HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CHARITY GOLF EVENT

Posted by Tim Stansbury on 21 September 2016

Charity events don’t have to follow the conventional gala format to raise a substantial amount. We have supported numerous fundraising events all over the world that have taken the form of a golf day as an alternative method to fundraise. Take Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity Matchplay Cup, which took place this September at Stoke Park Club, for instance. We raised a staggering £80,000! By incorporating golf and fundraising technology together it created the perfect fundraising atmosphere.

Here are five ways to make the most out of your golf charity event:

1. Mulligans

Mulligans (used in informal golf) allow an extra stroke after a poor shot and is a great way of adding a fun money-raising element to the game! This will help raise more throughout the day in an engaging and competitive way.

The GOSH Matchplay Cup is a great example of how mulligans were used. Red and blue balloons were released into the sky when players took their extra shot; this helped other team players to see when a mulligan was used and encouraged them to donate as well.

2. Celebrities

Add value to your event by getting celebrities involved, much like GOSH’s Matchplay event; which followed the format of the Ryder Cup with two teams led by celebrity captains Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE and Jason Leonard OBE. Having two legends as team captains completely transformed the energy around the teams!

Collaboration from celebrities raised spirits after a few long early morning journeys and encouraged players to engage more throughout the day.

3. Silent auctions

Use fundraising technology to support your charity golf day. Silent auction and pledging technology will help you maximise your fundraising efforts throughout the event by allowing golfers and other donors to bid on auction items prior to the event and effectively bid on items during the day.

The GOSH Matchplay Cup incorporated Givergy’s fundraising technology in and around the golf day, effectively raising more for their incredible cause.

4. Sponsors

Prizes donated from sponsors can be used for on-course challenges such as Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive and the Putting Challenge. These additional prizes give golfers the chance to win something special. Offer an all in package at the start of the day, for decent fee, and players will get involved in these fun elements of the event whilst raising good funds for the charity.

5. VPAR

VPAR is the global leader of live golf scoring. Their technology is trusted by golf clubs and event organisers across 20 countries and five continents. Their tech eliminates the need for scorecards as they are updated automatically so golfers can keep their head in the game and leave the rest to VPAR live scoring.

VPAR’s engaging technology is a great added feature to any golf event. It gives attendees much more to enjoy and engages them at every hole. The platform allows organisers to promote the charity directly into the palm of their hands. With the portable devices, players can view the competition, check scores and ultimately see who is in the lead! Having the ability to reinforce the charity whilst players are engaging in live scoring can really boost donations.

Personally, I have worked very closely with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity since 2009 on their fundraising events. So when I was asked to Chair The GOSH Matchplay Cup, I was absolutely delighted. As ever, I surrounded myself by a brilliant committee that lead to the true success of the event.

GOSH raised an incredible £80,000 to fund an isolation recovery bay in the new Premier Inn Clinical Building through the VPAR and Givergy fundraising technology implemented at the charity golf day.

If you’d like further tips and tricks on how to maximise your fundraising efforts at your next golf day, please contact us.

Tim Stansbury

Director and Fundraising Consultant

Tim joined Givergy in 2010, overseeing the early stage growth of the business to 50 employees across five international regions, supporting over 4,000 events worldwide. With a passion for leadership, business growth and exceptional standards, Tim is at the heart of all clients needs both in the UK and worldwide.