There might still be snow on the ground in many areas, but it won’t be long before golfers start dusting off their clubs and hitting links. And golf season means opportunities for companies to host or sponsor tournaments, whether to raise money for charity or attract new prospects and customers.
No matter the reason, there is a lot to consider when participating in a golf tournament. Like any outdoor event, tournaments must be treated differently than the typical indoor trade show or seminar. Signage must be designed to withstand the elements. Giveaways should be tailored to the event and activity. Golf tournaments also generate a high level of energy and friendly competition, all of which present unique and memorable branding opportunities for a highly targeted audience.
Understanding Your Role
Whether you are sponsoring or hosting determines the level of visibility and influence you will enjoy at the event. Whatever your role, it’s important to make sure that as many people as possible see your brand and that it be a memorable experience for them.
Sponsors will typically be offered tabling opportunities at different holes or at the main hosting and registration area. These tables can be used to hand out golf-themed corporate branded items and engage with the golfers as they wait to tee off.
Sponsors have much greater input on the overall theme of the tournament and can include their corporate brand alongside the event logo to make a visceral connection in the attendees’ minds.
Generally speaking, there are five different product categories you need to consider when planning your event budget:
- Wearables: What will your company representatives be wearing? There are many types of people performing various functions at these events, so you want them to stand out. And since it will be held outside, you need to plan for unpredictable weather conditions.
- Giveaways: Whether you are a sponsor or a host, giveaways afford opportunities to hand out branded items to every golfer coming through your space. Make sure it’s something they can use, perhaps even during their round, and is small enough to fit in their pocket or golf bag.
- Executive Gifts: Higher-end branded items make nice gifts for the sponsors, for the people who help plan and organize the event, or for particularly valued customers and prospects. It’s a great way to show your appreciation at the conclusion of the event.
- Event Materials: This includes signage as well as products needed for serving food and drinks. Keep in mind that the signage must be able to withstand inclement weather and being placed on uneven ground.
- Prizes: If you are a sponsor, you might consider holding a raffle or some other giveaway to engage attendees and attract them to your table or booth. If you are the host, a valuable prize for the winner, plus special awards for achievements such as Closest to the Pin or Longest Drive, might attract more players.
Filling Out the Categories
While the categories are fairly straightforward, the options available to you within each category are virtually limitless. When selecting your wearables or giveaways, consider the message they send and how that message aligns with your brand. This is a real opportunity to make a memorable impression on your target audience.
Following is a random sampling of the various alternatives available to you within each category. This is far from an exhaustive list; if you don’t see what you’re looking for, perhaps some of these ideas might inspire a better or more creative choice for your brand. 
Wearables
“Wearables” aren’t limited to shirts; let your imagination run wild when outfitting your crew. Here are some suggestions.
Polos or Golf Shirts
Well, sometimes they’re just shirts. Branded polos let people know at a glance who you are with, making them perfect for both sponsors and hosts.
High-Visibility Vests
Perfect for workers who need to be easily seen, whether for safety purposes or so they can quickly find them to provide information or help with any issues.
T-Shirts
Branded t-shirts for volunteers let guests know who is working the event. Shirts can include special event artwork, making them a valued item for both attendees and workers.
Hats or Visors
Since these events are held outside, golf hats or visors keep the sun out of your eyes. Besides being a golf staple, these items are also a great way to show off your brand.
Windbreaker Jackets
Most golf tournaments start in the morning, when the weather is cool. Branded jackets not only keep you warm, they also ensure people see your logo.
Lanyards and Badges
Lanyards help people quickly identify who is working the event and the role they are playing. They also help security know who can access restricted areas.
Name Tags
With so many people attending, name tags—whether blank or pre-printed—let you know who people are where they work so account reps can easily identify prospects and clients.
Giveaways
Here’s where you can get really creative. There are lots of options for golf-related giveaways.
Golf Tees
Easy and inexpensive, specialty golf tees customized for the event add a fun touch for everyone in attendance.
Ball Marker
The perfect giveaway: nice and small, but with plenty of room for branding, a ball marker can be easily slipped into a pocket or golf bag for later use.
Golf Balls
Branded golf balls are a nice touch, especially if they feature a bright corporate logo. When combined with tournament branding, they suggest a well-organized and funded event.
Golf Towel
A great giveaway if you are sponsoring a table. Custom golf towels with unique branding really stand out and are more likely to be kept and used after the event.
Sunscreen
Especially useful on those bright, sunny days. A four-hour round may require golfers to reapply multiple times throughout the day, providing a constant reminder of your brand.
Aloe Vera
For those who forgot to apply sunscreen, aloe vera offers some post-tournament relief and is a unique way to show you care.
Sunglasses
Branded sunglasses not only help block the sun on bright summer days, they also encourage fun group photos with the foursome, increasing visibility for your logo.
Golf Divot Fixer
Another convenient tool for serious golfers, a divot fixer is easy to carry and can be used long after the event. Better yet, it offers plenty of real estate for branding.
Scorecards
Adding your logo to the top of custom scorecards printed specially for the event will provide a constant reminder of your business throughout the round.
Can Koozie
Everyone loves to hydrate on the course. A branded foam koozie ensures people will see your logo out on the course, even if they don’t visit your booth.
Executive Gifts
Executive gifts really help you make a positive impression with your prospects and customers.
Club Covers
Nice golf club covers are a great gift for someone who takes good care of their equipment. If the recipient doesn’t golf, they’re likely to pass them on to someone who does.
Tumbler
A branded cocktail tumbler is a great gift anytime, let alone at an outdoor event. Drinkware has proven to be the most successful promotional product for brand visibility.
Cooler
Travel-friendly branded cooler bags are a large gift that can be sent after the event and are almost certain to be used—maybe the next time they play a round.
Brand-Name Golf Balls
High-quality branded golf balls are always appreciated. Brands like Callaway, Bridgestone, Vice, and Wilson are names that every golfer knows and loves.
Travel Speaker
Branded Bluetooth speakers are always in demand. They are especially appreciated as a corporate branded gift since they have a high perceived value.
Power Bank
Another useful gift, particularly when you are playing a long round of golf and need to make sure your phone is charged.
Event Material
The right event materials help draw attention to your brand without distracting from the game.
Flags and Arches
Flags are a great way to direct people to important event-related areas, or to mark each hole. These flags can stand independently or be staked into the ground for stability
Tents
Tents and canopies are great for check-in areas, food and beverage stations, or to keep the sun off workers manning sponsor tables out on the golf course.
Table Covers
Critical items that are easy to forget, table throws—whether branded or plain—are necessary for keeping surfaces nice and clean.
Golf Flags
More of a fun branding opportunity than a necessity, custom flags can mark special contests like Closest to the Pin or be used for unique photo opportunities.
Napkins
If you are serving food or drinks, napkins are necessary. Branded napkins are a low-cost budget item that can appear in social media posts when people share their drinks.
Cups and Plates
Depending on your budget, you can get simple plastic cups or nice reusable drinkware people can take home. Branded plates are not necessary since they will be tossed.
Water Bottles
Water bottles are popular at outdoor events. You can either buy them in bulk from the local store or order branded water bottles that can be refilled at water stations.
Coolers
If you’re sponsoring a table, offering beverages will attract golfers. Branded coolers will help keep those drinks cool and make them portable if you want to drive them around.
Tables and Chairs
Make sure you have enough chairs to accommodate staff as well as anyone who wants to sit and eat. These can be rented or may be offered by the golf course.
Prizes
The biggest budget item, prizes are where you can make a real statement.
Golf Clubs and Bags
Offering a brand-new set of clubs or a nice golf bag can increase the level of competition and amplify the energy at the event.
Free Trip
Travel experiences are highly valued prizes. Rest assured that golfers will be motivated to win.
Tickets to Concerts or Sporting Events
People will always be willing to try their luck at winning this prize, whether for themselves or as a gift for a loved one.
Free Fun Activity
Whether it’s a round of golf, a wine tasting experience, or some other activity, everyone loves an outing—especially if they didn’t have to pay for it.
Cash Prizes
A little extra money in the pocket is always appreciated. Winning cash is like getting permission to indulge yourself.
Plaque or Award
Winners like to be acknowledged, and a plaque, trophy, or some other award is a reminder of their victory. It may even encourage players to win one themselves next year.
Let OnFulfillment Make Your Next Tournament a Success
OnFulfillment has sponsored its share of golf tournaments, and we know what success looks like. Let us help you. Visit our contact us page and schedule a meeting to hear what we have to offer.
