Golf Outing Fundraiser FAQ – Your Top Questions Answered

Golf outings are one of the most popular and effective fundraising events for schools, youth programs, and community organizations. They combine a day on the course with contests, prizes, and sponsorship opportunities that can bring in thousands of dollars for your team or cause.

This blog will help answer the most common questions about running a golf outing fundraiser. If you haven’t yet, check out our guide on how to run a successful golf outing before or after you read through this FAQ. 

If you have never organized one before, you probably have plenty of questions. We have worked with dozens of golf outings and gathered the most common questions coaches, boosters, and organizers ask. Here is what you need to know to host a successful golf outing fundraiser.

The Golf Outing Basics

1. How do golf outings work?

A golf outing is typically an 18 hole scramble where teams of four golfers play together. Each golfer tees off, the team selects the best shot, and everyone hits from that spot until the hole is finished. The format keeps play fun and inclusive while still competitive. 

Every golf outing is a scramble, and nearly every golf outing is 18 holes. Playing other formats is for highly skilled golfers and scrambles are universally welcoming.

Beyond the golf, outings often include raffles, contests, auctions, and sponsorships that maximize fundraising. Layering on other fundraisers is the norm with golf outings.

2. How long do golf outings last?

Most golf outings last between 4 and 6 hours of on course play, followed by a meal, awards, and raffles afterward. Typical golf pace of play is between 2 to 2.5 hours per nine holes.

Expect the entire day to run about 6 to 7 hours once registration, announcements, and post round activities are included. These estimates are for 18-hole golf outings, which most golf outing fundraisers are. If you do run a 9-hole outing, halve that time.

3. How many golfers should I plan for?

Generally speaking, most golf outings take place on an 18-hole golf course. A standard golf outing aims for 18 to 23 teams of four golfers, or about 72 to 92 players, with a few holes on the golf course doubled up to allow for additional teams. Too few teams can make the event feel small, while too many can slow play, which is why the 18 to 23 teams are considered a sweet spot.

4. How much should we charge for a golf outing?

Most outings charge between $75 and $125 per golfer. This number can go higher or lower depending on the course you choose. Your price should cover greens fees, carts, food, and fundraising goals. Higher ticket prices usually include a more premium experience and most importantly on a more premium course. 

Want to beat our biggest fundraiser? Chelsea Football raised over $60,000 with us.

Picking the Golf Outing Setting

5. What is the best day and time to host a golf outing?

Saturday or Sunday mornings are the most popular and fill up quickly at local courses. Some groups find weekday outings work if their audience is retirees or business professionals.

Outings during the fall are great because in northern states especially, you can enjoy discounted rates, fall foliage, and you can pair one of our 20 fall fundraising ideas with your golf outing.

Summer is the most popular time for golf outings, especially in the north with optimal weather. In southern states, outings can be run nearly year round.

6. How do I find the right golf course?

Look for a course within 30 minutes of your main audience, with a reputation for being accommodating. Municipal courses are perfect for casual groups, while private clubs work better for older or higher income audiences. 

Of course, each comes with their unique pricepoints, so note that when scheduling. There are some major differences between the two course styles, so choose wisely! 

Layering On Other Fundraisers

7. Do I need sponsors for my golf outing?

Yes, sponsorships are critical. Hole sponsorships, contest sponsorships, and event sponsorships can double or triple your fundraising total. Local businesses love the visibility of signage and social media mentions, and if you charge a modest rate of $100, with 18 hole sponsors that adds up quickly.

8. What other fundraisers can I layer into a golf outing?

Popular add ons include mulligan packs, raffles, silent auctions, dinner tickets, and skins games. These are low effort ways to boost revenue beyond golfer registration.

While you’re fundraising on the golf course, if you’re fundraising for a youth team, consider one of our calendars. Available in both a digital and pen and paper format, Teamfi pick a date to donate calendars typically raise $300-$400 per fundraiser participant on their own.

Golf Outing Day

9. How do food and drinks work at a golf outing?

Most courses provide food and beverage service, from hot dogs at the turn to plated dinners afterward. Build the cost into golfer registration and be sure to advertise the food when promoting the golf outing after. If there’s a dinner after you can sell dinner tickets to those who don’t partake in golf, but want to be a part of the festivities. 

10. What contests should I include on the course?

Favorites include longest drive, closest to the pin, and longest putt. These keep golfers engaged and can be paired with small prizes like golf balls, gift cards, or donated items. Golf courses are experts at these contests and will have signage for you.

11. What is a skins game in golf?

A skins game is a side competition where teams contribute money to a pot. The team with the lowest score on each hole wins that skin. It is an easy way to add excitement and generate more funds. Most golf outings have a skins game and increase the stakes of the outing for most golfers, keep it optional though. $20 a team is a safe and affordable option for most players.

12. How does hole in one insurance work?

Hole in one insurance allows you to offer a major prize, like a car or cash payout, without taking on the financial risk. You pay a set premium, and the insurance company covers the cost if someone sinks the shot.

13. What roles do volunteers play at a golf outing?

Volunteers handle check in, contest holes, raffle ticket sales, and course support. About 10 to 15 volunteers is ideal for an outing of 80 to 100 golfers. Many will jump at the opportunity to help volunteer with a golf outing when they are affiliated with the fundraiser, but lack the interest or skill to play golf. Lack of skill shouldn’t dissuade participation though, the scramble format of golf outings allows for a mix of skill levels.

14. How do I keep the event moving smoothly?

There are two ways to start a golf outing.

• The Shotgun Start

Every golf team starts on a different hole. This is the most common approach for golf outings because everybody starts at the same time, and nearly everybody will end at the same time. If you have 18-23 teams, it means you’ll typically have the course to yourself as well.

• Staggered Tee Times

While not the norm, staggered tee times gives each team a tee time one after the other. You’ll end at different times, making an end of outing celebration much more difficult, but can be good for smaller outings.

Wrap Up Your Outing Right

15. How do I thank sponsors and participants?

Recognition is key. Announce sponsors during dinner, include them on signage, and follow up with thank you notes or emails. Thanking golfers for coming out and playing while reinforcing the fundraiser is a good closing message.

Conclusion: Why Golf Outings Work So Well

Golf outings are a great way to bring your fundraising community together and raise significant funds for your program. You can easily layer on other different types of fundraisers including crowdfunding, donation pages, and calendars. If you have any interest in layering on fundraisers like these, don’t hesitate to reach out.

With the right mix of planning, sponsorships, contests, and follow up, your outing can become an annual tradition that players and sponsors look forward to.

At Teamfi, we have seen firsthand how golf outings can become cornerstone fundraisers for teams and organizations. We’ve not only help plan and facilitate many ourselves, but we’ve also played in our fair share! With the right approach, your event can become a five figure fundraising event.