How to organise a golf day

Step-by-step guide to hosting a golf day

1. Choose your venue 

Decide where your golf day will take place. This could be: 

• A local golf club 
• A driving range or pitch and putt course
• A private or members’ course (with permission) 

Choose a date that works well for players and gives you enough time to promote the event and secure participants. 

2. Plan your golf day format   

Decide how your golf day will run. Popular options include: 

• Texas scramble (team-based and suitable for mixed abilities)
• Stableford or stroke play
• Nearest the pin or longest drive challenges 

You can keep the day relaxed and social or make it more competitive, depending on your audience.

3. Raising donations 

Decide how you’ll raise money during the event. Common options include: 

• An entry fee per player or per team
• Hole sponsorship from local businesses
• Donations collected on the day (collection bucket or QR code linking to your fundraising page)
• Additional fundraising challenges such as nearest the pin, longest drive, or paid mulligans 

Setting a clear fundraising target can help motivate players and sponsors to give generously. 

4. Promote your event    

Spread the word to maximise participation: 

• Invite friends, family, colleagues, and local golfers
• Share details on social media or group chats
• Send email invitations or approach local businesses to enter teams or sponsor holes 

Make sure everyone knows the golf day is in aid of Kidney Research UK and that their involvement will make a real difference. 

5. Prepare on the day  

Before tee-off: 

• Prepare scorecards, player lists, and signage
• Arrange prizes, sponsor boards, and donation points
• Brief volunteers or helpers on their roles
• Plan a short welcome to thank players, explain the format, and share why you’re fundraising for Kidney Research UK. 

6. Organise food and refreshments 

Food and refreshments help create a welcoming, social atmosphere and encourage players to arrive early and stay after their round. 

Before tee-off: Many golf days offer light refreshments before play, such as: bacon rolls or breakfast baps. Tea, coffee, and cold drinks 

This is a great time for registration, handing out scorecards, and welcoming players before they head to the first tee. 

During the round: Depending on your venue and budget, you may wish to provide refreshments during play, including: snacks or drinks at a halfway point, water bottles or soft drinks, sponsored refreshments at a specific hole.

Some venues can provide this, or local businesses may be happy to sponsor food or drinks. 

After play: Food after the round is a popular way to bring everyone back together. Common options include: A BBQ, a buffet or clubhouse meal, light bites with drinks.

This is the ideal time to announce winners, thank players and sponsors, run raffles, and share how much has been raised for Kidney Research UK. 

Things to consider: Check what catering options your venue offers and what is allowed on site.

Decide whether food is included in the entry fee or charged separately.

Ask players about dietary requirements in advance.

Even simple catering can help your golf day feel special and support your fundraising success. 

7. Announce winners and say thank you 

At the end of the day: 

• Announce the winners and present prizes
• Thank players, sponsors, and volunteers
• Share the total raised (if possible) 

After the event, remember to send your donations to Kidney Research UK 

8. Extra tips to enhance your golf day

Share a short message at registration or during presentations about how funds raised support vital research. If you feel comfortable, explain why Kidney Research UK matters to you personally.

Boost fundraising on the day 

• Run a raffle or auction 
• Sell mulligans or bonus shots 
• Offer sponsored challenges at specific holes 
• Small additions can make a big difference to your total. 

Create a sense of occasion 

• Display Kidney Research UK banners or merchandise 
• Use branded scorecards or signage 
• Create a welcoming registration or clubhouse area 

Encourage ongoing support 

Remind players they can continue supporting Kidney Research UK beyond the golf day. Share how they can donate, fundraise again, or learn more about kidney health. 

Celebrate your impact 

After your golf day, take a moment to recognise what you’ve achieved. By organising this event, you’ve helped fund vital research and raised awareness of kidney disease in your community. From everyone at Kidney Research UK – thank you for making a difference.