How to organize a charity golf tournament

Golf charity events are an amazing opportunity to get your community involved with causes like St. Jude. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or you’ve never set foot on the course, all you have to do to throw a successful event is “putt” in a bit of effort!

We've provided some tips to help guide you through hosting a charity golf tournament. 

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St. Jude patient Mae-Lin on the golf course

St. Jude patient Mae-Lin on the golf course

 
 

Why host a charity golf tournament?

About on-third of people in the United States, which is around 123 million people, have played golf, watched golf or done something related to golf in the past few years. As one of the most popular sports in the country, you or someone you know has probably spent a Saturday on the golf course. This makes golf a great motivator for participation in charity fundraising events.

 
 

5 tips for organizing a golf charity event

 
 
golf ball on tee with a driver club behind it
 

Cover the basics

Just like when you host a general fundraising event, when you host a golf fundraiser you’ll want to make sure you cover the basics:

  • Set a fundraising goal.
  •  Set a reasonable budget.
  • Select a location.
  • Gather your team of volunteers/helpers.
  • Figure out how donations will be accepted.
  • Schedule the event day.
  • Market your event.

Learn How to Plan a Fundraiser

 

Lean into the theme

If you have a theme for your charity golf tournament, be sure to carry it throughout the event. Ideas you might consider:

  • Encourage participants and attendees to dress the part.
  • Provide themed snacks and beverages.
  • If you have funds, consider ordering custom golf balls or tees related to your event’s cause.
  • Bring in a photographer or photo booth with the theme and cause-related props.
 
Checker hat from a St. jude Golf event
 
 
Patient Mae-Lin holds a photo of herself during treatment at St. Jude

St. Jude patient Mae-Lin
 

Highlight the impact

Set aside time early in the day’s schedule to thank attendees and participants for coming out. Be sure to share information about your event's purpose and the impact of your participants' donations.

When fundraising for St. Jude, you can find impact information throughout our website and on pages such as:

 

Keep the momentum going 

Boost your fundraising efforts throughout the day by including related contests, games or auctions. Example: provide prizes if certain shots are achieved.

 
St. Jude patient Cross chips a golf ball to the green

St. Jude patient Cross
 
 
Tables and chairs set up for a St. Jude event
 

Post-event networking

Wrap up your event with a with a post-tournament networking celebration. This provides an additional incentive for attendees to contribute toward your costs and provides an additional opportunity for you and your guests to connect with others.

 
 

Ready to get started?

Start a Golf Charity Event Donate to an Existing Fundraiser

Need more information about fundraising? 

Our fundraising guide is full of helpful tips and ideas to help get you started.

See Our Fundraising Guide

 
 

Golf charity events can help St. Jude patients like Kamryn

When Kamryn was diagnosed with ALL at just two years old, his family turned to St. Jude for help. Today Kamryn is cancer-free and loves learning and going to school.

Your support helps ensure children like Kamryn get the chance to grow up. 

Read More Patient Stories

 
Kamryn and his mom flex their muscles
 
 
St. Jude patients stand on the course with 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship Champion Hideki Matsuyama.

St. Jude patients (L to R) Luis, Avyan, Micah, Brinley, Liliana and Bailey stand on the course with 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship Champion Hideki Matsuyama.

 

Related Event: FedEx St. Jude Championship 2025

Get ready for the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, a mission bigger than competition.

For more than 50 years, St. Jude has been honored to be the beneficiary of this prestigous golf event, which has helped raise more than $60 million to help children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Learn More about the FedEx St. Jude Championship

 
 

Your golf game can make a difference for St. Jude kids

Because of your support, we can provide children cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families. Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors. Join us and be part of our mission to save more lives.

Start a Golf Charity Event Explore More Ways to Give

 
St. Jude patients Azalea and Maelin-Kate

St. Jude patients Azalea (left) and Maelin-Kate

 
 

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