Five Traits of a Successful Fundraising Tournament Chairperson

Posted on June 2nd, 2014 | Author: | Category: Tournament Tips

By Lauren Stoll, Tournament Manager at Brookside Golf Club

When asked what the best quality a fundraising golf tournament chairperson should have, a common response is “golf experience” or “a love for the game.” Now of course golf experience is a plus, but perhaps surprisingly so, it’s not vital for a successful chairperson. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that no golf experience or knowledge is needed to plan a successful fundraising tournament. So what is? Here are five traits of a successful Fundraising Tournament Chairperson.

1.       Organization Skills

This may seem obvious, but there’s a reason I listed it first. The successful tournament chairperson maintains a calendar listing the deadlines for each stage of the planning process from printing marketing materials to organizing volunteers and sending in final payment. The chairperson keeps a copy of each document from a sample of the flyer, to the course’s scorecard and the event contract on file, and the chairperson knows exactly where each piece is. Organization is a must for this person. And when he/she gives up the position the next year, an organized binder ensures a smooth transition for the incoming chair.

2.       Ability to Delegate

Planning and executing a golf tournament is a big job, and it’s important to have help. While the chairperson doesn’t need to know a thing about golf, it’s important that a committee member or volunteer has some basic knowledge to pull from. For that matter, the chairperson doesn’t need to know a thing about marketing materials, but someone in the committee should. Delegating the right jobs to the right people within the committee will help ensure a successful event.

3.       Excellent Communication

Communication from the chairperson to the committee, as well as to the golf course is absolutely vital. A successful chairperson communicates even things that seem trivial. Your on-course tournament consultant can help by meeting with you and walking through the day-of details. Communicating your needs, wants, and end goals will lead to a tournament that is both enjoyable and accomplishes your fundraising goals.

4.       Positive Energy

Successful tournament chairs are “yes” people. At the end of the day, they know that there are going to be problems and bumps in the road, but they also know that as long as the golfers are happy overall, they’ve accomplished their goal. For that reason they lend a positive energy to their committee and to the event as a whole.

5.       A Strong Commitment

Maybe most importantly, a successful tournament chair is committed to fundraising for the cause. They are willing to put in some long hours and a few late nights in order to create a successful event, and they will do so without complaints.

When all is said and done, a successful tournament chairperson is key to being able to host a successful event. So before your school, church, or non-profit organization plans its next fundraising golf tournament, make sure that you have the right person for the job: someone who is organized, can delegate, communicates well, stays positive, and—most importantly—is committed to your cause.

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