HERO-Information Office

It's that time of year - time to go get in a great game of golf, enjoy the summer weather, and, in the case of many chambers, accomplish more than just a game of golf and turn the game into a networking opportunity, a fundraiser, and a way to bring the community together. Find examples on our revised and expanded Golf Tournaments Chamberpedia page.

Many chambers of commerce run golf tournaments as a way to generate revenue and offer a fun networking event for both members and non-members. Below are links to resources related to planning golf tournaments and sample documents that chambers have used for registration and publicity. Want to know more about events at chambers? See stats on chamber events from the QuickPoll conducted June 2012 with 264 participants. 75% of responding chambers said they host an annual golf outing!

Planning:

• Golf Digest Planner is a quick and easy way to set up a golf event website - including online registration, payment processing, tools to market your event, sell sponsorships and attract players
• Golfregistrations.com free resources to help make your outing a success; including, a planner/checklist, and Microsoft Excel based budget, and a set of 5 standard letter templates, which can be easily modified for your tournament needs.
• TournEase shares tips, ideas, advice and helpful information to make your tournament a success

A selection of chambers with Golf Tournaments:

• Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Chamber Open Golf Tournament - Amarillo's Largest One-Day Golf Tournament, annual and sponsored typically sells out.
• Aurora Chamber of Commerce Leadership Golf Tournament - Annual event with sponsors.
• Corning Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament - Annual sponsored event, with golf awards for top players.
• Cushing Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament - The chamber has several great events in multiple days in a row with the Pipeline Appreciation Golf Tournament kicking off the festivities and is then followed by the Chamber's popular BBQ ‘N Blues Festival.
• Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic - Annual event with sponsors is a great networking opportunity for businesses.
• Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Cup Golf Tournament - Annual sponsored event with contests and awards for top players.
• Grapevine Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic Tournament - Annual sponsored event provides members an opportunity to network with fellow members or their current or potential clients in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
• Find MORE on our Golf Tournaments Chamberpedia page.

Samples of documents chambers use to promote Golf Events:

• Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce - Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament Sponsorships - This sample promotes available sponsorship opportunities for the chamber's annual golf tournament, which funds scholarships for high school and community college students.
• Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Bonita Springs Golf Tour Brochure - Highlights the annual golf tournament event, sponsorship opportunities, participation opportunities, Hold Sponsors, lunch sponsor, and advertising options.
• Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Spooktacular Charity Golf Tournament Player Registration Form - This October Halloween-themed Golf event sample includes both a player registration form and a description of the available sponsorship opportunities.
• Chamber of Schenectady County Harry Apkarian Memorial Golf Classic - This brochure promotes the golf event, highlights how the funds raised from the event are used, and includes list of sponsors.
• Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Fall Chamber Golf Classic - Sponsorship Levels - This sample outlines the golf event sponsorship levels. The chamber has combined the golf event, held twice a year, with their total resource campaign. When the chamber made the switch to combine the golf event with the TRC, they sold out the event in the first year. As a result, they have 2 golf events, one in fall and in spring and are very successful fundraisers for the chamber.
• Greater Spokane Inc. Annual Golf Tournament Sponsorship - Example serves as a sponsorship agreement, highlights the benefits of sponsoring the hospitality tent at the chamber's successful annual golf tournament.
• Longview Chamber of Commerce Par Busters Golf Tournament
• Busters Golf Tournament 2013 Flyer
• Par Busters Golf Tournament 2013 Postcard
• Par Busters Golf Tournament 2013 Registration Form

• Find MORE on our Golf Tournaments Chamberpedia page.

Read a selection of articles on chamber golf events:

• Tips for Your Next Chamber Golf Event - blog post by Christina Green, from Frank J Kenny Consulting (March 2014)
• Revenue Models: Choose Your Dues - by Katherine House, Chamber Executive magazine (Fall 2013)
• Find MORE on our Golf Tournaments Chamberpedia page.

Does your chamber have a golf event or tournament? We'd like to hear about it and highlight your program or supporting samples on the Golf Tournaments page. Email us at HERO@acce.org to share.

Tags: Fundraisers, Golf events, Golf tournaments, HERO