Charity golf tournaments are about more than just 18 holes—they’re about fun, community, and raising money for a great cause. While classic contests like Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Putting Competitions are always crowd favorites, adding a few creative twists can take your event to the next level. Here are some fresh ideas to keep players engaged, generate more fundraising opportunities, and make your tournament truly memorable.
On-Course Contest Ideas
Straightest Drive
Instead of rewarding raw power, crown the player who lands their ball closest to a center line on the fairway. Accuracy counts!
Longest Putt Made
Designate a green where players track their putts—whoever sinks the longest wins.
Closest to the Line
Lay a rope down the fairway and measure which drive stops closest to it.
Beat the Pro
On a par 3, bring in a local pro or teaching professional. Players donate to bet they can hit it closer to the pin than the pro. If they win, they double their raffle entries or score a prize.
Marshmallow Long Drive
Swap golf balls for marshmallows and see who can crush it the farthest. It’s silly, lighthearted, and perfect for social media photos.
Fundraising-Friendly Add-Ons
Buy a Pro Shot
Have a pro or local celebrity available to hit one shot per group—for a donation. Teams love the chance to add a great ball to their scorecard.
String Game
Players buy a length of string they can use to move their ball closer to the hole throughout the round. A fun way to sell an advantage that raises money too.
Hit the Circle
Mark a large circle on a par 3 green. Shots that land inside are entered into a prize drawing.
Mulligans & Throw-Ins
Always popular—sell extra shots or one “hand toss” per player. Proceeds go directly to the cause.
Novelty & Entertainment Contests
One-Club Challenge Hole
Players can only use one club on a designated hole. Strategy and laughs guaranteed.
Backwards Hole
Flip the script: start from the green and play backward to the tee box.
Closest in Two Shots
Test short game skills by rewarding the best approach shot instead of the drive.
Team Accuracy Challenge
Measure every drive and score the team with the lowest combined distance from the center line.
Chip Into a Boat or Kiddie Pool
Set this up near the clubhouse or practice green—perfect for breaks between play.
Off-Course Fun
Golf Pong
Oversized beer pong using wedges and buckets. Great for happy hour or after play.
Spin the Prize Wheel
Let players win golf swag, free drinks, or sponsor giveaways at check-in.
50/50 Raffle with a Twist
Players buy tickets by chipping balls into buckets—each bucket worth a different ticket value.
Make It Sponsor-Friendly
Every one of these contests can be sponsored to boost fundraising. A local business could sponsor the Straightest Drive contest, provide branded prizes for Golf Pong, or cover the cost of novelty gear for Marshmallow Long Drive. Sponsors love unique visibility, and players love fresh, fun contests.
The key to a successful charity tournament is creating a memorable experience. By adding contests that are playful, skill-based, or just plain silly, you’ll keep players engaged while raising extra money for your cause. Whether it’s hitting marshmallows, betting against a pro, or chipping into a boat, these little extras will make your tournament stand out year after year.
🎁 Ready to reward your winners? Shop our Prize Packs, Raffle Bundles, and Tee-Gifts to make planning simple and stress-free. From first-place champions to biggest-losers, we’ve got pre-built packages that will make every player feel like a winner.