STATE OF THE UNION
For The Golf Tournament/Outing Industry
by Phil Immordino
FUNDRAISING GOLF TOURNAMENTS GENERATE $4 BILLION ANNUALLY FOR CHARITY
The Golf Tournament Industry is getting back on track. Before the decline in the economy there were over 1 million golf outings with 40 players or more. Currently there are approximately 850,000 events and growing. The average golf course hosts around 50 events per year.The average fundraising event raises $5000 after expenses. This generates over $4 Billion for causes in the US each year. Some events raise as little as $1000 and many of the bigger events raise $250,000 and more.
The average amount of players is 72 and the average entry fees are $150. We have found events with 288 golfers and registration fees as high as $7500 per player.
The biggest struggles for Tournament Planners when hosting golf events are:
Effective Committee Members
Finding Golfers
Selling Sponsors
REASONS GOLFERS PLAY
Our research shows that golfers play in Tournaments for many reasons. The most popular reasons are:
1. A friend asks them
2. A great golf course
3. A great goodie bag (Players Package)
4. A good cause
5. A good valueMany tournaments are thriving when they take the proper steps in producing a golf event. Here are the effective steps that the successful golf events are taking.1. Having a clear defined goal and purpose
2. Recruiting a trained, motivated and well connected committee.
3. Finding a great golf course and getting a good deal.
4. Choosing the right format that enhances participation and revenue.
5. Selling big sponsors by offering them a return on investment
6. Filling their field with golfers by friends asking friends.
7. Offering gifts and prizes that they will get excited about.
8. Having games and contests that generate money.
9. Turning the awards ceremony into a fun party.
10. Following up with golfers and sponsors.
MOST POPULAR GIFTS
We have found that golfers still like the traditional gifts prizes such as; Shirts, hats, balls, gloves and towels.
Over the tournament and outing industry is on the rise. Event Planners are doing better and raising more money.
For more information and a detailed demographic study contact the GTAA.
Phil Immordino
602-524-7034
pimmordino@gtaaweb.org
www.gtaaweb.org
