How to Ask for Donations for a Golf Tournament (Templates + Tips)

Why Donations Matter in Golf Tournaments

While player entry fees help cover costs, the biggest fundraising wins usually come from donations and sponsorships. These contributions often account for 50–70% of total revenue at charity golf events — making your donation strategy essential.

Whether you’re supporting a nonprofit, school, or local cause, here’s how to confidently ask for donations for your golf tournament.

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1. Define the Why: What the Donation Supports

Before asking anyone for money, be crystal clear about the impact:

• What cause or organization will benefit?
• How exactly will the funds be used?
• What outcome will the donation create?
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Example pitch:

"Proceeds from this tournament will fund scholarships for under-resources high school seniors entering college this fall."

The more specific and emotional your message, the more likely people are to give.

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2. Ask Individuals with a Direct, Personal Approach

Friends, family, former donors, and players can all be great supporters - but you have to ask clearly.

Here’s what works:

• Keep it short
• Make it personal
• Focus on impact
  

Sample message to an individual donor:

“Hi [Name], I’m organizing the [Event Name] Golf Tournament to support [Cause]. Would you consider making a donation or sponsoring a hole? Every dollar directly helps [specific benefit]. I’d be happy to send more info.”

Follow up once or twice if you don’t hear back - people are busy, not unwilling.

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3. Make It Easy to Give

One of the top reasons people don’t donate? Too much friction.

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Set up multiple ways to accept contributions:

• Online donation link
• QR code on flyers or posters
• Paper donation form at check-in
• Sponsorship packages at registration
  

Pro tip: If you use a platform like Partaake, you can collect donations and sponsorships directly through your tournament website - no follow-up emails or payment confusion.

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4. How to Ask Businesses for Golf Tournament Donations

When you approach companies, it’s more than a donation - it’s a partnership.

You’re offering exposure to a valuable audience of local, professional, or community-minded golfers.

How to structure your outreach:

Research and target businesses

Look for companies that align with your audience (local restaurants, banks, real estate, golf-related brands).

Personalize your ask

Don’t send a mass email. Reference something specific about their business or values.

Offer clear benefits

Spell out what they get: logo placement, hole signage, mentions on your website and social media, or event-day booth space.

Create sponsorship levels

Offer 3–5 tiers (e.g. $100 hole sponsor, $500 silver, $2,500 gold, $5,000 title sponsor). It gives donors flexible entry points.

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Sample business outreach email:

Subject: Opportunity to Sponsor Our Golf Tournament

Hi [Name],

We’re organizing the [Event Name] Golf Tournament on [Date], benefiting [Cause]. We’re expecting over [#] local golfers and community members.

I’d love to offer [Business Name] a chance to support the event as a sponsor. We have several packages that include signage, digital promotion, and other visibility opportunities.

Can I send you more details?

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5. Follow Up and Say Thank You

After the donation, your job isn’t done. Recognition goes a long way.

Follow-up checklist:‍

• Send a thank-you email within 48 hours
• Shout them out on social media
• List them on your website or signage
• Thank them publicly at the event

You’ll increase your odds of getting support again next year.

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Make Donations Easy with Partaake

Fundraising doesn’t need to mean juggling emails and tracking checks manually.

With Partaake, you can:

• Accept donations and sponsorships through your tournament site
• Offer tiered packages with built-in benefits
• Highlight sponsors and donors automatically
• View teal-time fundraising totals and transaction history
  

If you’re organizing a golf tournament and want to maximize donations without the busywork, we’re here to help.