Want to raise money for a charity? Why not put on a golf tournament. The number one way for charities or organizations to raise money is by holding golf tournaments. Especially here in Arizona, you could play in a fund raising tournament every day if you wanted to. If you have ever put on a golf tournament to raise money, you know that it isn’t as easy as it seems. There is a lot of time, energy and organization that goes into putting on a tournament. It isn’t as easy as everyone thinks. Here are a few tips that you need to think about before you decide to hold that tournament.

First, choose a course that fits your needs. Not just financial needs, but staff, accommodation and location needs. You want to pick a course that is geographically desirable to your players and still within your budget. Also, meet with the golf course staff and make sure they are willing to work with your need  s. They will help you run a successful tournament.

Second, make sure you have a flyer/brochure that has all of the tournament information and is easy to understand. This flyer is the way to market your event and to get the golfers interested in playing. As I mentioned earlier, a golfer could play every day in a tournament, so what makes yours different than the rest? Make sure you emphasis what your tournament is for and who benefits from it.

Not all tournaments need to give out a tee prize (a gift to every golfer that plays in the tournament), but it is a nice touch. There are a lot of great tee prizes that are not very expensive. It is something every golfer can walk away with and remember where they received it.

Last, but not least, make yourself a check list of everything you want to do and accomplish for your tournament. Do you want to order tee prizes? Do you need hole sponsor signs? Are you scoring the event and need trophies?   These are just a few of the things to think about. Make the list and keep adding to it as things come up, this will help keep you organized and remember all the small details as the event nears.

Each tournament is going to be unique in what they need, but most tournaments consist of the same meat and potatoes. There are a lot of companies out there to help you. Some may cost more than others, but depending on what you are looking for, they are compensated depending on the depth of your tournament. Just remember, golf courses do tournaments all the time and they know how things should be done. Just ask your golf professional and they will assist you with what you need to know.
Hit ‘em straight and see you out on the course!

Tiffany Nelson is Director Sales & Marketing at TPC Scottsdale/ PGA TOUR located at 17020 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. You can reach her at 480.585.4334, ext. 226. Follow TPC Scottsdale on Facebook (The TPC Scottsdale) and on Twitter www.twitter.com/tpcscottsdale) and keep up with all the action!