Charity Golf Outings Bring in the Real Green

Call it a gala, fete, or simply a fundraising event; the standard black tie soiree with ticket prices in excess of $500.00 per couple may be gone with the wind. Fundraisers are looking at new opportunities to raise money for their charity that excite their donor base, simplify the planning process for volunteers, change event time from night to day, and get you up close and personal with patrons and angels of your charity. Let’s get one thing straight… you need to host an event that attracts new participants while keeping your advocates warm, but more importantly, you need to raise money!

Charities raise more money with less headache by hosting golf outings and Philadelphia’s Championship Golf Courses know how to turn those divots in to dollars.

Here are FOUR reasons why charity golf outings should be a key component of your fundraising strategy:

1. Get your head out of the sand (trap), and go get Sponsors!!!!

Corporate sponsors are the cornerstone of your fundraising efforts and charity golf outings are very appealing for many reasons. While some sponsors are 100% altruistic and donate for the cause, others may consider it a wise marketing strategy. Having been on both sides of the fence, I understand the intricacies of securing a sponsor and the blood, sweat and tears that it takes to lock them in. But wait… there’s more! Once you attract a great sponsor and establish a trusted relationship, you have to keep them for the following year’s event. Give your sponsors tremendous value for their investment and make them feel like the heroes that they are.

2. It’s a great and novel idea for newcomers

Do not assume that everyone has experienced a fundraising event, especially a charity golf outing. It’s a wonderful excuse for players to get out of the office for the day while paying it forward, literally! You don’t have to be a golf icon, like Arnold Palmer, to play, but you may have to comply to a simple dress code! Golf is a social, feel good sport, where camaraderie and business is usually on tap. Adding unique competition along the course will make newcomers feel like old-timers. Attracting the “Three M’s” will also bring in some new blood; Millennials, Minorities, and Moms. Events like “Beat the Pro”, “Closest to the Pin”, and “Longest Drive” can work for any seasoned or novice golfer.

3. 1-2-3 Turnkey!

Look for a club that can provide “turnkey” outings that are fully equipped, and ready to tee off! Wouldn’t it be great if all non-profit organizations had a full time staff that did nothing but plan fundraising events? Regretfully, most charities depend on the tireless efforts of volunteers to fuel their fundraising engine. With that being said, volunteers may have never organized a golf outing and may be scared to jump in to the pond of uncertainty. Try to “vet” your golf course or country club to find out how much experience they have with outings as well as the type of support they will give you including food, beverage, golf pro support, locker room facilities, and contests.

4. Team bonding on the Links

Typically golf is played in teams of four (otherwise known as a foursome), and planners can be very strategic to determine who golfs with whom to maximize conversation while on the course. Golf’s easy pace allows for banter that can be tied back to the charity along with a bit of playful competition. In advance to your tournament, secure high profile celebrities to be one in a foursome to empower and excite your teams! In other words, let the pros determine what happens on the greens, leaving you time to count “the green” (if you know what I mean!)

Located just 25 minutes from Center City Philadelphia and situated in the heart of Blue Bell, Pa., Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center is more than a meticulously restored American landmark—it's a fully wired, high-tech hospitality venue. Relax on our grand terrace, sip a cocktail in America's oldest silo, play a challenging game of golf on our championship course, plan an event with us or dine on our delectable farm-to-table cuisine. It all adds up to One Historic Experience.