Hosting a golf tournament takes a lot of work. But with proper planning, it can be a rewarding fundraiser and promotional opportunity for your charity or organization.
It’s important to keep in mind that the success of a golf outing can impact whether golfers and their guests return again for next year’s event. You’ll want to make sure the are engaged, leave with some great memories, and of course, some great prizes, too.
Studio Style is here to help make your golf event successful and memorable with these ideas for golf tournament giveaways.
Smile! Golf Tournament Photos Make it Memorable.
What better way to help guests remember your event, than with a photo? Hire a local event photographer to take candid and posed pictures at your golf outing. Print the photos on site so that guests can take them home the same day.
Include your branding and golf event logo on souvenir photo holders for a memorable keepsake. Let guests know that you’ll also post the photos online soon after the event, and how they can access the album. This creates a lasting connection between the guests and your organization. It also allows for social media image sharing, resulting in further engagement with your brand beyond the event.
Pro Tip: Free photo hosting platforms like Facebook, Google Photos, Dropbox, Flickr, and SmugMug allow you to easily upload and share event photos with others.
Golf Outing Photo Ops: When, Where, and What Kind of Photos?
Take Golfer Photos at Check-in
Set up a photo station with a backdrop that matches the theme of your outing. Ask guests to strike a pose as soon as they’re checked in. Include some themed props for some extra fun. Taking guests’ photos when they arrive is ideal if you’re expecting hot weather. Golfers may be less inclined to pose for a photo op after they’ve spent several hours golfing in the sun. This also gives you time to get the photos printed before they leave.
Pro Tip: A branded photo backdrop can be a great opportunity to sell sponsors, with logo exposure in all event photos.
Take Action Shots of Golfers
Guests will appreciate seeing some action shots from out on the course, too. Have your photographer (or volunteers) capture photos of foursomes and individual golfers during the tournament. Take a selection of candid and posed shots for good variety.
Take Photos With a Celebrity
If you invite a keynote speaker or golf pro, ask them to pose with golfers. Even having the town mayor attend can add prestige to your event and create a lasting impression for your guests. If a celebrity is out of your budget, try a cardboard cut-out! It will give event attendees something to laugh about.
Rent a Photo Booth
In between golfing and dinner, allow guests to entertain themselves with a photo booth. Many photo booth rental packages come with a selection of props for guests to pose with. If you’re on a tight budget, a DIY photo booth might be a better fit. Don’t have a dSLR camera? Check out this DIY photo booth using your phone.
Hand Out Golf Goodie Bags
Custom golf photo folders and frames are affordable, personalized golf tournament giveaways to send home with attendees. These golf-themed photo holders can be printed with your event name, logo, date, and even sponsor info. Include it in the golf goodie bags along with other giveaways like snacks, golf balls, tees, and discount coupons from sponsors. Add a flyer or postcard with info about your charity or organization, a list of upcoming events, and a nice thank you note showing appreciation for their participation. Remember to order your photo holders and golf giveaway items at least one month ahead of your event date!
Pro Tip: Event sponsors can help offset the cost of prizes and promotional materials. Ask if they’d like to provide branded giveaways like water bottles, imprinted golf balls, bag tags, towels, or ball markers that sport their logo.
Prizes & Awards for Golfers
Give out tournament prizes and awards during the lunch or dunner break, or near the end of the event. Trophies, printed award certificates, and giveaways add prestige to your golf event or fundraiser. Golf prizes like a putter, cart bag, or gift card to the local pro shop are great for “closest to the hole” and “longest drive” contests, but also try to think beyond what they players and golf enthusiasts would enjoy.
Plan some prizes that can be appreciated by their spouses and co-workers, too. For instance, offer a catered lunch for the office from a local eatery, or a gift certificate for an evening of entertainment at a comedy club or theater.
Don’t forget about your volunteers! Recognize your tournament planning committee with a special thank you gift. Certificate frames and award folders are a personalized touch for those who worked so hard to help you organize a successful golf event.
Pro Tip: Hold a raffle at your tournament to boost your fundraising efforts, and send more guests home with winnings.
Great Prizes Generate Great Buzz
As you organize your tournament, start promoting your prizes well in advance (2-3 months is ideal). Stir up excitement and list any big ticket items on your website and social media. Ask your followers to share and comment on which prizes they like best (this also helps you gauge interest for planning the next year’s prizes).
If you’ve secures a sponsor who’s contributing a buzz-worthy prize, talk it up in your pre-event advertising. Submit a press release to local media outlets for some bonus coverage on your tournament. Encourage tournament sponsors to cross promote their contribution and involvement with the event for increased exposure.
We can help you with golf photo folders
Have a question about ordering golf gifts and award frames for your tournament or golf fundraiser? We’re here to help! We’ll make sure your receive exactly what you envision for your golf outing. Call us at (800) 346-3063 or visit StudioStyle.com to find your golf tournament giveaways.