How to Run a Golf Raffle That Raises More Money: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running a raffle is one of the easiest ways to raise extra money at a charity golf tournament.

But simply putting a few prizes on a table and selling tickets isn’t enough.

The most successful golf raffles are planned well before tournament day.

They feature prizes people genuinely want to win.

They create excitement throughout the event.

And they make it easy for guests to buy tickets.

With a little planning, your raffle can become one of the biggest fundraising opportunities of the day.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to plan your golf raffle, collect great prizes, sell more tickets, organize volunteers, and create an experience that helps your charity raise more money.

Whether you’re planning your first tournament or looking to improve next year’s event, these tips will help you run a golf raffle your guests will remember….and support.

What’s Inside

In this guide you’ll learn:

Why every charity golf tournament should include a raffle
How to choose raffle prizes people actually want
When to start collecting donations
Ways to sell more raffle tickets before and during the event
How many volunteers you’ll need
Simple display ideas that attract attention
Tips for announcing winners
Common raffle mistakes to avoid

📌 Save this for later so you have your golf raffle plan ready before tournament season begins.

Why a Golf Raffle Works So Well

A golf raffle is one of the highest-return fundraising activities you can add to your event.

Unlike auctions, raffles are quick to organize and easy for guests to understand. Almost everyone is happy to spend a few dollars for the chance to win something great.

They also create excitement throughout the day. Guests often come back to buy more tickets after seeing the prizes or hearing others talk about them.

When planned well, a raffle can become one of your biggest fundraising opportunities outside of sponsorships and player registrations.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Raffle You’ll Run

Before collecting prizes, decide how your raffle will work.

Popular options include:

Traditional raffle with one prize table
Prize baskets
Premium grand prize raffle
50/50 cash raffle (where permitted)
Separate drawings for premium items

Keeping the format simple usually leads to smoother ticket sales and happier volunteers.

Step 2: Start Collecting Great Prizes Early

Great prizes sell tickets.

The earlier you begin asking businesses for donations, the more options you’ll have.

Consider approaching:

Golf courses
Pro shops
Restaurants
Wineries
Hotels
Local spas
Sporting goods stores
Experience providers
Event sponsors
Small local businesses

Aim for a mix of prize values so everyone feels they have a chance to win something exciting.

⛳ Golf Tournament Sponsorship Tracker

Collecting raffle prizes usually means contacting dozens of businesses. A sponsorship tracker helps you record who you’ve contacted, what they’ve donated, follow-up dates, and thank-you notes – all in one place.

VIEW THE GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSOR TRACKER

Step 3: Bundle Smaller Donations Together

Not every donated item needs its own raffle.

Instead, create attractive themed prize packages.

Ideas include:

Golf Day Bundle
Relaxation Basket
Date Night Package
Wine Lover Collection
BBQ Basket
Coffee Lover Basket
Ladies’ Golf Essentials
Summer Picnic Set

Bundled prizes often look more valuable and generate more ticket sales.

⛳ Stay Organized with the Golf Tournament Prize Planner

Keep all your raffle prizes in one place. The Golf Tournament Prize Planner helps you track donations, prize details, donor information, and winners, making tournament day much easier to manage.

EXPLORE THE PRIZE PLANNER HERE

Step 4: Sell Tickets Before Tournament Day

Don’t wait until players arrive.

Promote your raffle:

In registration emails
On social media
In your newsletter
On your event website
During sponsor announcements

Building excitement beforehand often increases ticket sales on the day.

Step 5: Make Buying Tickets Easy

People buy more tickets when it’s quick.

Offer:

Multiple ticket-selling stations
Mobile payment options
Credit card payments if possible
Clearly displayed ticket prices

Popular pricing examples:

1 ticket
5 tickets
15 tickets
“Best Value” bundle

Many guests naturally choose the best-value option.

Step 6: Display the Prizes Beautifully

Presentation matters.

Arrange prizes neatly.

Use tablecloths.

Add simple signs.

Include short descriptions where needed.

Place premium prizes where everyone can see them throughout the day.

An attractive display encourages people to stop, browse, and buy more tickets.

Step 7: Keep Selling Throughout the Event

Don’t stop after registration.

Remind guests:

Before tee-off
During lunch
Before dinner
Before the awards ceremony

Friendly reminders consistently increase ticket sales.

Step 8: Recruit Dedicated Volunteers

Your raffle runs much more smoothly when everyone has a clear role.

Assign volunteers to:

Sell tickets
Answer questions
Monitor prize tables
Organize winning tickets
Announce winners
Hand out prizes

A well-organized volunteer team keeps everything moving.

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Step 9: Announce Winners Clearly

Build anticipation.

Thank sponsors first.

Explain how the drawing will work.

Announce winners slowly.

Have someone record unclaimed prizes.

Celebrate the winners—it keeps the atmosphere fun right through the end of the event.

Common Golf Raffle Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple raffles can run into problems.

Avoid these common mistakes:

Waiting too long to collect prizes
Having too few volunteers
Poorly displayed prizes
Confusing ticket pricing
Announcing winners before everyone returns
Forgetting sponsor recognition
Not accepting digital payments

A little preparation prevents almost all of these issues.

Quick Golf Raffle Planning Checklist

✔ Decide your raffle format

✔ Begin collecting donated prizes

✔ Bundle smaller prizes together

✔ Recruit volunteers

✔ Print raffle tickets

✔ Prepare signage

✔ Set ticket prices

✔ Promote the raffle before tournament day

✔ Display prizes attractively

✔ Thank every donor and sponsor

⛳ Golf Raffle Ticket Template

Make your raffle look polished with printable raffle tickets that are easy to personalize and print before tournament day. They’re a simple way to stay organized while giving your event a professional touch.

GET THE EDITABLE GOLF RAFFLE TICKETS HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

How many raffle prizes should a golf tournament have?

There’s no perfect number, but most charity golf tournaments offer between 10 and 30 prizes. Focus on quality over quantity.

What are the best golf raffle prizes?

Golf equipment, foursomes, restaurant vouchers, travel experiences, spa packages, wine baskets, and themed gift baskets are consistently popular.

When should raffle winners be announced?

Most tournaments announce winners during the awards ceremony or dinner while everyone is gathered together.

Can sponsors donate raffle prizes?

Absolutely. Prize donations are one of the easiest ways for local businesses to support your event while gaining visibility.