By Jennifer Wemhoff, Communications Manager at GolfStatus – the leading event management platform for golf fundraisers.

As golf grows in popularity, it has become a vital fundraising tool for nonprofits of all sizes. Technology is making planning and managing charity golf tournaments easier, more efficient, and more impactful than ever before. Here are seven tech trends nonprofit golf tournament planners should watch for their 2025 events.

1) Online Registration Will Be Standard

Gone are the days of paper registration forms, manually collecting golfer information over the phone, cashing checks, and sending receipts by hand. It’s an online world, and your golf tournament is no different. Golfers and sponsors will expect easy, efficient, and secure online registration. Online registration powered by a golf event management platform saves tournament organizers a ton of time and effort with automated receipts and data management.

Online golf event registration showing payment details on a laptop.

2) Cashless Payments Will Be the Standard

Golfers increasingly prefer cashless options, minimizing hassle before, during, or after the round of golf. Offer mobile-friendly payment methods so golfers can make a donation, purchase mulligans, or buy raffle tickets directly from their phones. QR codes that link to the tournament website can be displayed on signage, at check-in, on golf carts, and on handouts, providing quick access. It’s convenient for participants and streamlines post-tournament accounting and reporting, with all payments processed through a single platform.

3) Mobile Apps Will Boost Donor Engagement

Mobile apps designed for golf fundraisers are a game-changer. Because engagement is so important to your nonprofit and to sponsors, look for a mobile app that lets you engage with the tournament’s field throughout the round. You’ll give sponsors additional exposure, touchpoints, and ROI—and participants an interactive experience. Plus, live scoring lends a professional feel to the event and expedites finalizing the tournament’s results.

4) Data Analytics Will Help Optimize Fundraising

Data is a powerful tool for nonprofit event planners. Using a golf event management software allows nonprofits to seamlessly collect and responsibly manage tournament data and track metrics like registration trends, fundraising progress, and sponsorship ROI. These data-driven insights help organizers identify what’s working, adjust strategies as needed in real-time, and plan even more successful events in the future. In 2025, nonprofits will leverage data to make decisions that maximize fundraising potential.

5) Sponsors Will Expect Digital Exposure

Golf tournament sponsors will expect more from their partnership than simply a logo on a sign—they want meaningful engagement and visibility for their brand. Thankfully, technology makes this easy to deliver. Digital platforms like social media and email campaigns provide excellent reach, but when combined with your golf tournament website and mobile scoring app, each sponsors’ impressions are multiplied.

Golf leaderboard displayed on a mobile device with sponsor/ COSTCO branding.

6) Automation Will Make Planners’ Lives Easier

In the past, tournament planners were bogged down with multiple platforms and manual processes to manage. Modern golf event management platforms are transforming how nonprofits plan and execute golf events. Automation tools provided by these tech tools handle repetitive tasks, like sending registration confirmations, reminders, and receipts and tracking payments. By automating these processes, planners can focus on cultivating relationships, selling sponsorships, and delivering a polished event experience.

7) Unique Experiences Will Keep Participants Coming Back

Golf tournament participants will expect more than just a traditional round of golf in 2025. By leaning on technology, nonprofits can incorporate live scoring, unique experiences like hole-in-one contests, and memorable on-course games that engage and retain golfers and sponsors from year to year. Nonprofits can also elevate the overall event experience with branded player swag, silent auctions, or raffles with high-end prizes—making their tournament stand out from the rest.

Final Thoughts

By embracing these tech trends, nonprofit golf tournament planners can create efficient, engaging, and successful events that resonate with participants, deliver value to sponsors, and raise more money for their mission. Technology solutions not only streamline operations but also enhance the experience for participants and sponsors alike, ensuring your fundraiser leaves a lasting impact.

About the Sponsor

GolfStatus is the leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. Your nonprofit can save time and raise more money with their simple, powerful fundraising technology that engages the right donors and sponsors, streamlines tournament management, and drives impact.