What is a fair payout percentage for a benefit golf tournament?

26th February 2010

What is a fair payout percentage for a benefit golf tournament?

posted in Golfing Articles |

How much of $1,600 should go back into the prize fund for a tournament with 48 golfers(12 4-person teams) participating? Keep in mind this is a benefit tournament. After expenses, we have already cleared $600 in hole sponsorships, but just not sure what we should do for a fair payout from the additional $1600. Thanks for your answers!

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There is currently one response to “What is a fair payout percentage for a benefit golf tournament?”

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1 On March 1st, 2010, Rob B said:
There is no definitive right or wrong answer because of all of the variables involved. However, after co-chairing a private event 10 years ago, it was clear to me that the entire remainder should have gone into the prize fund. I lobbied for a guest speaker (a relatively well-known sports broadcasting personality in my area) and was granted my wish because it was a diversion from previous events. It wound up being a one-time idea and I wasn’t invited back.

But it really depends on what your committee wants to do. If you’ve never hosted an event, determine how many prizes you want to distribute. Then determine the cost of those prizes. Pretty quickly, you’ll have an idea of how far your dollar will go. Of course, work the pro shop at the course for whatever you can to help out. Even a 10 percent discount can help greatly.

Typical contests for an event include Longest Drive in the Fairway (on a par 5), Longest Putt (pick a large green) and Closest to the Pin (on a par 3).

You should also award for Individual Low Scratch (a/k/a lowest round before handicap) in addition to your team rewards, which should go three deep with 12 foursomes.

Incidentally, the guest speaker at my event won Longest Putt and Individual Low Scratch. He took home about $100 in prizes and we had to open the pro shop late that night because he didn’t live locally. That was a bit embarrassing and no doubt aided to my brief tenure!

posted on March 1st, 2010 at 11:35 am