yes! The entire purpose of the event is to indeed raise money. And as any golfer knows - people are going to be taking mulligans anyways in a scramble. Might as well cash in on it. Not all will buy them, but even if you make an extra $200 on it, it's $200 more than you had before.

 

2. Forget the handicap stuff. It's too much trouble and 99% aren't going to be honest about those anyways. I always like paying 1st and 2nd - then a payout for the team that finishes dead ass last.

 

3. If you have the time, I'd stop by the businesses. And many are more than willing to offer gift cards or something. Helps to send in some eye candy when asking - if asking a guy anyways.

[DankNuggs 305]

yes do mulligans for $$$ people are used to it and you'll get a few extra bucks... If its a scramble, don't handicap. If it isn't a scramble, you can give out prizes for both gross and net.

[KSB2424 3,148]

Sounds like the mulligan packages are the status quo. Maybe I'll do a $10 mulligan package where you get 1 mulligan and 1 Red Tee Bomb).

[edjr 6,578]

Never played in a scramble that allows mulligans and I play in 3 to 4 a year.

 

Just another way of already fleecing people that are paying 2 to 3 times the cost of round of golf

[KSB2424 3,148]

Never played in a scramble that allows mulligans and I play in 3 to 4 a year.

 

Just another way of already fleecing people that are paying 2 to 3 times the cost of round of golf

 

you just told me to do the mulligans in a previous post. Well which is it?

[edjr 6,578]

 

you just told me to do the mulligans in a previous post. Well which is it?

 

I have never personally had them at any tourney I play. People aren't used to them, (around here?) so no one uses them.

 

I was saying yeah use them. You don't have to buy them if you don't want.

 

it's like playing in "charity" poker tournaments with add ons and rebuys. Just a way of fleecing people that already paid $100 to play. They don't have to use them, most people do (i never do)

[Cruzer 1,995]

Never played in a scramble that allows mulligans and I play in 3 to 4 a year.

 

Just another way of already fleecing people that are paying 2 to 3 times the cost of round of golf

What do you think scrambles are? Fleecing people out of money to support a cause is the entire purpose of the tournament. Everyone knows this already going in.

[Eaglesin14 12]

 

3. If you have the time, I'd stop by the businesses. And many are more than willing to offer gift cards or something. Helps to send in some eye candy when asking - if asking a guy anyways.

Are we talking sweater vests here?

[KSB2424 3,148]

Are we talking sweater vests here?

 

Don't underestimate the power of the V. The sweater V.

[edjr 6,578]

What do you think scrambles are? Fleecing people out of money to support a cause is the entire purpose of the tournament. Everyone knows this already going in.

 

isn't 125, 150 (i've paid up to 250) enough for 18 holes and a cart? yes it is. 18 holes you could not even use one of your own shots the entire round.

[edjr 6,578]

and don't forget the $20 or so usually spent on the after golf raffle.

[Cruzer 1,995]

 

isn't 125, 150 (i've paid up to 250) enough for 18 holes and a cart? yes it is. 18 holes you could not even use one of your own shots the entire round.

Well for 1 - mulligans are not a requirement, you don't have to buy them. 2 - you are living in a fantasy world if you think you've ever played in an honest scramble. People are going to take mulligans (and use them) regardless if they are being sold or not. And 3 - this isn't the tour. It's an event to raise as much $$ as possible. Mulligans go a long way in getting there.

[edjr 6,578]

Well for 1 - mulligans are not a requirement, you don't have to buy them. 2 - you are living in a fantasy world if you think you've ever played in an honest scramble. People are going to take mulligans (and use them) regardless if they are being sold or not. And 3 - this isn't the tour. It's an event to raise as much $$ as possible. Mulligans go a long way in getting there.

 

I already said that

 

People cheat, you may as well charge them for it.

 

Can you win money or a gift card to the proshop? That makes it real to me damnit.

[dain11279 963]

Make a sh!t ton of Jello shots and sell them on the course for $1 each. They'e incredibly easy and cheap to make.

 

Bonus points if you have hot beer (Jello shot) cart girls selling them

[edjr 6,578]

Make a sh!t ton of Jello shots and sell them on the course for $1 each. They'e incredibly easy and cheap to make.

 

Bonus points if you have hot beer (Jello shot) cart girls selling them

 

One of the tournies I do, the closest to pin is optional, it's 10 bucks (winner take all I believe) and they give you jello shots too.

[dain11279 963]

 

One of the tournies I do, the closest to pin is optional, it's 10 bucks (winner take all I believe) and they give you jello shots too.

 

This made me think of another idea KSB: Station someone at the most difficult par-3 on the course to allow people to gamble on themselves to hit the green. If they wager 5 bucks and hit it, they double their money. If not, they lose. The majority of hacks won't hit the green on their tee shots. And even if they do, sometimes they'll just give you all the money anyway. Hell, you could prolly do in on all the par-3s

[edjr 6,578]

 

This made me think of another idea KSB: Station someone at the most difficult par-3 on the course to allow people to gamble on themselves to hit the green. If they wager 5 bucks and hit it, they double their money. If not, they lose. The majority of hacks won't hit the green on their tee shots. And even if they do, sometimes they'll just give you all the money anyway. Hell, you could prolly do in on all the par-3s

 

lol. you THOUGHT of that? LIke just now?

 

Been doing that for years. was a $25 max 5 min

[KSB2424 3,148]

I wonder if I could call a beverage distributor and see if they would donate beer - soda? Feasible or pie in the sky?

 

Also, dear accountants - Any need for me to get a receipt booklet? I'm not a "qualified charity" so I don't think business can write this off right? Also, I don't have any tax issues here right?

[edjr 6,578]

I wonder if I could call a beverage distributor and see if they would donate beer - soda? Feasible or pie in the sky?

 

Also, dear accountants - Any need for me to get a receipt booklet? I'm not a "qualified charity" so I don't think business can write this off right? Also, I don't have any tax issues here right?

 

oh, so you're scamming people for money now?

 

why not just fake having cancer.

 

[KSB2424 3,148]

 

This made me think of another idea KSB: Station someone at the most difficult par-3 on the course to allow people to gamble on themselves to hit the green. If they wager 5 bucks and hit it, they double their money. If not, they lose. The majority of hacks won't hit the green on their tee shots. And even if they do, sometimes they'll just give you all the money anyway. Hell, you could prolly do in on all the par-3s

 

Me likey.

 

Anything fun, that the golfers will like, that can make extra dough is what I'm looking for.

[dain11279 963]

 

lol. you THOUGHT of that? LIke just now?

 

Been doing that for years. was a $25 max 5 min

 

 

I meant I've seen it in other tourneys, d!ck

[KSB2424 3,148]

 

oh, so you're scamming people for money now?

 

why not just fake having cancer.

 

 

Huh? By qualified charity, I mean from a tax perspective. I don't think a business can write off a donation but only to a charity that is a "Qualified Charity" meaning they have a tax ID number and stuff. I'm not going out and getting a freakin' tax id number for one tournament put on by friends.

 

100% of the proceeds are going to the family.

[edjr 6,578]

 

Huh? By qualified charity, I mean from a tax perspective. I don't think a business can write off a donation but only to a charity that is a "Qualified Charity" meaning they have a tax ID number and stuff. I'm not going out and getting a freakin' tax id number for one tournament put on by friends.

 

100% of the proceeds are going to the family.

 

THIEF!

[KSB2424 3,148]

 

THIEF!

 

I don't understand what you are saying.

[WhiteWonder 2,674]

For the prizes for the top teams I would have each team take their best score for each hole and then have the club pro do Callaway scoring system to come up with the best 3 teams. Match of cards for tie breaker.

 

Personally at golf outings I like shamble formats. Best ball off the tee, every plays their own ball from there. it's a good mix of speeding up the rounds (which you need to do as people will be drunk and bad golfers and rounds will be slooowww) and allowing people to still feel like they are getting a full round of golf. I hate full scrambles best balls etc. Most shambles I've been a part of make a rule that you must use a minimum of 2 tee shots per golfer. Now how often groups follow that rule I don't know...

 

a few things you can do to raise some extra money

 

1. Take one of the par 3s and do a hit the green contest. this works best with the cooperation of the golf club, country club or pro shop you are partnering with. Get them to offer pro shop gift certificates for double the money for anyone who hits the green. Let players wager 10 20 30 and if they miss they lose and if they hit the green, they double their money in the form of a pro shop gift cert. That's what my local YMCA charity outing does. You of course need someone stationed at the hole.

 

2. Have someone running a putting contest on the practice green. Have it going on during the round so as players finish 18 and move on to the first tee, they can stop at the putting contest. 10 dollars gets them 1 putt... a 10-15 footer...if they make it they move on to round 2. Round 2 is for any golfers who made the putt. Right before dinner you can hold the putt-off among the earlier winners. Everyone else can watch. Hold it during happy hour. Each person gets 1 long lag Putt. Closest wins. Give away whatever you like maybe 50% of the cash collected for the contest with the other 50% going to the cause.

[dain11279 963]

For the prizes for the top teams I would have each team take their best score for each hole and then have the club pro do Callaway scoring system to come up with the best 3 teams. Match of cards for tie breaker.

 

Personally at golf outings I like shamble formats. Best ball off the tee, every plays their own ball from there. it's a good mix of speeding up the rounds (which you need to do as people will be drunk and bad golfers and rounds will be slooowww) and allowing people to still feel like they are getting a full round of golf. I hate full scrambles best balls etc. Most shambles I've been a part of make a rule that you must use a minimum of 2 tee shots per golfer. Now how often groups follow that rule I don't know...

 

a few things you can do to raise some extra money

 

1. Take one of the par 3s and do a hit the green contest. this works best with the cooperation of the golf club, country club or pro shop you are partnering with. Get them to offer pro shop gift certificates for double the money for anyone who hits the green. Let players wager 10 20 30 and if they miss they lose and if they hit the green, they double their money in the form of a pro shop gift cert. That's what my local YMCA charity outing does. You of course need someone stationed at the hole.

 

2. Have someone running a putting contest on the practice green. Have it going on during the round so as players finish 18 and move on to the first tee, they can stop at the putting contest. 10 dollars gets them 1 putt... a 10-15 footer...if they make it they move on to round 2. Round 2 is for any golfers who made the putt. Right before dinner you can hold the putt-off among the earlier winners. Everyone else can watch. Hold it during happy hour. Each person gets 1 long lag Putt. Closest wins. Give away whatever you like maybe 50% of the cash collected for the contest with the other 50% going to the cause.

 

And let them triple their money if they tee off from the moon

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

You aren't a 501c3 charity, so they can't write it off.

 

Set up a gofundme site as well for non golfers.

 

Definitely do mulligans.

 

Do blind green mulligans. Basically you put strings of different lengths in envelopes. People buy them without knowing how long the string is. It allows them to move one of their putts closer to the hole by the length of the string. Charge like $20 each and limit 1 per 4 some

[edjr 6,578]

 

I don't understand what you are saying.

 

Nothing. I am teasing fella.

[KSB2424 3,148]

 

Nothing. I am teasing fella.

 

Gotcha, I am aware and do not want people to think I'm making money off this. I know how that can go with charities, so I'm documenting everything. I'm a bit leery of that aspect and don't want people thinking that in anyway. No good deed goes unpunished.

[edjr 6,578]

 

Gotcha, I am aware and do not want people to think I'm making money off this. I know how that can go with charities, so I'm documenting everything. I'm a bit leery of that aspect and don't want people thinking that in anyway. No good deed goes unpunished.

 

A burden I do not want.

 

You're a good man Mr SWV

[KSB2424 3,148]

You aren't a 501c3 charity, so they can't write it off.

 

 

Okay, that's sort of what I was thinking and referring too. What if a business or an individual wants a receipt though? Do I just tell them that or do I go to Staples and buy one of those receipt booklets that have one carbon copy and write them a receipt if they want?

[KSB2424 3,148]

Also, sounds like some sort of Par 3 contest type thing is liked by most. Definitely going to look into that.

[nzoner 937]

 

 

 

Anything fun, that the golfers will like, that can make extra dough is what I'm looking for.

I help a friend with a charity golf tourney in fact it's next week.Keep in mind this is a beer drinkin' hell raising crew so these ideas may not be suitable.

 

1.Eye candy in golf carts loaded with coolers of cold beer,the charity gets the beer money they get the tips,a few of our girls are even willing to flash some boobage and do pretty good in tips..Our course we use actually sells us the beer right there because I doubt you'll find a distributor to donate but I could be wrong.

 

2.We rent a dunk tank and get a hottie to sit in it and charge $20 for 5 chances to dunk her,after a few beers it's amazing to see how many guys line up for this.

 

3.Print a flyer explaining your reason for the charity (I think a pic of the friend's wife would be good to have on it) and take to local businesses for raffle donations,you'll be shocked how many people will say yes.

 

Lastly and no we did not do this but another good friend of mine said he went to a similar tourney one time and at one of the back holes there was a girl who would get nekkid and straddle the hole for $20 per golfer for a chance to putt.

 

Good luck.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

KSB2424, on 20 May 2015 - 11:50 AM, said:

Okay, that's sort of what I was thinking and referring too. What if a business or an individual wants a receipt though? Do I just tell them that or do I go to Staples and buy one of those receipt booklets that have one carbon copy and write them a receipt if they want?

Write them something on a cocktail napkin or print them something on your computer. Just because you are not a 501c3 and they legally can't write it off does not mean that they won't do it anyway.

[BunnysBastatrds 2,301]

Never played in a scramble that allows mulligans and I play in 3 to 4 a year.

 

Just another way of already fleecing people that are paying 2 to 3 times the cost of round of golf

 

Mulligan packages are usually $5 per. And you can make them fun. I played in a scramble that gave you one mulligan, one drive from the ladies tee's, and one extension of your shot. 70% of golfers at a scramble play less than twenty rounds a year. Keep it fun and don't be cheap.