How to Plan a Golf Tournament Like a Pro: 12 Tips and Ideas

With over 25 million golfers swinging their clubs in the U.S. alone, the fairways are bustling with both pros seeking perfection and weekend warriors out for a good time. 

For every golfer chasing their personal course records, there’s a community looking to bond, compete, or give to a special cause. And planning a golf tournament lets event creators tap into these passions and turn them into positive, memorable experiences.

However, hosting a successful tournament can be as challenging as it is rewarding. From budgeting and promoting the event to keeping the players happy, there’s a lot to juggle. 

At Eventbrite, we understand the complexities of curating unique events that make a lasting impression. From sun-kissed golf resorts in Florida to the rolling greens of the Pacific Northwest, we’ve empowered countless event creators to tee off with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll dive into proven tips and fresh ideas to make sure your golf event isn’t just another day on the course, but an experience to be remembered.

1. Define your tournament’s goals clearly

The first step in planning a golf tournament? Figuring out what you want to achieve. 

Are you trying to raise money, help people network, or just offer a fun day out?

Let’s say you’re aiming to raise money. Set a clear goal, like “We want to raise $5,000.” If it’s about providing fun, think about what you’ll need to achieve that.

It’s like cooking. If you know you’re making a pizza, you won’t reach for the taco seasoning. Likewise, when you know your golf event’s main goal, it’s easier to pick the right ingredients.

2. Draft a budget that covers every detail

Every successful golf tournament starts with a solid budget. It’s the blueprint to guide you, ensuring you don’t overspend. 

Begin by listing the big costs like:

• Venue
• Prizes
• Marketing
• Refreshments

But don’t stop there. 

Sometimes, surprise costs pop up, so it’s smart to have a little extra money set aside. Think about things like last-minute supplies or unexpected venue fees.

3. Assemble a dedicated planning committee

Organizing a golf tournament isn’t a one-person show. It requires teamwork. If you already have a team, that’s great. Maybe someone’s good with numbers and can handle the budget, while another is a marketing pro.

But what if you’re on your own? 

Consider recruiting friends, volunteers, or even hiring a few helping hands. 

Not every creator has a big team, and that’s okay. Some tournaments are run by small but mighty teams of two or three. The key is to have dedicated individuals who can focus on their responsibilities.

4. Choose the right format for maximum engagement

The tournament formats you pick can make your golf event a hit or a miss. The right choice helps everyone have fun, whether they’re new to golf or have been playing for years. 

Here’s a quick rundown of popular choices.

• Scramble: Everyone tees off, but for the next shot, you choose the best ball and everyone plays from that spot. Great for all skill levels.
• Best ball: Each player plays their own ball, but only the best score on each hole counts.
• Stroke play: This is traditional golf. Everyone plays their own ball and all shots count.

Think about your audience. If you have a mix of beginners and pros, a Scramble might be best. It’s fun and less pressure for novices.

But if you’re organizing a tournament for more die-hard golfers, Stroke play might be a better choice.

5. Select the perfect venue to impress your attendees

Choosing the right place for your golf outing is super important. It’s more than just a spot to play golf — it’s the backdrop for the entire event.

A great venue can leave everyone talking about your event for months.

Think about it: If players are surrounded by beautiful views and have a comfortable place to chill after the game, they’ll be excited to come back next time. 

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a venue:

• Course challenge: What kind of game do you want? Hard, easy, or somewhere in between?
• Views and scenery: Pretty surroundings can make the day extra special.
• Facilities: Is there a shop? A place to grab food? Maybe a cozy spot to chat and relax?
• Accessibility: How easy is it for players to get there? Think about parking and public transportation.
• Customer service: Is the staff friendly and helpful? Great service can elevate the entire experience.

The right venue makes your event memorable, from the first tee-off to the last putt.

6. Secure valuable sponsorships to enhance your event

Sponsorships can be the secret sauce that makes your golf event shine. Not only do they help with costs, but they can also offer cool prizes and goodies for players. 

Here are a few ways to attract awesome sponsors.

• Identify potential targets: Think of businesses that might benefit from sponsoring your event. Local sports shops? Restaurants? Even non-golf businesses might be interested.
• Show the value: Explain how being a part of your event will help them. For instance, their logo could be seen by all attendees or they might get shoutouts during announcements.
• Build sponsorship packages: Create different levels of sponsorship. Bigger sponsors could get more benefits; smaller ones a bit less. For example, many golf tournaments offer hole sponsorships, with the 18th being the most expensive.

Choosing the right sponsor — one that aligns with attendees’ interests and provides valuable swag, for example — can really elevate the tournament experience.  

7. Create a buzz with effective promotion and marketing

Getting people excited about your golf event is key. 

Effective marketing not only drives registrations but also builds a community of eager attendees, ready to experience the magic you’ve planned.

Here’s how you can spread the word about your golf tournament.

• Engage on social media: Post fun teasers, behind-the-scenes looks, or countdowns on platforms like Facebook to get people excited.
• Send updates via email: Keep people up-to-date and informed about the event with email campaigns. Remember to keep your message simple and clear.
• Use different content formats: Written posts are great, but don’t forget to use pictures and video. A short clip of a sunny golf course or a past event highlight can really grab people’s attention.

Eventbrite’s marketing platform has all the tools you need to promote your event, sell more tickets, and expand your reach. 

8. Elevate the player experience from registration to refreshments

Every touchpoint in your golf event should feel special. From signup to sipping on a cool drink in the clubhouse, the little details can make big impressions. 

Here are a few ways to optimize attendees’ experience. 

• Simplify the sign-up process: Use an online event registration platform like Eventbrite to make sign-up a breeze. 
• Offer personalized swag: Make sure every attendee receives a simple welcome pack or swag bag to help make the day more memorable.
• Provide unique refreshment options: Don’t let players go thirsty or hungry. Set up snack stations and offer cool drinks, especially on warm days. And if you can, offer themed refreshments — like a signature event cocktail — to add a touch of flair to the day.

Speaking of themes, how about creating an overarching tournament theme to make your event a truly immersive experience?

For example, if your tournament’s goal is to raise funds to help Maui recover from the recent fires, make it Hawaiian-themed. Ask attendees to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt, hand out leis to guests as they arrive, and serve traditional Hawaiian fare.

9. Introduce challenges & games for added fun

Spicing up your golf event with games, challenges, and other interactive ideas adds excitement and keeps players engaged. It’s not just about the main game but also those extra moments that create lasting memories. 

Here are a few fun twists to consider adding.

• Host skill challenges: Set up spots for a “longest drive” or “closest to the pin” competition.
• Organize side games: Think about putting contests or even speed golf rounds. These can be quick, enjoyable breaks from the main play.
• Offer fun rewards: Give out prizes for these challenges. It could be a gift card to the pro shop, a restaurant gift card, or even a silly trophy.

Keep engagement high by balancing your challenges with a mix of skill-based competitions and just-for-fun games. This way, everyone has a chance to join the fun.

10. Offer memorable souvenirs & keepsakes

A nice keepsake or a branded swag bag reminds attendees of the fun they had and the memories they made — it can also help your attendees promote your events when they wear your swag in public! 

So, if you want to give your attendees a little treasure to take home and leave a lasting mark, consider these ideas.

• Design custom merch: Think branded golf balls, tees, or caps. These are not only useful but also serve as sentimental reminders of the day.
• Capture the day: Hiring a photographer is a great idea. Photos capture moments and emotions, and they’re perfect for sharing later.
• Create special awards: Apart from the regular prizes, offer unique tokens like “Most Spirited Player” or “Best Dressed.”

The golf club that hosts your tournament might even include some merch as part of your rental package.

11. Stay organized with post-event tasks

After the final putt is made, your job isn’t done.

The steps you take after the event can shape how people remember it — and you — and whether they decide to return next time. It’s all about leaving a lasting positive impression and setting the stage for even better future tournaments. 

Here are just a few of the things you can do to continue building community and showing attendees you appreciate them after the tournament is over.

• Show your appreciation with thank-yous: Let everyone, from sponsors to participants, know you appreciate them. A simple thank-you email can go a long way.
• Share the fun on social media: Post event photos and highlights on social media. This helps people relive the fun, promotes your brand, and creates excitement for the next event.
• Get feedback to tweak your next event: Send surveys to your attendees to ask what they enjoyed most and what they think could be improved. 

Be sure to keep in touch with tournament sponsors and attendees by sending them information about your upcoming events and other relevant content to keep them engaged. 

Then, when it’s time for your next tournament, you’ll have a built-in audience to market to. 

12. Reflect and plan for the next event

Every successful event is built on lessons learned from past experiences. When one event ends, it sets the stage for the next.

After your tournament, think about what went well and what didn’t. Consider your attendees’ feedback and debrief with your sponsors and volunteers — they may have insights into which aspects of your tournament went off without a hitch and which ones may not be worth investing in next time.  

Create a simple event report after gathering feedback. This helps you remember what worked and what didn’t so you can make your next golf event even better. 

Now that we’ve navigated the maze of golf tournament planning how-to’s, let’s dive into a treasure trove of creative ideas, inspired by real-world event creators, for your upcoming tournament.

5 golf tournament ideas for pros and Joes alike

Whether you’re targeting professional golfers, newcomers, or anyone in between, here are five unique golf tournament ideas that promise both fun and purpose.

1. Charity tournaments

Charity tournaments are a great way to combine attendees’ love of golf and their desire to make a difference. 

Take, for instance, Shelly’s Warriors, an annual golf tournament that donates all its proceeds to help those struggling financially during cancer treatment. 

Charity tournaments leave participants feeling proud, not just for their performance on the course, but for their impact.

2. Themed tournaments

Add some excitement with themed golf events. Themes like “Retro 70s” or “Future Golf” make the game unforgettable.

Think of famous golf movies or shows for ideas. For example, the Inland Empire Business Development Association made their 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament special by celebrating the popular movie CaddyShack. 

Players will come dressed up as characters from the film, play trivia, and even win prizes for the best costumes.

3. Celebrity tournaments

Celebrity tournaments, like the Bentley Celebrity Golf Tournament, let players share the green with big names from professional sports and movies. 

Beyond golf, the Bentley Tournament is a full-on event. Players begin with brunch, enjoy on-course snacks, and finish with a cocktail reception and dinner, rubbing shoulders with VIPs and celebs.

But you don’t always need the most current A-listers to hold a celebrity tournament. Hometown heroes and local legends can be just as appealing, making the event special and still attracting attendees and fans.

4. Memorial tournaments

Honor a loved one or a legendary figure with a memorial tournament. It’s a touching way to remember someone special while sharing a game of golf. 

Events like the Annual Don Hall Memorial Golf Tournament, organized by The Hall Family, unite communities in remembering loved ones while supporting meaningful causes — in this case, helping two sponsored families with cancer treatment expenses.

But the Don Hall Tournament is anything but a dark and somber affair. The day is an all-out golf party with raffles, costume contests, music, and a classy dinner. 

5. Social and networking tournaments

Golf is as much about making connections as it is about the sport itself. And that’s the ultimate point of the “Golfer Girls Business Networking Event.” Here, women from diverse professional backgrounds bond over golf and business, making every swing a chance to create lasting connections.

Events like the Golfer Girls show us that tournaments are a chance to meet others and build relationships. Whether you’re there to play or just chat, every moment on the green can lead to new friendships and opportunities.

Drive your next golf tournament to success 

As you tee up for your next golf event, remember that planning is key. With the right strategies and a touch of creativity, your tournament can be both memorable and seamless. 

Whether you’re aiming for a charity event or a networking hole-in-one, an event management platform can make the process smoother. 

With Eventbrite, you can promote your golf tournament to people in your area who are looking for an event like yours on the world’s largest events marketplace. You can also market your tournament and sell tickets on channels like Facebook. And with Eventbrite’s analytics, you can monitor ticket sales and adjust your marketing strategy in real time to make sure you get the most registrations possible.