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Charity Golf Outing Sponsorships - Everything You Need to Know

By:
Keith Moehring
February 20, 2025
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Sponsorships are where the real money is in charity golf events. You will make more off sponsorships than you will off team entry fees if done correctly.

Sure, entry fees help, but if done right, sponsorships will bring in the bulk of your fundraising total. Companies and individuals are willing to pay for visibility, goodwill, and networking opportunities. The key is offering a variety of options at different price points so everyone—from the local diner to a big-name corporation—can get involved.

Types of Sponsorships

Offering multiple sponsorship levels makes your event accessible to businesses of all sizes. Here’s a breakdown of the most common (and most lucrative) sponsorship options:

Title or Presenting Sponsor

This is the VIP package—the top slot that gets the most visibility and the biggest perks. Often, the event name includes the sponsor (e.g., “The ABC Corp Charity Golf Classic”). Expect high-dollar contributions ($5,000–$20,000+), which usually come with prominent logo placement, banners, website mentions, and multiple team entries. Think of it as the front-row seat with backstage access.

Major Sponsorship Levels (Gold, Silver, Bronze, etc.)

If a business can’t commit to the title sponsor, these tiers provide a great middle ground. Each level comes with a set price and corresponding benefits—like a free foursome, signage, and mentions in the program. Pricing depends on your market, but examples include Gold at $5,000, Silver at $2,500, and Bronze at $1,000. This guide from dojiggy.com includes range suggestions.

Hole Sponsors

One of the easiest sponsorships to sell. A business (or individual) pays for signage at a specific hole. With 18 holes available, this is a great way to raise $3,600+ if you price each hole at $200. Higher-end events might charge $500 or more.

Also consider, increasing the price as your hole sponsors fill up. This is one way to encourage early sign ups and to generate more money from sponsors who want to get in the game.

Contest & Specialty Sponsors

These are the fun, interactive sponsorships that businesses love:

  • Hole-in-One Sponsor – Typically a car dealership or insurance company funds a big prize (a car, cash, etc.) in exchange for signage and recognition.
  • Longest Drive & Closest-to-Pin Sponsors – Smaller sponsorships ($200–$500), but they add excitement to the event.
  • Food & Drink Sponsors – From the “Beverage Cart Sponsor” to the “Snack Shack Sponsor,” this is a great way to fund refreshments while giving businesses visibility.
  • 19th Hole Sponsor – The post-round celebration can be sponsored by a local restaurant or bar.
  • Golf Cart Sponsor – Logos on every golf cart means a sponsor’s brand is literally riding along with every golfer.

In-Kind & Product Sponsors

Not every sponsor needs to donate cash. Businesses can contribute products or services—like a print shop covering signage costs, a bakery donating breakfast, or a golf brand offering prizes. These should still be acknowledged as official sponsors.

You can also request in-kind donations of auction items for an event sponsorship and recognition.

Corporate Team Packages

A sneaky-good revenue source. Instead of just selling foursomes, offer premium-priced “Corporate Team Sponsorships” that include team entries, branding, and promotional perks. For example, a company might pay $1,000 for a foursome when the regular entry fee is $600, making it a win-win.

How to Secure Sponsors

Start with Your Network

Your committee and volunteers likely have connections to potential sponsors. A personal introduction beats a cold email every time. Think banks, law firms, insurance companies, car dealerships, and local businesses—many of them have marketing budgets for community events.

Create a Killer Sponsorship Proposal

Your sponsorship packet should include:

  • A one-page event overview (date, location, cause, who benefits, expected attendance, demographics)
  • A clear breakdown of sponsorship levels, pricing, and benefits
  • Tangible exposure metrics (e.g., “Logo displayed at entrance, seen by 150+ attendees”)
  • A recap of past event success (if applicable)

Make it professional but easy to skim—businesses get a lot of these requests.

Sell the Benefits, Not Just the Cause

Businesses don’t just sponsor out of generosity—they expect ROI. Frame sponsorship as a marketing opportunity: brand exposure, customer engagement, community goodwill. For example, a local business that sponsors will have their name and logo displayed on all promotional materials, social media, and signage throughout the golf course.

Some might even set up a booth at a hole to chat with golfers. Help them see the value beyond just writing a check.

Offer a Range of Options

Not every business has a $10K budget, but many can do $250. The key is having entry points at different price levels. If someone expresses interest but doesn’t fit a package, create a custom offer.

Highlight Tax Deductions

Remind sponsors that part of their contribution may be tax-deductible. This can be an added incentive, especially for smaller businesses.

Follow Up & Build Long-Term Relationships

Sponsorship deals rarely close on the first ask. Follow up, be persistent, and once a sponsor commits, keep them engaged. Thank them immediately, update them as the event nears, and send a post-event recap with pictures and fundraising results. A happy sponsor is more likely to return next year.

Setting Sponsorship Pricing

Pricing varies by event size and location, but here are general guidelines:

  • Title Sponsor: $5,000–$20,000+ (exclusive, highest visibility)
  • Presenting Sponsor: $2,500–$10,000 (high visibility, but not the main name)
  • Tiered Sponsors (Gold/Silver/Bronze): Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000
  • Hole Sponsor: $200–$500 per hole
  • Contest Sponsors: $250–$1,000 depending on visibility
  • Food & Drink Sponsors: $500–$5,000 depending on scope
  • Corporate Teams: Premium-priced foursomes at $1,000+ each

Research similar events in your area to stay competitive. And remember—pricing too low leaves money on the table.

Final Thoughts

A well-executed sponsorship strategy can dramatically increase your event’s revenue. The key is offering diverse sponsorship options, pitching them effectively, and delivering on promised benefits. Businesses want exposure, engagement, and goodwill—give them that, and they’ll be back year after year.

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